Before too much time passed, the police had set up barricades at the top of the hill and the area was crowded with emergency personnel, was being taken over by two men in suits. Information had gone out over the emergency channel that Marcus Douglas and Carmen Taylor were the occupants of the car, so a small press contingent was slowly forming. The paramedics were almost finished checking out Marcus. He had a small cut on the side of his head and some swelling. Carmen came through the ordeal without a scratch. One of the paramedics bandaged his wound and gave him a cold pack for the swelling and recommended that they have themselves checked out by their personal physicians at their earliest convenience. As soon as the paramedics moved away, the two men approached Marcus and Carmen.
“Mr. Douglas, Ms. Taylor, I'm special agent Lawrence Rietman, FBI,” he said and showed his badge.
“FBI?” Marcus said. “What is the FBI doing at a car accident?”
“Mr. Douglas, I'd be glad to answer all of your questions, but first, are both of you all right?”
“Just a scratch.”
“Ms. Taylor?” the agent asked.
“I'm fine, what’s going on here?” Carmen asked.
“As I said, I'll be glad to answer all of your questions, however this is not the time or place for that discussion. Right now it is important that we get you away from this area. At this time I'd asked both of you to refrain from making any more statements regarding this matter. Don't answer any questions. Not from me, from any police officers should they approach you. And there is a group of reporters forming at the top of the hill, we like to avoid them all together. So—”
“What is going on here?” Marcus demanded to know.
“Mr. Douglas,” the other man said. “I'm DEA agent John Debreeze. I believe Garrett Mason mentioned me to you?”
“Yes he did.”
“Please, Mr. Douglas, cooperate with special agent Rietman. It is for your safety.”
“All right we'll cooperate with you,” Marcus said taking Carmen's hand.
“A helicopter will arrive shortly, with your permission; it will take you to the federal building downtown. From there federal agents will take you to a hotel for your protection. I've arranged to have a doctor look the two of you over again at that time. In the morning, you'll be escorted back to the federal building and we will discuss the matter at that time,” special agent Rietman said as the helicopter landed.
“Why the helicopter?” Carmen asked.
“Ms. Taylor, I'm not at all interested in walking the two of you past those cameras, the helicopter just makes it easier. Then I'll go up there and make a statement to the press that this accident definitely did not involve you and Mr. Douglas. So if you'd please follow me, I'd like to get this done before the press helicopters start circling the area.”
Special agent Rietman walked quickly toward the helicopter and Marcus and Carmen followed reluctantly. Once they were belted into the craft, a female agent joined them. “I'm Agent Azizah Grant; I've been assigned to you for the evening. I'm sure Special Agent Rietman went over with you how things are going to go. I'll be with you at all times until we reach the hotel. At that time I will enter and sweep the room,” Agent Grant said as the helicopter took off. “Once I've satisfied myself that the room is secure, you will enter and I will be right outside the door in case you need anything.”
“Thanks Agent Grant. I'm sure we'll be fine.” Marcus said.
“Pronounce your name again, please,” Carmen said.
“It's Azizah.”
“That's very pretty,” Marcus said.
“Ignore him, he thinks everybody's name is pretty. But it is a pretty name and very unique. Does it mean anything?”
“It means mighty and strong.”
“That's good to know, but can you shoot?”
Agent Grant smiled her response.
Agent Grant was true to her word and once she checked the room, she said goodnight and positioned herself outside of the door. Marcus and Carmen began to settle into the room for the evening when there was a knock at the door.
“Who is it?” Marcus yelled.
“It's Agent Grant, Mr. Douglas. I have the doctor Agent Rietman discussed with you.”
Marcus opened the door and allowed the doctor to enter. After he examined Marcus and redressed his wound he moved onto Carmen. He gave them both a clean bill of health and departed.
“So, what do we do now?” Carmen asked.