Stravinsky exited the cab and paid the driver through an open window, then turned and walked though the main doors of his office building. He had just gotten off the Raim with his Mother. She and his other relatives were fine, her security detail unharmed. None of them had experienced or heard of any threats against them. After a brief chat with her assigned security to ask them to be extra vigilant, Stravinsky was greeted in the building foyer by his driver Charles and a pair of security officers.
“Sir, are you all right?” asked Charles
“I’m all right, just some damaged clothes and a slight ankle sprain.”
One of the security men showed some FBI identification.
“Dr. Stravinsky, I’m agent Matthews. It’s best if we take you to FBI headquarters for questioning and debriefing. We can also provide medical attention.”
“Just a moment, I wish to get some personal things from my office, and to contact Mekhos.”
“I’m sure your driver can get the personal items,” Matthews said, nodding at Charles. “As for Mekhos, TranSilica is working to repair the damage. We need to debrief you Dr. Stravinsky.”
“I’m unharmed,” Stravinsky said, shaking his head at Matthews and turning to his driver. “I don’t know what’s going on yet but I was held for a few hours. The kidnapper produced a recording with your voice.”
“I didn’t make any recording sir, it must have been fabricated.”
Just then two men approached Matthews and showed FBI identification.
“I’ll take over from here,” the taller of the two said.
Matthews was startled.
“Director Leach!”
“Dr. Stravinsky, I’m Deputy Director Leach. Agent Paulson and I will escort you to TranSilica, where your presence is required immediately. Matthews, check in with your supervisor for new orders.”
Matthews and his partner looked at each other then watched silently as Leach and Paulson walked off with Stravinsky. It was highly unusual for an FBI Deputy Director to be active in the field. And more unusual that they were not taking the subject to FBI headquarters. Leach looked back.
“Get moving, Matthews. You’re expected back at the office.”
“Yes sir,” he said, as he watched Leach and Paulson escort Stravinsky to a waiting car.