The network had been decimated. Destroying files and moving servers was the least of his concern. He needed new computer geniuses to work on his website. He needed to pack up and move to another part of the country. He would start over, as he’d done before. It wasn’t that hard.
It bothered him that it had once again failed. That made four attempts in two years, all of them foiled by either the SCTU or the VCU. They were more than a nuisance. They were a threat to his way of life. He had dropped the contract on Lucas McMichaels because it hadn’t gotten him anywhere. He needed a new way to bring them down. However, nothing he had done so far had worked. There were too few weaknesses.
He set the house on fire, got in his car, and drove away. Next year, he would try again, after he rebuilt everything. The fire would look like an accident or better yet, part of the failed attacks on the federal neighborhoods. He went to the grocery store and began shopping for food. He would wait until he was contacted before he bought new housewares. That would look suspicious. His cell phone rang while he was in the check out.
“Sir, are you alright?” The voice on the other end sounded concerned.
“Yes, how are they doing?” He asked.
“Making progress, sir, but your house, we’ve gotten reports that it is on fire.”
“I guess maybe it’s time I moved into an FGN instead of just outside of one,” he sighed, trying to sound tired. “Any leads?”
“Not at this time, sir, but we have fire and rescue on the way. Where are you? We’ll send agents to pick you up.”
“I left for vacation this morning, Jones, or did you forget?”
“Is your lake house secure?” Jones asked.
“Yes, no one knows I own it, so I’ll be fine. However, if you want to send Secret Service to the house, I’ll be there in a while. I’m out picking up supplies now, forgot that it doesn’t get stocked regularly,” he said.
“We have FBI agents en route,” Jones said.
“Thank you,” he answered. “It will make Dana and the kids feel better. I don’t know how I’m going to tell them about it. Another house,” he sighed again for emphasis. “See you in a bit, Jones.” He hung up.
The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigations walked out to his waiting SUV. He wondered if Jeffrey Adams was dead. He’d been so easy to manipulate, so easy to control. Maybe next year, he’d get things right and get rid of the stupid VCU and SCTU. He had some time to plan. After all, he needed to find some men to fill the rank and file of his club.
This week and weekend were going to be all about pleasure. It was the last time the kids could swim in the lake. His wife could do some shopping. He could do some hunting. That would relieve his stress. The clerk wasn’t really his type, but he could find one on his way down to the lake, before the damned agents showed up to protect him from his own club.
About thirty minutes later, he found her. She was standing on the side of the road, hood up on her car. He pulled over in front of her, got out and started having a conversation. When he identified himself as an FBI director, she relaxed a little. He liked it when they relaxed. She had someone coming for her, but the tow truck place was busy, she confided. All the better for him. He watched the traffic, waiting for a thin spot. When he saw it coming, he stuck her with the needle and helped her to his car.
They drove about twenty minutes. He turned off on a small dirt lane, one he was familiar with. He’d left his victims here before.
Even in the dark, he found the shack. Carrying the small woman was no problem for him. He kept in shape despite his advancing years. It was one of the things Dana liked about him. He hadn’t let himself go just because he was over fifty. Of course, Dana hadn’t either. However, even after thirty-two years of marriage there were things he could not subject his wife to. His appetites were too vile for the marriage bed.
He sat and munched on Pringles while he waited for his prize to wake up. It was going to be a great day after all.