Page 27 of Code Name: Tank
Doc cleared his throat, and everyone took a seat. “Sorry for the rush, but we don’t have much time. We’ve been contacted by a federal handler about an ex-CIA operative in federal witness protection who claims to have information about these defense-fund thefts. This person worked similar cases before.”
“His handler thinks he might be able to help us,” Merrigan added. “And by that, I mean he needs to be relocated here to Kane Mountain.”
“What are the security requirements?” Admiral asked.
“The security levels on your compound exceed most federal facilities, and the remote location provides a natural isolation from potential threats. Nothing additional would be required.”
Admiral glanced over at me.
“I’m concerned about bringing in someone we don’t know,” I said. “What kind of vetting has been done on this operative?”
“Our DOJ contact vouches for him,” Doc replied. “But I understand your caution.”
“We need help with this case. If someone has information that could help us move faster, we can’t afford to pass up that opportunity,” I said, though my reservations remained.
When Admiral agreed, Merrigan excused herself. Less than an hour later, a black SUV approached the compound’s main gate.
When they reached the boathouse, a tall man emerged from the vehicle. Even from this distance, I could see him scanning the area with the same awareness most with his type of training possessed—myself included.
“Agent Pierce, welcome to K19 Sentinel Cyber,” Merrigan said when he was escorted inside. The two shook hands, then she introduced him to Doc and Admiral.
“Thank you for accommodating me on such short notice. I understand the urgency of the circumstances,” Pierce said, adding that most people called him Flint.
Admiral motioned to me. “Welcome. I’d like you to meet Patton Abrams, better known as Tank. He and Piper Drago—code name Dragon—are the co-leads on the investigation. You’ll be working directly with them.”
At the mention of Dragon’s name, I saw something flicker across his face. It wasn’t much—a momentary tightening around his eyes—but I stored it away anyway.
“Dragon is currently in a consultation at CIA headquarters, along with Alice Kane, my wife and co-leader of K19 Sentinel Cyber. They should return this afternoon, and we’ll conduct a briefing then,” Admiral said. “In the meantime, you and Tank can get acquainted, then we’ll show you to your accommodations.”
He thanked him, then turned to me. “No time to waste, is there?”
“You got that right. Come with me, and I’ll bring you up to speed.”
Atticus joined us as we reviewed the case details. I kept the overview general, focusing on the organized nature of the thefts from Titan Defense and Apex Aerospace and the large amounts of money we’d uncovered. He absorbed what I told him, but his questions felt too specific, like he already knew more than he was letting on.
When I mentioned the possibility of inside help, he leaned forward with genuine interest. “That confirms what I suspected. They’re organized about recruiting people with access to contractor funds—employees, officials, anyone with the right access.”
His knowledge seemed extensive, but his tone felt off.
“These groups operate with more sophistication than your typical financial criminals,” he continued, his eyes growing cold. “They don’t just steal funds—they attack people. Break them down until cooperation seems like the only option.”
The way he said it made my skin crawl. His voice sounded predatory.
“What kind of people?” I asked.
His eyes scrunched. “Anyone with something to lose. Family, career, reputation. Everyone has pressure points if you know where to look.”
Atticus and I exchanged worried looks. That didn’t sound like standard intel gathering—it sounded like threats.
“And you learned this how?” Atticus asked.
“Experience.” His gaze moved between us. “Sometimes, you have to use the same tactics to understand your enemy. Get inside their heads. Become them, in a way.”
The room felt colder. I’d worked with plenty of operatives, but none who talked about psychological manipulation with such obvious relish.
We took a break so he could get settled in his temporary quarters. Admiral had assigned him to Hemlock Grove. After he left, Atticus met me near the windows.
“Tank,” he said quietly, checking around to ensure we weren’t being overheard. “That guy gives me the creeps.”
