Defender

By Alison Clifford

Be careful what you look for. You might find it.
After a year on the job, Kira is still a new agent in the eyes of her FBI counter terrorism colleagues. When a young man is reported for making violent threats against government agencies, she is given the chance to lead the case. Keen to prove herself, Kira dives in, determined to find the man before he can hurt those she has sworn to protect.
When a photo leads her to the suspect, Kira discovers a clue that takes her down a path she never dreamed she’d have to walk.
Sometimes the answer is closer than you think.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alison Clifford
• Release date: Apr 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463239155

Alison Clifford

Alison began writing as a teenager, hiding away in the school library during lunch to work on her stories. None of these projects ever made it beyond the first few chapters as other interests took over.During her final year of high school, Alison joined the Australian Army Reserve and went on to serve in the Royal Australian Air Force.A fan of motorsport, Alison follows the V8 Supercars, Formula 1, and MotoGP, and loves to attend local motorsport events. As well as being a self-confessed stationery junkie, she also likes spending time at the local Botanical Gardens.Alison is married with three children and lives in Tasmania, Australia.

Book preview

DEFENDER

by

Alison Clifford

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © Alison Clifford 2020

Thank you for downloading this ebook. This book remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to other for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy from their favourite authorised retailer. Thank you for your support.

All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

http://alisonclifford.net

For Harry

The mad genius who wanted me

to blow up a pineapple.

Your day has come.

Contents

Dedication

Start of Defender

Also by Alison Clifford

Connect with Alison

Chapter One

Raven parked his car and climbed out. The smell of cold, damp earth rose to meet him, the dark forest beckoning. He looked around. His car was the only one in sight. Good.

Raven walked to the trunk of the car and lifted out a small box, tucking it under his arm as he locked the car. He walked to the tree line and stopped to listen. No voices, no hum of approaching vehicles. He wove between the trees, moving into the forest. He guided himself using familiar marks; the dead tree leaning on its neighbour, the clump of bushes, the hole in that tree. All these were seen many times on the path leading to his secret playground.

Deeper and deeper he moved, leaving the car and the marked trail well behind.

Raven continued on until he reached a natural dip in the ground. Water erosion had left a deep channel and his previous experiments had expanded the natural hollow substantially. He took a long, slow look around and then lowered the box to the ground and opened it. Inside was his latest test subject. A pineapple rested in a nest made of scrunched up newspaper. Tucked beside it was a small mobile phone, one of the cheap, prepaid kinds, and the smallest Raven could find. It had to be small to fit inside the pineapple. If this worked, he would use larger ones for his plan. Right now, he wanted to test the latest design of his device. In the previous test he had created the access point in the base of the pineapple. This time he’d left the base intact and cut the top off. There were slits in the side too, all designed to make the effect more dramatic. He didn’t want anything hindering the explosion.

Raven pulled out the fruit and took it over to the hollow in the ground. It weighed more than a normal pineapple. The flesh had been removed and the skin now held as much C4 as Raven could get into it while leaving space for the detonation device. He set the pineapple down, quickly created a small pile of dirt to rest it on and then put the fruit in place. A small adjustment, and he was satisfied it wouldn’t topple. Then he returned to the box for the phone. Raven carried it over to the hollow, removed the top of the pineapple, and eased the phone inside. He made the final preparations, checked all was in place, and then balanced the top back in place. Raven stepped out of the hollow and assessed his work. The pineapple looked normal, as though it was full of fruit and ready to eat. He circled it and smiled. It made a perfect test subject.

Raven returned to the box, picked it up, and moved back from the hollow. He’d done his research previously and knew the danger zone for each measure of C4 he used. Once in place, he again surveyed the surrounding forest, watching and listening for any sign of other people. Birds sang, and the wind blew through the trees, sending the leaves rustling. He frowned, watching the movement of the branches and feeling the direction of the wind. The wind was too light to carry the sound of the explosion far, and if it did, it would only take it further into the forest. The frown cleared. He was right to carry out his test.

Raven stood behind the broad trunk of a tree and pulled out his mobile phone. Even out here he had enough signal for his purpose, and he smiled as he punched in a number. His chest tightened as his pulse raced. This is what he loved—the thrill of destruction. He hit the dial button. A pause for the call to connect, and then a thud, followed by spatters of debris hitting trees and the ground. It had worked. His heart pounded as he waited, listening. There was no sound of reaction. No shout, no human sound. He returned to the hollow, passing moist fragments of the pineapple skin. Little remained of the fruit. Raven paced out the extent of the damage. Perfect. He knew what he needed to get the result he wanted. He assessed the remains and decided it wasn’t worth doing anything about them. The fruit would soon decay into the forest floor. All was well. He was ready.

