Page 67 of Code Name: Tank
“That’s concerning,” Dragon said.
“Maybe there’s a family emergency?” Alice suggested, though she didn’t sound convinced.
“Let me make some discreet inquiries,” I offered. “Different contacts, different perspectives.”
I stepped into the hallway and made three quick calls to former colleagues at various agencies.
“Learn anything?” Dragon asked when I returned.
“What Hartwell’s doing isn’t just atypical; he’d get called on the carpet for it, even at the cabinet level,” I said.
“Argh. We need to talk to someone.” Dragon rubbed her temples. “But who?”
“I have an idea,” Alice said. “What about McTiernan?”
Dragon gasped. “That’s perfect! He knows governmental procedures inside and out. Annoyingly so.”
“Plus, he’d have no reason to complicate things if the procedures are standard,” I added.
“And we can ask him about Brenna’s sudden leave,” she continued.
Alice nodded. “I’ll set it up.”
The command center hummed with quiet tension as we assembled. Admiral sat near the front, Alice to his right, with her laptop ready for the video connection. Atticus took his usual spot nearby, while Dragon settled beside me.
“Everybody ready?” Admiral asked. Without waiting for a response, Alice’s screen came to life, showing CIA Director McTiernan.
“Good morning, everyone,” Money said. “Alice said you have some procedural questions?”
“Morning, sir,” Admiral replied. “Are you aware that Brenna Austen, our DOJ contact, is suddenly on administrative leave?”
McTiernan’s brow furrowed. “Brenna? No, I wasn’t aware. When did that start?”
“Three days ago,” Dragon answered. “The timing seemed unusual.”
“You’re right to be concerned,” McTiernan said. “Let me look into that. What else can I help clarify?”
“We need to ask about Cory Pierce,” Admiral said. “Treasury Secretary Hartwell says he’s in federal custody and our investigation is closed. We’re trying to piece this all together.”
“Cory Pierce?” McTiernan’s expression grew thoughtful. “What’s the situation?”
“Hartwell says Treasury has him in custody.”
“Interesting.” McTiernan looked at something off screen. “Treasury doesn’t handle federal-level custody of any kind. That’s DOJ jurisdiction.” He looked directly at the camera. “I need to make some calls.”
“Thanks, sir,” Admiral said.
“I’ll be back in touch soon,” McTiernan replied before abruptly disconnecting.
After the screen went dark, the team sat in silence. “So, uh, I don’t even know what to say.”
“Let’s start with good night. We’ll take this up again in the morning,” said Admiral. “Ready, sweetheart?” he said to Alice, who shook her head.
“Tex and I have a couple of ideas. I’ll be up soon.”
Admiral stepped forward so Tex could see him. “She’ll get back to you in fifteen. If she insists on working, it’s going to be from the main residence, not alone in the boathouse.”
As we walked out, I felt Dragon’s eyes on me.
