Page 23 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

“Who is this?” FBI Director, Ben Whitmore, asked with his brow drawn into a dark frown. “This is an FBI matter, Agent Lewis.”

“This is Kaden Frazer, sir. My bodyguard.”

“After the attempt on Agent Lewis’ life, her uncle was adamant that she be protected around the clock,” Deputy Director David Palmer interjected.

“And her uncle is?”

“I thought you knew,” Palmer said, looking confused. “Deputy Director of the CIA, Slade Lewis.”

“Ah, yes. It slipped my mind momentarily.” Whitmore stared at Kaden. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist you wait outside, Mr. Lewis.”

A knock on the door interrupted the response that sat on Kaden’s tongue.

“You’re late,” Whitmore snapped as Congressman Clinton Beats and the Attorney General, Jessica Hewitt, arrived.

Kaden didn’t miss the gasp Sage bit back at the sudden arrival of the two guests. He recalled Slade mentioning that one of the people Sage had uncovered in the case was a congressman. Her reaction to Beats was telling. He had never liked the man but had allowed him membership in Club Rogue. As a military strategist, Kaden believed in keeping his enemies close. Something about Beats had warned him it would be beneficial in the long run not to make an enemy of the man. Now, the time had come to realize the wisdom of his decision.

“Kaden, I didn’t expect to see you here,” Beats said, looking uncomfortable for the first time as he glanced at Sage and with a gasp, recognized her from the night at Club Rouge.

“Mr. Lewis was just about to leave. This is a confidential matter involving national security,” Whitmore said with a warning look at Kaden.

“I’m afraid I can’t comply, Director Whitmore,” Kaden responded in a crisp voice. “I have a responsibility to Miss Lewis that I take very seriously.”

“I prefer Mr. Frazer to stay,” Slade interjected from the doorway as he walked inside.

“What are you doing here, D.D. Lewis?” Whitmore looked shaken, clearly not liking the development.

“My niece is my ward, and therefore my legal responsibility. Mr. Frazer is her personal bodyguard and knows the entire story of why she requires protection. Did you honestly think I would allow you to steamroll her with no support from her family or legal aid?” Slade opened the door. “Please, come in. Gentlemen, this is Zee DuBois, Sage’s attorney.”

“This is merely a discussion in regard to the unauthorized case she is investigating. A case that threatens the welfare of many politicians and banking tycoons. This is also a case that was closed a year ago. It’s a complete waste of Agency time and resources,” Whitmore said with barely controlled anger.

“Then let’s discuss the matter, Deputy Whitmore,” Zee said as she sat down and switched on the recorder on her phone. “You won’t mind if I record this, do you?”

“Tell me, Deputy, has my niece divulged any of the information she has uncovered during her investigation?” Slade sat down beside Kaden.

“No, but the mere fact that she is digging into a cold case has become known.”

“Is it uncommon for agents in the Criminal Investigation Division to investigate cold cases and pursue leads they receive without being formally appointed to a specific case?” Zee asked.

“No, it’s part of their job to do just that but as soon as they verify the authenticity of information received, they are bound by Agency protocol to disclose the case to their superior. Which, Agent Lewis hasn’t done.”

“I didn’t say anything because I am still investigating certain claims. Until I have crossed all the t’s and dotted all the i’s, disclosing it would be a waste of everyone’s time,” Sage replied in her defense.

“Except, you’ve woken up sleeping dogs, Agent Lewis. Or was the attempt on your life my imagination?” Whitmore’s voice cracked coldly.

“Since you claim this specific investigation is a waste of the Bureau’s resources, why are you so sure the attempt on my niece’s life is linked to this case? I mean, you clearly stated there is nothing to investigate further, except for the fact that it’s making certain politicians uncomfortable.” Slade was clearly not intimidated by the combined power of the men and the woman sitting at the table.

“It’s the only case she’s working on,” Whitmore was quick to defend.

“But not the only one where she played an integral role in putting corrupt politicians and law enforcement officers behind bars. It could be any one of them out for revenge.” Kaden watched Whitmore and Beats intently. The way they kept glancing at each other was damning. Whether the Deputy Director and the Attorney General were also involved in the corruption was yet to be seen, but Beats’ presence proved that Sage was onto something. Perhaps he had a hold over the other two and needed them to intervene to protect him from discovery. Who knew, but the way he glared at Sage filled Kaden’s heart with fear. It was a look of such violence, there was no doubt if no one else was present, Sage’s life would be in imminent danger.

Now, more than ever, he would keep her under his protection.

“Be that as it may, you are hereby ordered to cease all further investigation into the financial banking forum corruption and hedge fund case. That case was closed a year ago. The country has moved on. We have recovered from the recession caused by the 2008 crash. Five years ago, a minor attempt by a group of bankers and businessmen was cut off before any damage was done. Last year was nothing more than a resurgence of minor players. Do you really want to catapult the country into a state of angst by pure speculation and the desire to make a name for yourself?” Whitmore’s fist landed on the desk. He took a deep breath in a visual attempt to calm down. “You are to take two weeks' mental leave, Agent Lewis, during which time I suggest you think about your career choices. If you insist on pursuing this matter, I’m afraid you will not be welcomed back at the Bureau.”

“These two weeks of mental leave will of course be paid?” Zee interjected.

“Definitely,” Whitmore snapped. “Should Agent Lewis decide not to return to the Bureau, she will receive a three-month severance package as a show of good faith.”

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