Page 70 of Fanatic

“Nope. I didn’t have the angle you did, but murder… no.”

“And that’s why you’ll remain my SAC. Let’s finish this.”

Jimenez followed me up to the floor where Markin’s office was.

Richards was already in a meeting room with Jenna, Markin, Ray Hubbard from HR, and another agent I didn’t recognise.

“Come in,” Markin demanded, looking angry.

“Planned to,” I replied and took a seat. “I know everyone apart from you.” I pointed at the stranger.

“I’m from the OPR, and I was made aware there was a complaint. SSA Richards informed me that due process might not be followed,” the guy said, and Richards choked as Markin shifted and gazed at him.

Oh fuck, messing with an AD is not a good idea!

“My name’s Clive Ventor. I’m here to determine if there is a case to investigate and what steps are required,” Ventor concluded.

“Nice, this is my first day back at work, and I’ve been dragged into a potential disciplinary meeting. Clearly everyone else has had time to prepare apart from myself. So, I’d like to lodge a complaint of harassment and bullying against SSA Richards,” I said.

Ray sat up. “This is an informal gathering, ASAC Ware.”

“Sorry, but that’s bullshit. We’ve a notetaker, Jenna. HR, yourself. OPR, Ventor, and the assistant director present. The fuck this is an informal anything. I’ve been blindsided and I’m appalled at the behaviour here today. And we’ve not even started, and my rights have been ignored. It’s a good job I brought Jiminez as a witness because nobody has offered me representation.”

“Murderers don’t get considerations,” Richards bitched.

“And now there’s slander. Jenna, I’m hope you’ve got everything down. But if you haven’t, I’m recording this as well as you,” I said, eyeing Ventor.

“Fair enough, ASAC Ware.”

“What’s the problem?” I demanded.

“You invaded my hostage scene and ruthlessly killed two men,” Richards erupted.

“No, the issue is, you wanted my job and didn’t get it. Richards, I’m fully aware of your comments concerning my competence, which is another complaint I will be lodging,” I said calmly.

“ASAC Ware, you shot and murdered those two suspects. I’ll have your badge for this,” Richards hissed.

Serenely, I held Richards’ gaze for a few moments. “And if I can demonstrate I fired to protect innocent life, then what?”

“I’ll resign,” Richards sneered. “But that won’t happen.”

“SSA Richards, you’re saying, if I prove your incompetence, then you’ll quit? You’re certain of that?”

“Give me a bible, I’ll swear on it,” Richards hissed confidently.

“This isn’t appropriate,” Ray interrupted.

“Maybe not. But when I’ve proved my innocence of these claims, and I’ve levelled my list of complaints, it will save you the rigmarole of disciplining and firing the fool.”

“This meeting needs and should be made official,” Ray insisted.

“That what you want?” Markin spoke to Richards, who’d puffed up on self-importance.

“Ware’s a murderer, and I’ll prove it. I’ve got nothing to lose, but you’re about to lose an ASAC,” Richards hissed.

Pissing off the assistant director was a mistake.

“Let’s continue then. State your case and present the evidence, Richards,” Markin demanded, his eyes narrowed.

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