Chapter 46
Early Friday morning, the SAC held a meeting in the main conference room. All of Jane’s squad, SSA Grimshaw, and Matthew’s family sat in the front.
The room was packed. A framed picture of Matthew Scott sat draped with black bunting at the front right next to the podium where the SAC stood.
The honor guard stood behind them while the director made a heartfelt speech about the unerring responsibility and honor that Matthew Scott had dedicated to the Agency.
Jon Haversham got up to speak, and his points turned personal with a few funny anecdotes about Matthew being stubborn but always right when correcting Haversham on the rules, of which he was known to be a stickler.
Though the entire program carried a definite pall, as expected, it also helped elevate the gravity of his passing, that a fine man like Matthew Scott had died in service to his country. No, it didn’t make it any easier. But the honor and respect for his memory made Jane feel better, in a way.
Everyone wore a black armband, a symbol of mourning for a man who would be deeply missed. The flag outside flew at half-mast in tribute to their fallen agent.
Though his name would be added to the FBI Wall of Honor in Washington D.C., Matthew’s framed bio and photograph would also be displayed in their field office in Seattle, so everyone would remember.
The service made a lasting impression, and everyone filtered out at the end, Jane’s squad a tight group as they returned to their office.
Once inside, SSA Grimshaw showed them to a table where the squad’s picture, including Matthew, dominated the area. “I was told you all took this picture a few months ago.”
Jenn grinned. “Yeah. He insisted we take a picture for posterity.”
Greg added, “And to prove we didn’t actually hate him. He was such a micromanager up until we found our rogue agent.”
Jane huffed. “A total pain in the butt.”
Everyone laughed. Sandy told everyone how Matthew had a habit of bringing her coffee to make up for asking her to come in early to get him up to speed on a few programs he’d needed extra help to figure out.
“He always rewarded you and went the extra mile to let you know he appreciated you. It about killed him to be so tough during that time he thought one of us might be…”
“A criminal?” Jenn added. “I forgave ASAC Scott a while ago. Plus, he had a habit of springing for pizza.”
Jane wore a secret cloak of aloofness, smiling on the outside while inside her thoughts remained in chaos. She knew it was healthy, even productive, not to forget their fallen but to emphasize how treasured he’d been. Always part of the team.
That’s what her uncle pretended not to understand about Jane’s job. He considered Team Ten family. That life or death made the ties between his guys impenetrable.
But Jane considered her squad a kind of family, too.
Her bond with Jenn had naturally deepened because they were close in age and had worked together for months. That, combined with their brush with death, had strengthened their closeness.
But Jane also knew more about Josh, Ian, and Greg. About Sandy and Jim. She’d once considered such relationships unproductive. But not now.
Natalie Grimshaw stood back and laughed with Josh. Grimshaw was trying, doing her best to be supportive while still focusing on the mission. Despite the importance of their job, Jane’s boss understood the equal importance of her agents’ mental health.
She’d encouraged everyone to process their reactions to what had happened by talking to a professional, and not to feel uncomfortable about taking the time to do it. Not that Jane would, but she appreciated her boss making sure the squad felt valued.
Jane checked the time. She had another three hours before the Scotts’ funeral for their son at Lake View Cemetery on Capitol Hill, where the Scotts had a private family plot.
She wasn’t looking forward to it and had bolstered her internal defenses against crying and appearing weak in front of others.
An antiquated view, she knew. Crying was both beneficial and therapeutic. But tears didn’t wear well with a suit and a gun when in pursuit of truth and justice.
“You going to the funeral?” Jenn asked, eating a slice of Pagliacci’s Italiano pizza—Matthew’s favorite—bought in his honor for the squad by Grimshaw.
“Yeah. I don’t want to, but I was asked to.”
In a lower voice, Jenn asked, “By the Scotts?”
“And Haversham. He wants me there too.” She pretended it didn’t bother her as much as it did. “Honestly, I’d have gone anyway. But I’d planned to stand at the back. I have a feeling they’re going to make me sit up front or something.”
“Oy.”
“Yeah. So I’ll have to fight crying while still being sad. I’m not sure what face to wear.”
