Page 50 of A Moment Never Forgotten
“No. Until a year ago, when Matthew met Elizabeth, he had absolutely no idea.” This next part was tricky. “Matthew believes that someone right here put some kind of a memory cap on everything Mason Sinclair.”
Again, Director Hennel didn’t seem fazed. When he glanced out the window, she knew he was deciding whether to tell her more. “He wouldn’t be the first, or the last. Some things are better left forgotten.”
“Well, when Gabriel tried to kill Elizabeth, he asked Matthew several questions which of course, he couldn’t answer.” She’d gotten ahead herself and forgot to tell him that part. “Matthew’s memory only comes back in bits and pieces. Flashes, he says. So whatever Gabriel wanted from him, he was unable to give it.”
“Bottom line is that Saint Clare’s memory when he was Mason Sinclair isn’t complete.” Once again her former boss summed everything up succinctly.
“Correct.” The mention of Gabriel trying to kill Elizabeth brought Berit back to her purpose for coming to his office. “I think Matthew needs to know there’s a contract out on Elizabeth. He might need to increase all of his security measures.”
Director Hennel walked over to his desk and pressed the intercom button. “Would you ask Senior Special Agent Matthew Saint Clare to come to my office immediately?”
When Matthew walked into the office, his eyes immediately went to Berit. “I guess I now know who ordered you to spy on me.”
“He wasn’t the only one,” she confessed.
“Did you tell him?” He glared at her.
“Yes.” She then hurried to continue. “You should thank him for your life. He’s the one who called in the SEAL team that rescued you.”
“My memory of that time is very vague, bits and pieces really, but I don’t remember you at all, sir.” Matthew squinted as though in deep concentration. “You were on the mission with us?”
“No,” Hennel confirmed. “I was there watching Gabriel orchestrate the operation. No one saw me. I used to be in SOG, ran that group for a while. That night I watched Gabriel walk out the back door of the munitions hut about two minutes before I saw someone belly crawl away, seconds before the explosion.”
Matthew’s hands fisted. “Were you the one who did this to me? Made me into Matthew Sinclair?”
“No. And I’m not sure who did. Or more importantly, why.” Hennel then gestured toward the empty chair. “You might need to sit down. We have something important to tell you.”
Once seated, Matthew tossed his hands into the air. “Well?”
At Hennel’s nod, Berit began. “There’s a contract out for Elizabeth. My boss, Director Joseph Lambert, just ordered me to kill your wife.” She quickly added, “I refused. But whoever gave the initial order isn’t going to stop.”
“Matthew, I think it would be best if you went home and protected Elizabeth, at least until we can figure out who is behind this.” Hennel continued, “I want you to know, I never thought you were a traitor. If I had, I would’ve shot you right after I put a bullet through Gabriel’s heart. I had you in my crosshairs.”
“That was you?” Matthew’s shock matched her own.
“Yeah. We’d been monitoring Gabriel’s phone and computer off and on since he took the job as director of SAD. We knew someone within the organization was talking with Nassar al-Jamil on a regular basis. Since he’d been embedded with them back in college, Gabriel was the most likely suspect. After his death, we discovered he wasn’t the only one.”
He looked directly at Berit. “Nassar al-Jamil has a good reason to want Elizabeth dead. She is the primary translator for all of his calls.”
Berit sat up straighter. “Oh my God. I hadn’t gotten a chance to tell you. In Elizabeth’s personnel file, Joseph Lambert is listed as her supervisor and he receives all of her translations. There is a young guy who has also been translating everything associated with Nassar al-Jamil. His transcripts go directly to the clandestine analysis department. I have no idea whether Joseph Lambert is forwarding those to the correct analyst.”
Hennel looked at Matthew. “Have Elizabeth send me all of her transcripts for the past two months.” He shifted his gaze to Berit. “I believe your boss is involved with Nassar al-Jamil. And there are probably others in this building.”
“Sir, is there anything you need from me?” Matthew stood. “I need to get home to my wife.”
“Assign some of your best men to her protection,” Hennel ordered. “Stay there. Don’t leave under any circumstances. Good luck, Matthew.” He stood and shook Matthew’s hand.
“Any ideas on how we can catch your boss red-handed?” Hennel asked as he sat back down.
Chapter Seventeen
Joseph Lambert watched the video feed of the hall in front of his suite of offices. Berit Barker practically marched to Noah Hennel’s door and walked in as though she were expected. He’d never been able to get live feed into that office like he had for several of his counterparts, as well as the director’s. He had more than his finger on the pulse of the agency, he had dirt on almost everyone in its upper echelon. Insurance that he probably would never need now that he was so close to leaving. But when he returned as the leader of the New Islamic State in America, he might be able to use that information to get whatever he wanted.
He picked up the phone and called his college roommate, Dwayne Johnson, who he’d made the head of the CIA’s cybersecurity department. His old friend was faithful to his uncle, and anxious to leave as well.
“Send a message out to our followers. Elizabeth Saint Clare needs to die, preferably before Christmas. Standard rate is offered. Let’s put at least five men on this. If one fails, we already have another in place.”
“Consider it done.” Keys clicking in the background continued without hesitation. “Any other instructions before we leave?”