Chapter Two

Kira smiled as she closed the file for the last time. The case had been a tough one, taking months to complete, but today the court had sentenced the convicted man to a long period in jail. Another potential terrorist attack averted and the planner behind bars. She swivelled on her chair to join in the chat with her celebrating colleagues. It had been a large group of agents and specialists working on the case. As a probationary special agent, she’d worked under the guidance of her mentor, Special Agent Marc Montero, an FBI agent of over ten years experience. Joining them had been surveillance specialists, technicians, a forensic accountant, plus other agents and law enforcement personnel. It was Marc though who had led the effort, and Kira sat and watched as he recounted a story from a previous case.

…and the goat raced through the cordon and head-butted the photographer who had bent over to take a photo. Kira joined in the laughter as Marc paused for effect. Luckily no-one was hurt and we caught the goat before it compromised the scene. Marc laughed with the others and then stopped, looking at someone or something behind Kira.

Kira turned to see the Special Agent in Charge of the Washington DC Field Office counter-terrorism squad, SAC Saunders, standing in the doorway.

Don’t let me stop you, Saunders said, smiling at the gathered group. And congratulations on the result. A job well done. However, as you know, good work is rewarded with…

More work, they all chanted, reciting the SAC’s favourite saying.

Saunders grinned. Correct. His gaze landed on Kira. Marc and Kira. A word in my office, if you don’t mind.

Kira tried to read the SAC’s expression and failed. He gave nothing away that he didn’t want to and now was no different. Saunders nodded and turned away, and Kira stood and followed Marc out of the office.

They entered Saunders’ office as the SAC dropped into his chair behind his desk. Kira stood beside Marc and waited for Saunders to speak.

I have another case for you, Saunders said, looking up at Kira.

Yes sir. Kira glanced at Marc, but he was looking at Saunders with a faint smile.

An assessment has been carried out on a reported threat against the US military by an individual. I’ve decided a preliminary investigation is necessary and have assigned it to you two. Bob Weiss did the assessment, but as you’re probably aware, he had emergency surgery last night and will be out of action for a few weeks. Saunders looked up at Marc and then over to Kira. I hear you are doing well and I want you to take the initiative with this one. Marc will lead, officially, but he agrees it’s a good opportunity for you and you’re ready for it.

Thank you. Kira only just managed to keep the grin from her face.

Saunders sat back. Don’t thank me, just do a good job.

I will.

Saunders smiled faintly. The link to the case file has been emailed to both of you. I’ll expect a progress report in a week and as usual, let me know if you need assistance.

Kira nodded. Thank you.

Kira waited until they were well out of earshot of Saunders’ office.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, she said.

You deserve it, Kira. Marc grinned. I’ll still be watching you.

Yeah, I know.

Seriously, you can handle this. Marc began to wander towards their office and Kira kept pace. There’s enough time before we knock off for the weekend for you work out what your plan of action. Come and see me on Monday and we’ll take it from there.

Will do.

They arrived back at the office. Some others had departed and a few agents were still talking. The subject had now turned to current cases, from what Kira could hear. She sat at her desk and opened her email. Sure enough, the promised link was there and she clicked it and found the file.

Hey, got any plans for the weekend?

Kira looked up from her screen at the agent who had spoken to her. I’ve got a few things lined up, she said.

Do you want to come out for a drink tomorrow night? A few of us are meeting up.

Thanks, but no. I really need to get sorted after moving into my new flat and I don’t know how I’ll be feeling afterwards.

How’s it going at the new place?

Good so far, thanks.

Well, if your sorting goes well, come and join us if you can. He named a bar in the city.

I’ll see how I go.

Kira watched him leave and then went back to the file and opened the assessment report. It was brief, outlining the report made regarding the subject and the subsequent interview with the person who had reported him. The subject, Brent Awad, was a young male, twenty-two years of age, and had been heard encouraging violence against the military and law enforcement. His parents were also interviewed and said they had tried to talk to him about what he’d said, but he didn’t listen to any alternative viewpoints. They were concerned about him and were not surprised he’d been reported.