“Tough having to be tough.”
“No kidding.”
“Any luck on the home invasion case?” Jenn asked. “I know you’ve been stuck for a while. I’m happy to listen if you wanted to bounce some ideas.”
“I’m going to talk to Ray over dinner.”
“Does his husband know?” Jenn winked.
“Ha ha. Yes. He’s cooking, in fact. Ray’s smart, and he’s been on this case from the beginning. I’m hoping he’ll see something I’ve missed.”
“Good thought.”
“How about you? How’s the trafficking case going?”
“It’s about wrapped up, actually.” Jenn smiled, her eyes hard.
“The head of the hydra, as I like to call the creep who organized this mess, died the other day in a shootout with police. We managed to sweep in while he was occupied defending his turf and rescued two dozen underage girls. And we have a mountain of evidence to prosecute his collaborators. I’m happy as hell. ”
“Nice.” Jane bumped fists with her. Grimshaw was waving her over. “I’ll be right back.”
Jenn finished her slice and stared with longing at the pizza on the table. “Take your time. I’m going in for more.”
Jane joined her boss while everyone enjoyed lunch. “Nice of you to spring for pizza.”
“Matthew told me to always make sure the squad knows how much you appreciate them.” Grimshaw grinned. “Or they might launch a coup. Or follow you when you least suspect it.”
Jane flushed, remembering how she’d once tailed Matthew. “In my defense, I thought Matthew might be a traitor.”
Grimshaw chuckled. “I like you, Jane. I don’t mind if you follow me around. Though I will warn you, my husband is a jumpy kind of guy. And my kids are scary.”
“Aren’t they teenagers?”
“Yes. Teen terrors. Only thing more frightening than their apathy is when they get annoyed at you.”
Jane laughed. “Sounds like my friend Grace’s kids.”
“I love them, but sometimes it’s tough to live with them.” Grimshaw grew serious. “Are you doing okay?”
“I will be if we can catch Kaminski and Rook. I want justice for Matthew. Then I’ll have a mini breakdown and get back to work.”
That must have been the right answer, because Grimshaw clapped her on the back.
“Good. But if you feel like you’re starting to crack, don’t wait until it’s too late.
” She grew quiet. “I lost a partner a long time ago. Nearly broke down trying to ignore that I wasn’t okay.
” She stared at Jane. “Don’t be that agent.
Be smart, if not for you, then for your team. People look up to you.”
“Aw, thanks, boss. And I thought you didn’t like me.”
“Smart ass. Not me. The others.” But Grimshaw was smiling. “Good luck at the funeral. I’d go, but I can’t get out of a few things that have shifted in priority.”
“I can stay.”
“No. You need to be there.”
Jane wondered if Grimshaw knew how much that was true. “I’ll let you know if anything develops. But I doubt Kaminski will pull anything with the Senator and so many VIPs in attendance.”
“Keep an eye out just in case. On Haversham too.” Her boss frowned. “He’s not handling this well. He and Matthew were friends for years. This isn’t easy for any of us, but especially not for him.”
“I’ll be there.”
* * *
After the funeral ended, with the flag-draped casket, the crying parents and attendants, the 21-gun salute and folding of the American flag, presented to Belinda Scott, Jane turned to leave.
Dry-eyed on the outside, inside, she ached, feeling Matthew’s loss on such a deep level it scared her. They hadn’t really been that close yet. Still, she’d felt for him what she hadn’t felt for anyone else in a very long time.
A hand settled on her shoulder to stop her from leaving. She froze as multimillionaire Nelson Rupert, Matthew’s grandfather, asked, “Do you mind if I have a word with you, Agent Cannon?”
Behind him, Haversham caught her gaze and gave a subtle nod.
To add to her surprise, Lionel Gambol, whom she hadn’t noticed earlier, also nodded before melting back into the crowd. All she needed to complete the trio was her uncle lingering about.
She didn’t doubt he was somewhere near, just praying to open fire on Kaminski or Rook if they dared show up.
It seemed the party was just getting started.
Jane turned to Nelson Rupert and nodded. “Of course, sir. What would you like to know?”
And what can I get you to tell me?