November #2
“Dyer has long been a CIA asset in Latin America,” Shepherd said. “He’d tracked Bella Sanguino to Cancun and was just catching a ride with the DEA. As he boarded that flight, he finally checked in with his daughter and Moreno, and they notified him they had Bella with them through text messages.”
“Will there be any consequences that Dyer will have to face?” Yvette asked.
“Unlikely,” Shepherd said. “He’s been very effective in his role in Latin America. I’m sure the CIA will slap him on the wrists for his actions, but I wouldn’t count on anything more than that.”
“Obviously, Ruiz lied that he was dead. Are we sure the integrity of the intel he provided is as high as eighty percent?” Yvette asked. “I’m doubtful.”
“The Digital Team will continue to validate and run down the intel we obtained from him,” Shepherd said.
“Team, it goes without saying that this wasn’t the end we were expecting to this mission, but I count it as successful, nonetheless.
We shut his network down, got names of people involved in his network, and saved Bella Sanguino.
We have the name of the man in Dubai that she and the other girls were to be sold to.
He’s now on the Red List and will be barred from entering many countries if he isn’t arrested right away. His days of freedom are numbered.”
“If there were no demand, there’d be no supply,” Madison said.
“Just like with drugs. Another network will form in the void to fill the demand, but hopefully we’ve disrupted it for a fair amount of time.
Shepherd’s right. Taking Ruiz out made this mission a success.
And saving even one child made this mission worth it. ”
“What have you heard from Interpol?” Mac asked Shepherd.
“Interpol has remained silent,” Shepherd said.
“That’s uncharacteristic,” Mac said.
Shepherd nodded. “They’re still following up on the in-house scandal of having one of their own involved with Ruiz. They asked for a few days before any of the other world’s police agencies hit them with any questions regarding the matter.”
“I’m sure they’re looking to see if they have any other bad actors in their ranks,” Mac said. “It may be long overdue for a housecleaning.”
“Time will tell,” Shepherd said.
Mac glanced around the table, unsure if he should ask his next question with everyone present or in private. Shepherd acknowledged him with a nod. “Has your agency experienced any blowback from engaging in this case?”
“No, we have not. I asked no one for permission, so I did not proceed without authorization, not that I needed it, but no one specifically told me to stand down.”
Cooper chuckled. “No one knew we were working on it.”
The corners of Shepherd’s lips tipped up, just slightly.
“True.” Then his expression grew serious, and his gaze focused on Mac.
“You, on the other hand, were told to stand down. I cannot tell you what ramifications may come your way for proceeding without authorization, but I don’t need to tell you that, I’m sure. ”
“No,” Mac agreed. “And this mission was a success. We got more out of Ruiz than I hoped to, and Madison is right; even one child saved makes it worth it, even if that means I am permanently burned with Interpol.”
Shepherd nodded. “I’m sure most of you are aware that the next DVR Mission has been fast-tracked.
Woods, Roth, Lambchop, and Mother will leave immediately to drive to Saint Louis.
Saxton will be assigned to the Digital Team to provide assistance with the case, and Alpha Team, you’re all assigned to the office until next week.
Yvette, touch bases with Ops for your shift assignments.
And if there’s nothing else, we’ll let the DVR Team get on the road,” Shepherd said, ending the meeting.
Everyone came to their feet. They all moved towards the door.
“Mac, stay,” Shepherd said. Yvette was near the door. “Close it on your way out, please.”
Yvette closed it behind herself but remained in the hallway just outside his office. She wasn’t sure what more there was for Shepherd to say to Mac unless he did know something more of Mac’s fate with Interpol.
“My suggestion to you is to let the dust settle for a few days before getting in touch with your Interpol contact,” Shepherd said. “I think a little time could work in your favor.”
Mac took a second and processed his words. He nodded. “Thank you, I just may do that. And thank you again for assisting with this case. It didn’t negatively impact you, but it could have.”
“It was the right thing to do. And Mac, if you ever need my assistance again, don’t hesitate to come to me directly. You have my email address and private phone line.”
Mac grinned. “Hopefully, that need won’t arise. But thank you, Shep.”
“Yvette has a few days off,” Shepherd said as he took a step towards Mac. He extended his right hand. “Best of luck.”
“Thank you,” Mac said, shaking his hand.
Then Shepherd walked behind his stand-up desk. “Don’t let her get too bored.”
Mac chuckled. “I won’t.” He stepped to the door and let himself out, surprised to find Yvette waiting for him there. He closed Shepherd’s door.
“What was that about?” Yvette asked.
“He thinks I should wait a few days to let the dust settle before I contact Interpol, thinks it would help me. I’ll of course follow his suggestion.”
Yvette grinned. “So, you’ll have nothing to do for a few days?”
“And evidently, neither will you. He told me you’re off for a few days too.”
“I am?” she asked. “Hum, I haven’t checked in with Ops yet, I guess I better do that.”
Mac smiled. “I can think of a few ways to fill the time.”
She returned his smile and nodded.
***
Three days later, Yvette pulled her car up to the curb, grabbing a newly vacated spot.
She put the car in park, wanting to extend the time with him.
They’d had a wonderful three days together.
They went out to dinner one night but spent most of the time at her place enjoying it as a peaceful retreat from a busy and dangerous world.
They’d talked a lot about many subjects but steered clear of discussing their relationship and their future or lack of one, or any change to what had been the status quo for two decades.
“Christmas then,” Mac said.
“Yes. I’ll meet you back at the resort. I should know by the first week in December when I’ll be off.”
“I’ll have my personal phone switched back on that first week, waiting for you to notify me.”
She nodded. She had so much she wanted to tell him.
“Good luck with Interpol. I hope it works out as you want it to.” That was all she could say as she really wasn’t sure how he wanted it to work out.
She got the sense from him that he felt as though he was done there, disgusted and disillusioned by how it had played out with Ruiz.
Mac leaned over and pulled her into an embrace, memorizing the sensation of her chest pulled against his. “Thanks, Red. Me too.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and then he ran his fingers through her hair. “For the record, I like the longer hair on you.”
She chuckled. “Thanks. I’m still not sure it’s staying.” She pulled away just far enough to gaze into his eyes. “Be careful, Mac. You know where I am if you need anything.”
He kissed her lips, his tongue slowly exploring the inside of her mouth.
It was unhurried and loving. A honk from behind them broke the moment, and he pulled back.
“Thank you for the ride. Take care of yourself.” He paused for a moment, wanting to say so much more.
He didn’t want to walk away from her. He’d gotten used to waking up with her beside him.
And he loved not only working with her in Cancun but spending every minute of the last three days with her.
But they had a long-standing agreement, and she didn’t say anything that would indicate she wanted to change it. Had she wanted him to stay, surely she would have said something.
“See you in a few months. I love you, Red.” He opened the car door and picked up his backpack from the floorboards, between his feet.
“I love you too, Mac. Always have, always will.” She watched him get out of the car, and she watched his back until he disappeared into the airport terminal. Then, feeling empty and already missing him, she shifted to drive and pulled away from the curb.
Mac kept his eyes forward, unable to look back at Yvette. Had he, he surely would have turned around and returned to her.