Young buried his head in his hands as he wondered if there was any way he could possibly spin this into a positive moment for his campaign. And as far as he could see, there wasn’t.
CHAPTER 14
Washington, D.C.
BLUNT SHIFTED IN HIS SEAT as he watched Justin Frazier settle into a chair across the table. After serving on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Blunt had spent plenty of time with Frazier poring over reports and discussing policy. They’d also accumulated hours together on Blunt’s fishing boat, reeling in large mouth bass and drinking their fair share of beer. With so many memories of good times, Blunt struggled with the fact that Frazier obviously had a hand in Blunt’s arrest.
“I wish I could say it was nice to see you, Frazier,” Blunt said. “But given the circumstances, I think you’d know I was lying.”
“Do you want a lawyer present before we talk?” Frazier asked.
“Do I need one?”
“Depends on how you want to play this?”
Blunt shook his head, still in disbelief. “Does that mean I have a choice?”
Frazier leaned forward, clasping his hands together and resting them on the table.
“Even when we’re presented with only one option, there’s always a choice. You can decide to go along or resist. It’s really up to you. But whatever you choose, there will always be consequences, some good and some bad.”
“Cut the bureaucratic crap,” Blunt said, punctuating his statement with a grunt. “I know you’re the reason I’m sitting here right now.”
“And you’re the reason I’m the head of the NSA, at least partially the reason. Without you, I don’t know if I’d ever have found my way up the ladder in the intelligence community.”
“Then how about do your old friend here a solid and get me out of here,” Blunt said. “And when you’re done with that, go on record with the press to clear my name. It’s hard enough fighting all the baseless reporting these days, so an outright statement of my innocence would be most appreciated.”
“Unfortunately, that’s not how is going to work.”
“What’s your problem, Frazier? What have I done to piss you off so royally that you’d do this to me?”
“I know this is unsettling for you, but you need to sit back and relax. There are some things at play right now, things bigger than you ever imagined. You just so happened to be the pawn we needed to make the right move.”
“So that’s what I am to you now? A pawn?”
“Are you listening to me? This isn’t really about you.”
“It certainly feels that way when you have me handcuffed and perp walked up the front steps of the FBI. Now, why don’t you fill me in on this grand plan?”
“I’ve been instructed not to.”
“By whom?”
“I can’t say.”
“Can’t or won’t? Which is it?”
“Look, I’m trying to let you know in no uncertain terms that there are some things going on right now that require us to keep you here.”
“So am I under arrest or not?”
“For all intents and purposes, you are.”
“So this is all for show?”
Frazier nodded. “That’s one way of putting it.”
“Then you’re eventually going to drop the charges, right? Because we both know this is some bullshit.”
“I know it might be hard for you to believe right now, J.D., but I am on your side. However, you know what you were doing wasn’t exactly legal.”
“Let’s not get hung up on technicalities here. You run the NSA and should know a thing or two about the blurred lines when it comes to capturing a criminal.”
“And if such a situation arises when we need to do something a little above and beyond, we figure out a legal loophole.”
“Give me time with my lawyer, and I’ll find one, too.”
Frazier shook his head. “But that’s the thing—we need you here, under arrest by the FBI for what you did. It’s the only way.”
“The only way for what?”
“J.D., we both want the same thing, that much I know. And I wish I could tell you more, but I’m just not at liberty to do so.”
“I’ve got as much clearance as you do, if not more, by direct permission of the President of the United States.”
“This has nothing to do with the president,” Frazier said. “You’re just going to have to trust me on this one. Know we have the nation’s best interest at heart.”
“What about my best interest?”
“When have you ever been one to elevate your personal interests over the interest of the country?”
“I don’t usually, but right now I’ve got a lot going on and need to be helping. One of my agents is in the Middle East at this very moment on a dangerous op to find out where Al Hasib intends to use the state of the art sea mine weapon they stole from Colton Industries.”
“Which agent? Brady Hawk?”
Blunt nodded. “If he doesn’t find out where Al Hasib intends to use that weapon, there will be some serious consequences.”
“I’m sure Brady Hawk will be able to take care of himself,” Frazier said. “From what I understand, he’s got a damn good track record.”
“But he might need my help.”
“Might. But we definitely need to keep you here if this plan is going to succeed.”
“I’m begging you, Frazier, don’t keep me in the dark on this.”
“I wish I could tell you more, but this is a tight internal operation right now, and you being here is vital for its success. But don’t worry—it should be over very soon.”
Frazier stood and exited the room without glancing back at Blunt.
Blunt was left to seethe over his treatment and figure out a way to find out what was really going on. Whatever it was, if Frazier was so tight lipped about the operation, Blunt concluded it couldn’t be good.
CHAPTER 15
Washington, D.C.
ALEX WATCHED THE LIGHT flicker off the metallic ducts as
