CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Colonel Brad Brockman. BB is what the other leaders called him because he fired off orders so rapidly they stung. I didn’t have to deal with him a lot,” said Garr. “But. I know others that did.”

“What were their reactions?” asked Luke.

“Mixed,” said Leif and Garr in unison.

“Some liked his style of direct and to the point, others not so much,” said Garr. “I never thought of him as a traitor, though.”

“Money is a powerful motivator as we well know. If he’s got investments in weapons manufacturing, he has an interest in them being used and on the streets, with troops, everywhere,” said Hex.

“Including being sold illegally to our enemies,” frowned Garr. They all looked at him, realizing that he was right. “Brockman could be selling these to anyone for or against the U.S.”

“If he becomes chair of the committee, imagine what he’ll try to push through,” said Luke. “All these random attacks bring everyone’s attention to weapons on the streets, citizen rights to carry, ban them, make them all legal, the entire spectrum of emotions and thoughts. He’s pushing an agenda, and we need to find out what that agenda is. He could be arguing for the average citizen to carry the weapons so they could fight back in any situation. Maybe he wants to make our communities nothing but vigilantes.”

“It feels that way,” nodded Eric. “Is he in D.C.?”

“We’re looking for him,” said Tanner, poking his head around the corner. The others jumped a little, shaking their heads. Clearly, Trak was training everyone how to inflict panic and shock on the older team members.

“He’s there,” said Hiro, suddenly standing behind them. They all jumped again, this time Hex grabbing his chest.

“What the hell is wrong with you guys? Is this a new game?” Hiro and Tanner smiled, shaking their heads.

“Sorry,” laughed Hiro. “He’s in D.C. for the next three days, then gone for the holidays. If you want to speak with him, now is the time.”

“Alright,” nodded Luke. “Looks like you boys are going to D.C. Leif, Garrett, and grab Sebastian and U-Jin. We’ll try to make an appointment for you guys, but don’t let that stop you. Find him wherever you can. Try not to be confrontational but let him know that Buzz called him out.”

“We’ll be on the next plane out,” said Leif. The two men left the room, headed to pick up the other two, while Hiro texted the flight teams to get a pilot for them. Within an hour, they were on the jet and headed to D.C., hoping it would be a fast trip.

“Got a bit of weather going in, boys,” said Evie. “Buckle up and hold on.”

“You’ve got this, Evie,” smirked Leif.

“I know that,” she smirked. “I’m more worried about you puking in my bird. Buckle up, cutie pie.”

Evie wasn’t lying. The winds were horrendous, and visibility was almost nothing. But Evie was a pro. She landed the bird without any issues at all, turning to give the guys a big smile and wink.

“Evie, I will never question your skills again,” smirked Garr. “Will you be waiting here?”

“I’m not going back up in this mess,” she frowned. “I’m going to park her in stealth mode and head to The Mayflower Hotel. Comms booked rooms for all of us. I’ll meet you guys there later tonight.”

“Thanks, Evie,” nodded Sebastian.

The waiting rental vehicle was a typical mid-sized SUV, plenty of room for the men. Evie took a taxi to the hotel, settling in for a few days. By the time they reached the Pentagon, it was nearly three in the afternoon. It wouldn’t have surprised them if Colonel Brockman had checked out early.

“Hiro? Talk to us. Did we get an appointment?” asked Leif.

“We never got a response from his aide. My suggestion is to knock on the door. You have access to almost every part of the facility. Surprise the old man.”

“That’s a great idea,” frowned Garr. “If we want to get our heads torn off.”

Just finding his office was an exercise in itself. Miles of hallways, tunnels, and hidden rooms were a challenge. Finally, with a sign verifying his office, they knocked and were told to enter.

“May I help you, gentlemen?” asked the young man who stood straight and tall.

“We’re here to see Colonel Brockman,” said Garr.

“Do you have an appointment?” asked the man.

“No, you didn’t bother to return our calls or answer when we did call,” said Leif. He stared at the younger man, who swallowed, nodding at them.

“Then I can assume you’re all with Voodoo Guardians,” he said.

“That’s right,” nodded Garr.

“I’m sorry, the Colonel doesn’t have any time available today.”

“Tomorrow,” said Leif.

“He’s busy tomorrow as well.”

“Let me guess,” said Sebastian. “He isn’t available the next day or the one after that either.” The man wisely said nothing.

“Okay, here’s the deal,” said Garr. “We’re staying in town for a few days. Colonel Brockman can either give us an appointment, or we can demand one through the president. Or, and this is the option I prefer, we can track him down ourselves.”

The young officer wisely said nothing, just staring at the men then down at the calendar in front of him.

“Tomorrow at 0730,” he said, biting his lip. “If you’re late, you’ll miss your chance.”

“We won’t be late,” said Leif. “Make sure he isn’t either.”

The men turned, leaving the office, and started walking down the hallway. They heard the door of Brockman’s office open, and the young officer called out to them.

“Don’t be surprised if he cancels this meeting last minute.” Garr stared at him, others in the hallway turning to look at them.

“Fair enough. Don’t be surprised if we show up at his home.”