They’d been tracking Allan Edwards since his daring escape from the
Federal prison at Leavenworth, Kansas. Everyone had been on alert
from local police departments to the Secret Service. His résumé
included expertise in explosives, weaponry of all types and
tailoring any situation to his advantage. Trained by the U. S.
Army, he sold his specialties to the highest bidder — no matter
whom — until an Army investigator caught up with him plying his
sideline on government time.
"I will be out again," Edwards informed the agent, "and I’ll find
you."
"I’ll be waiting."
"No, you’ll be dead," Edwards warned, glaring at him as three huge
guards led him from the courtroom.
Jason Rivers remembered the warning. For ten years, he dreaded the
day Edwards would carry out his threat. After the Edwards case
made his career, he’d worked his way into a special position in the
United States Secret Service as a closer - one they called when all
else failed.
Holstering his Sig .45 safely under his left arm, he checked the
second weapon he kept in his boot, a little more at ease.
His cell phone vibrated, Jason answering it.
"Are you all right?" a quiet voice asked.
"So far, sir," he told Director Nolan.
"I want you in protective until..."
"No way. I’ve never..."
"But this is different."
"If he’s after me, then it’ll flush him quicker."
"True, but..."
"No, sir, with all due respect..."
"All right, but I want some kind of surveillance."
Jason thought for a moment, knowing Nolan had already made the
assignments, grateful for the man’s friendship. Jason had no
friends, a solitary man with a life he couldn’t share.
"All right, but I don’t want to know. He’ll be able to tell..."
"Fine."
"Thanks."
"Be careful."
The call ended, a chill running up Jason’s spine. He left his
Washington office, taking his nightly walk on the Mall. The
reflecting pools calmed him, Jason hoping for the same now. He
stopped for a moment, then froze.
"It’d be a shame to ruin its beauty with your dead body."
"It could be yours."
"Good, I wanted a worthy opponent."
"Don’t flatter yourself, Edwards."
"Still the cocky investigator — I thought you’d risen above that."
"Maybe, maybe not."
"I have a gun against your back. Since this is a private meeting,
start walking."
"I’m being watched."
"Good one, but beneath you, Jason."
Relieved, Jason realized Edwards had yet to spot the agents nearby,
some of Nolan’s best. The insistence of the gun caused him to turn
to face Edwards.
"You want to kill me then do it. Don’t bore me to death."
"Gutzy — now move."
"Ten years made me angry. I’m already half-dead. Do it."
"Not here — over there," Edwards said, pointing to the Lincoln
Memorial.
"I’m impressed. I didn’t realize you knew me so well."
"Irony, my friend. Deep Southern heritage, Lincoln’s feet..."
They walked toward the monument, Jason’s mind racing. If Nolan
left a directive, now would be the time to implement it.
