Paschal Moon

Chapter 2 Seattle, Washington
“Does she know?” Todd Riley was stunned with the news Hal just announced to his team. Hal Sampson stood staring at the four men otherwise known as the Quad. They were special FBI agents that most FBI agents within the agency had not even heard of. Walking around the conference table Hal stared out the window. The sun rays bounced off the crystal blue lake known as Lake Washington which gave way to Puget Sound. It was a popular area for boating and fishing. His forehead wrinkled in deep creases, his right hand deep into his pocket. He absently ran his left hand through his now gray hair. His lips puckered several times before speaking.
“No she does not know. I sent Arvidia on a dud undercover assignment to a law firm in Schenectady, New York. She’s under the assumed name of Melody Savoy. I wanted her as far away from here as possible. ”
“Good. She doesn’t need to find out Jim Mason escaped from prison!” exclaimed Todd. He suddenly stood up from his chair. He and the other members remembered all too well just how dangerous Jim Mason is. “We need to find him before he finds Arvidia!” The other members of the Quad nodded in agreement.
“Yes, we don’t need another shoot-out like last time.” Another agent, Mark Smith interjected his opinion, “Jim Mason took one too many innocent lives and an unbelievable amount of man-power just to haul him in and lock him up. He is one evil man and I would not hesitate to put a bullet between his eyes.”
The Quad, as they were affectionately named by Arvidia consisted of four FBI agents who had watched her grow up before their eyes. All of them thought of her as their daughter but none more so than Hal. They taught Arvidia skills one could only learn in the FBI academy. Her talents were extraordinary. All four men, Chris Magin, Mark Smith, Mike Lawson and Todd Riley were fiercely protective of her. They all knew the devastation she survived and how shockingly disturbing it would be if she were here now that Jim Mason escaped.
Hal Sampson had been with the Seattle FBI division for 30 years. He knew too all too well the horrors Arvidia went through. He sat down and placed his hand on a special file, it was Arvidia’s file. The well-worn file he’d always locked in his safe, away from her eyes. Over the years, he’d add materials to her file. He really wanted to just burn it. He knew he couldn’t until he found the answer to her past. She made it clear to him she did not want to know or see the contents of the file. She had no recollection of what had happened to her. Her only memory was the day she was found. He knew somewhere deep in those papers held a key to Arvidia’s past.
Hal took a seat and motioned for Todd to do the same. He exhaled and nodded his head, “I agree we need to find him immediately. I want to be kept informed of all new developments. He needs to be approached with caution. Most importantly, I do not want her to know about this.” Arvidia’s case still sickened him and his worst fears had come true. Jim Mason was hunting her down for revenge. All four men nodded their heads in agreement.
Hal’s cell phone shrilled. Arvidia was calling.
“Hello Arvidia, how are you?” Hal hoped she did not detect the tension in his voice.
“I’m fine. I am calling and checking in as I promised. Did you think I would forget?”
“Naw just wanted to make sure you were settled in.” Hal asked slyly. Hal planned every step of her arrival to New York. He had prearranged with former colleagues in Albany to help Arvidia settle in without her realizing the people helping her were agents keeping an eye out for her.
“Actually, it was probably one of the smoothest transitions I’ve ever had!”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, quite literally, I found a cab even in this warm weather. He drove me right to the hotel. The hotel desk clerk’s brother happened to have a sister who was looking for someone to sublet her furnished apartment while she is in London for a year. I was quite amazed how everything just fell into place!”
“Is the apartment in a nice area?”
“Oh yes, it’s right on the Mohawk River. It has a nice view and it’s quiet. There’s a park nearby and some hamburger joint. It’s not far from the office at all.”
“Good I’m glad things are going well. Sounds like you are off to a great start on this assignment. Remember to keep me abreast of any news big or small. You will do fine and you will be home before you know it.” Hal almost groaned saying that. He was thankful for the many reliable eyes watching out for her in New York.
“Well I don’t have much to report on now, but I’m sure I will in time. How is the Quad?” Arvidia missed them terribly. Their constant ribbing and teasing made her ache for them more. She knew someday she would have to branch out on her own. She did not expect it to be so sudden.
Hal chuckled, “Oh they are fine. I am keeping them plenty busy.” Hal’s tone turned serious, “Does this guy suspect anything?” He tried to be confident in his lie.
“No he doesn’t seem to detect anything.” Hesitant she asked, “Hal, I did some research on this guy and from what I can tell he is clean as a whistle. Are you sure this guy is the guy I am assigned to?”
“Yep, I got this assignment from the higher ups kid. Keep your eyes and ears open. You never know what you will find.” Hal felt a pang of guilt as he spoke. He knew this law firm was clean, but he had to get her away from Seattle as fast as possible. He had contacted an old friend in Albany, New York who helped him get Arvidia out of Seattle. They both hatched the quickest and out of harm’s way plan to get her out of Washington State.
“And you are serious about me calling every night to check in?” said Arvidia who was astonished by this request.
If you only knew Hal thought. “Yes, I’m serious. I need you to keep me abreast on this case. This is your first assignment away from the Quad and I need to be kept informed of your progress. You are on your own. I know you will do fine.” Hal nervously fingered the file as he spoke.
“Okay Hal. I understand and will do a written report as requested.” She stated.
“Well, you know this old man can pull some strings.” Hal smiled.
“Yes, that is fine.” His voice trailed off. He’d only half heard her. She had no idea all the guys were in the same room as him discussing her very own nightmare, Jim Mason.
“Okay, will do. Give the Quad my love. I’ll talk with you tomorrow.”
“Okay kid. Please be careful.” Hal almost whispered.
“I will, Hal. Talk to you later.” She hung up with a smile in her voice.
“Okay kid talk to you soon. “ Hal clicked off his cell phone and let out a trouble sigh. He was not sure how long he could keep lying to her before she would figure things out. He knew when she questioned him about Blake Matarazzo he had little time to find Jim Mason.
Hal placed the phone onto the table and put his hands onto his face. Tension wore deep. A dull headache was coming on. Dropping his hands on the table, “Guys, we need to find him before he finds her. Todd, contact the Walla Wall prison and talk to the warden and the prison guards. Find out exactly how on earth this insane guy escaped from there. Keep me informed.”
“Will do Sir.” answered Todd. He and the other agents stood to leave the conference room.
Chris Magin stopped and turned to speak to Hal. He spoke softly, “Sir, are you going to let Will know?”
Hal looked up at Chris. “Actually, I am heading up to Lummi Island in the morning to inform Will of the news. I would not be surprised if he knows already. He forewarned me this day might happen; but it still doesn’t make it any easier.”
Chris turned and followed the others out.
Hal stayed in his seat until the reddened sun fully set behind Mount Rainier.