“Thank God for that.”
“And your family is safe and sound under federal eyes.”
“I know. I spoke to my wife.” He hesitated. “I’m thinking about taking some time off. I believe the E-Program can survive without me for a bit.”
“I think that would be a great idea,” said Paul. “And quite frankly Eddie needs a break, too. And he and his big sister are going to start spending more time together, starting right now.”
Harkes walked off to finish what he’d started a long time ago.
“A good guy to have on your side,” said Paul, as she watched him go.
“I’m sure he said the same thing about you,” replied Bunting.
“How did you two meet?” asked Sean.
“Let’s just say it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.”
Sean was about to respond when his phone buzzed. He looked down and recognized the caller’s name.
It would be a call that would change absolutely everything for Sean King.
CHAPTER
86
THE DREAMLINER 787 LANDED at Dulles Airport right on time, and the jumbo jet slowly came to a halt. The pilot taxied the plane to an open space on the outskirts of the airport property. There were two SUVs waiting at this spot. The jet door opened, a set of portable steps was wheeled into place, and Mason Quantrell walked down them. He was dressed in pressed jeans and a white shirt with a North Face parka over that. He had a briefcase in hand. He looked casual and happy.
He smiled and waved when the window of one of the SUVs rolled down and he saw Harkes sitting inside. He climbed in next to him.
“Good flight?” asked Harkes.
“Fine, fine. Got your message. We were just descending into Dulles. Sounds like it could not have gone better.”
“No, it really couldn’t have,” replied Harkes.
“I can’t wait to hear all about it. Why don’t we drive to my home in Great Falls? My chef studied in Paris and my wine cellar is open for your inspection. We can have something to eat and you can debrief me.” He paused and added, “Does Foster know yet?”
Harkes smiled. “I was saving the best for last.”
Quantrell laughed. “You’ve set it up beautifully. She will be beholden to me forever since we saved her tight little ass. I can get any budget increase I want through now.”
“We need to make one little detour,” said Harkes.
Quantrell looked at him. “What? Where.” Quantrell also noticed that the SUV had not started up. They weren’t moving.
Harkes rolled his window down again and motioned with his hand.
“What are you doing, Harkes?”
Quantrell flinched when the truck door was ripped open and four men appeared there.
“FBI,” said the lead agent. “Mason Quantrell, you’re under arrest.”
As the agent read Quantrell his rights, Harkes opened his car door, climbed out, closed the door behind him, and walked off.
He never looked back.
One down, one to go.