Kira sat back in her chair and stared at the screen. She’d seen families like this in a previous case. Worried parents wanted to believe there was hope for their child. There was always hope, but if the subject wouldn’t listen, then the hope was small. Still, threats didn’t mean action was planned, and that was where the FBI came in, and the next stage of the investigation. Now they had to determine if there was more to it than talk. She picked up a pen and wrote a list of action points to take to the meeting on Monday. Starting it now gave her time to mull it over on the weekend and come up with any other ideas before Monday.

She paused, frowning at the page as she thought, and was then distracted as someone stopped beside her desk.

Don’t you ever leave on time?

Kira glanced at her watch. It’s precisely one minute past five. I don’t classify that as late. She looked up at the agent who smiled down at her. Zain McIntyre, an agent from the Fraud Squad.

Come on then, shut down your computer and go home.

She stifled a sigh. In a minute. Kira returned to her email list, but he didn’t move on.

Are you coming tomorrow night? he asked.

Kira shook her head as she opened another email and began reading.

You should.

I’m busy tomorrow.

She could sense him shift on his feet beside her.

Okay then, he said after a pause. See you Monday.

Kira listened as Zain’s footsteps faded away. He’d asked her out a couple of times, and it seemed as though he hadn’t given up yet. There wasn’t a direct work conflict, but dating a colleague wasn’t on Kira’s want-to-do list. Besides, she wasn’t interested in a closer relationship with Zain. She could understand his popularity with women—he was handsome, and always friendly and polite—but he awoke nothing in her. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to date, but work came first. Her previous boyfriend hadn’t understood, and when he broken off their relationship, Kira had felt relief, not sadness. She went back to her emails. She had time to find the right man, and if he didn’t appear, then she still had her work. Kira glanced at the clock and gave up on the emails. No one would be around to answer them, so she might as well go home. She shut down her computer and smiled as she walked down the hallway. She loved her new life. Her choice, and the right one. But right now, her choice was Thai takeaway and an evening of unpacking.

Chapter Three

Kira slowed to a jog as she approached her building. Saturday morning had dawned fine and fresh, and the morning breeze fanned her skin as she completed her run. The area around Arlington gave her a greater scope of options for routes than her old neighbourhood. She hadn’t been the only one enjoying the early morning peace. Judging by the appearance of many of those she’d seen, there were lots of army people around. Hardly surprising as her new apartment was close to both the Myer Army Base and the Pentagon. She’s noticed several ‘high-and-tight’ haircuts around her building, making the shoulder length mop of Max, her room-mate, seem casual, even unkempt. It probably didn’t help that her male FBI colleagues also wore their hair short. Max’s mop stood out even more in her eyes.

She paced the sidewalk in front of her building, allowing her body to cool down. A short while later, with some stretches also done, she headed for the entrance. Just as her hand touched the door, it swung inward and she flinched.

Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.

Kira looked up at the guy holding the door. Another high-and-tight.

That’s okay, she responded and gave him a quick smile as she walked through the door he held open for her. Thank you.

You’re welcome, he said, and then smiled.

Kira faltered, drifting to a halt inside the door. His eyes had narrowed, twinkling as his lips curved into the most beautiful smile Kira could remember. With that simple action, he went from ordinary to heart-stopping. She stood and stared for a long moment until he nodded, still smiling, and walked out of the door. She blinked, and her cheeks grew hot as she turned and headed for the stairs. He’d smiled at her and she’d stared, transfixed, like a schoolgirl. She ran up the stairs, working her body to get rid of the embarrassment her reaction to his smile had caused. It wasn’t until she was safely in her bedroom that she allowed her memory to replay the smile. She lay on her bed and closed her eyes as his image came into her mind. The shape of his lips, the way his eyes had creased at the corners, and the shine they had held. Kira’s breath caught as she held his image in her mind. If only she’d spoken to him.

The thought brought her out of her dream with a snap.

Are you nuts? she asked herself. You don’t need the distraction!

Kira sat up and began stripping off her running gear. He’s just a man with a nice smile, she scolded herself. Enjoy it and move on. She took a deep breath and headed for the shower. And he’s probably married, so even if you wanted more, he’s out of the running anyway, she muttered. Kira scowled at herself in the mirror. She had plans for today, and she didn’t need to sit around thinking about some dumb guy with a charming smile. His image, and the smile, reappeared in her memory and she shook her head as if to clear it. No more. She forced her thoughts to her plans for the day and turned on the shower.

