Epilogue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next week went by in a blur. Snake Jackson’s condition was touch and go, but his surgery went well. After two full days on the critical list, Trevor and Wolf were relieved to hear that the doctors believed he had taken positive turn and was expected to pull through.

Because the shootout occurred in such a remote location, so far away from the Seattle news supercenter, the FBI was able to downplay a great deal of media attention. Much of the mess was simply brushed under the carpet. One Tacoma media outlet even reported speculation that there was a shooting disturbance between two rival gangs in the Pines.

The FBI placed Emmett “Baby” Barkley on its most wanted list for his involvement with terrorists and a nationwide manhunt was currently in process. To date, the Feds had no leads on his whereabouts.

Wolf and Trevor were placed on administrative leave with pay while an investigation by the CIA and Homeland Security unfolded. Commander Hurt had been apprised of the situation. Given that Trevor’s and Wolf’s actions never placed Chris Carpenter or his actual ledger in danger of falling into enemy hands, Hurt believed that the CIA would pound its chest but in the end, would not pursue an extensive investigation. It was the CIA, after all, who had been unable to identify its own security leaks, which enabled Orfali to detect when and where they were mobilizing. If too much went public, that information would get out and embarrass the agency.

Wolf and Trevor were also subject to military investigation, but both men knew Commander Hurt had their backs. Given the unique circumstances, Hurt said he anticipated both men would be restored to active duty with the month.

The very best news for the CIA, was that the equipment confiscated from Orfali’s set up was providing clues that would undoubtedly lead to closing the security breach forever.

The FBI was in a similar boat as the CIA. They were more interested in avoiding embarrassing publicity than getting involved in a full-blown investigation that would unavoidably become public. Under their watch, a terrorist organization swooped into Washington State undetected, set up surveillance on Honor Carpenter well after their own protection had been dropped.

Paco, Alejandro, Juan, and Francisco slipped off into the night quietly before the authorities arrived. Paco led them all to his truck and they avoided the incoming authorities. Wolf and Trevor said nothing about their presence or involvement, nor did anyone bring up the fight club in any context whatsoever. The FBI put a great deal of pressure on Trevor and Wolf to give up the names of the men who helped them, but they would not relent.

Honor, Trevor, Wolf, and Caroline rented adjoining cabins just outside of Olympia. They had been ordered to not leave the area while the investigation was in process.

Trevor found and repaired the motorcycle he had “borrowed” to chase Barkley. He returned it to his rightful owner, who was more gracious about the whole thing than Trevor expected.

Wolf and Caroline decided to head to Tacoma for dinner at a restaurant they’d heard of, Katie Downs. They urged Trevor and Honor to go with them. The couple declined, saying they were going to make a quiet dinner and stream a movie at home.

Trevor and Honor made a salad and a lasagna from a recipe they copied from a website. They opened a bottle of 14 Hands Red Blend and ate quietly. After dinner, they made love before heading to the couch, naked, with a blanket to warm them as they streamed a movie.

“Do you think the nightmare is over?” she asked.

“Orfali and his men are dead,” he said. “The Syrian government has been denying all associations once again. Your dad is fine. His technology is safe from our enemies. You and he will be under FBI protection again, but this time, all the loose ends have been eliminated. Yeah, I think the nightmare is over.”

“What about you and Wolf? Your careers?” she asked.

“Commander Hurt has our six,” he replied. “I’m sure there will be some disciplinary action but it will be okay. I’d be more worried if the CIA hadn’t recovered all Orfali’s equipment. They’ll be able to use that equipment to identify the communications breach. In the end, we did a good thing. I think we’ll be okay.”

“And if it isn’t okay?” she said.

“Then I will start renovating my lodge sooner than I expected,” he said. “I’ll ask Wolf to be my partner, a full third.”

“A third?” she inquired.

“Yep,” he said. “Me and you for a third, Wolf and Caroline for a third, and…”

“Snake?” she interjected.

“We wouldn’t be here without him,” he said.

“You really are the best ever,” she said, pulling the blanket back and climbing on top of him. She kissed his neck and moved her hips until she felt him stiffen. She stroked his face and allowed her hands to roam down his neck across his pectorals.

“What about the movie?” he asked, as he entered her.

“With everything we’ve just been through, what movie storyline would hold our attention,” she replied.

“True,” he said. “Very true.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The End

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