Three hours later, after sorting her wardrobe and doing washing, she made her way through the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery. Visiting the cemetery had been on her to-do list since she entered the FBI, but she had somehow never managed to make the journey. Now, as she lived within walking distance, there was no excuse not to. Once through the entrance, Kira bypassed the waiting tourist carriages and headed out along one of the roads leading into the grounds. The distant sound of cars and voices of other visitors faded as she strolled past the rows of gravestones. The beauty of the layout, so measured and perfectly in line, added to the solemn atmosphere. She consulted her map of the grounds and began to weave her way along paths to the amphitheatre at the top of the hill, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its legendary guards. The surrounding peace was broken by gunfire. She stopped, turning to face the source as another volley sounded. Kira bowed her head as the shots rang out. A salute being given at a funeral, and a sobering reminder of where she was and who lay in the graves.

Once the salute had finished, she continued her climb up the hill. The tomb came into sight and Kira turned to the left, avoiding the path directly below the plaza where it sat. Another short climb and she emerged beside the large marble amphitheatre. She joined the gentle flow of people walking down a path and arrived at the steps overlooking the plaza and the tomb. Here the atmosphere changed. The tourist chatter stopped as she rounded the corner. A soldier of the 3rd Regiment, the Old Guard, marched across the plaza, watched in silence by the crowd. The soldier stopped, paused, turned, and paused again before changing the position of his rifle and continuing his duty of guarding the tomb. A gentle wind stirred the trees lining the area, and bird call mingled with the distance rumble of traffic. The quiet of the plaza was strangely moving, as both soldier and audience showed respect, honouring the soldier in the tomb, and the sacrifice he represented.

Kira found a place to stand against the marble balustrade above the viewing steps and watched the soldier. His measured pace, deliberate movements, and focus held her captive. Such dedication to duty was impressive. After a while her attention was caught by s stir to her right. She glanced at her watch; it was time for a guard change. As she looked up again, a soldier appeared at the edge of the plaza and marched to the centre. He saluted the tomb and then turned to face the crowd. Ladies and gentlemen, I am Staff Sergeant… The ceremony to change the guard had begun and the crowd rose to their feet.

Once the ceremony had finished, the crowd began to disperse. Kira watched the new tomb guard for a few minutes and then left the plaza and began her walk back down the hill. President JF Kennedy’s grave visited, she then selected a random path and followed it, heading for the exit and a late lunch at a cafe. The cemetery was a sad place, a solemn place, a place of rest and grief. A small heaviness sat in her chest as she looked at the hundreds of graves. Her gaze swept over the scene, and she noticed a small gathering of people near parked army trucks. It didn’t look like a funeral. She hesitated, and then let her curiosity take hold and changed direction, heading towards the group.

Kira slowed as she approached. The end of the path had been blocked for access by an Old Guard soldier, allowing other soldiers to line up three mounted cannons on the roadway.

What’s happening? A woman’s question to the soldier by the path drifted to Kira on the breeze.

The battery will shortly be conducting a salute for a funeral, ma’am, the soldier responded.

Kira stopped by the railing and watched the tiny adjustments being made to the guns positions. A soldier wearing the same rank badge as the staff sergeant at the tomb, stood to the side and called instructions as several others manoeuvred the gleaming black guns into line. Like the soldiers at the tomb, this squad demanded perfection. Once the staff sergeant was satisfied, the others were dismissed and he briefly turned to the crowd-controller and nodded.

Kira’s breath caught and she stared at him as he followed the others who had disappeared behind one of the trucks. That moment when he’d turned, she had a full view of his face. It was the guy from the door. The guy with the smile. She frowned. Or was it? She closed her eyes, remembering. It had been such a brief encounter. She opened her eyes again and looked towards the trucks, willing him to reappear.

It was at least fifteen minutes before there was further movement. The staff sergeant marched out on his own, and Kira stared hard. He turned in her direction, giving her a perfect view of his face. It was him. Smile Guy. He stopped and faced the cannons. There was a pause and then the rest of the soldiers marched out, some breaking off to go to the cannons, the rest lining up alongside their Staff Sergeant. The first rounds were loaded into the cannons, and then silence fell. Minutes passed, and then Smile Guy lifted his hand to his ear, spoke a few words, and then lowered it again. Kira tensed as she waited with the other onlookers for the action to commence. A few minutes passed,