“And so why didn’t it end right there?” interjected McKinney.
“Because he was insistent. We really didn’t want to take the case,” said Sean. “But at the same time, if he was going to pursue it, I would rather it be people like us than others who might take advantage of him.”
“What more did you possibly think you could learn about his father’s death? It occurred in Kandahar in combat, for God’s sake.”
Michelle said, “On the surface it seemed like nothing. His father was dead. Small-arms fire. Coffin was supposed to arrive at Dover.” She paused and looked at Sean. “But then things started getting a little squirrelly.”
“Squirrelly how?” asked McKinney.
“For starters, now the Army is telling him that his father was also hit by a mortar shell and there is really nothing left of the body. So no Dover.”
“So what?” asked McKinney. “Combat is not neat and tidy. The man is still dead. He’s certainly not the first casualty, nor will he be the last unfortunately.”
“Right,” said Sean. “So why is the Army and now DHS so interested? You said this was a national security issue. How?”
“You really think I can answer that?”
“Well, if it is a national security issue then you’ve just as good as told us this situation is different, because most soldiers who get killed in combat are not normally at the epicenter of a DHS matter. You can’t have it both ways, Agent McKinney.”
“On the contrary, I can have it any way I want. What I’m telling you is to back off and stay away from Tyler Wingo.”
“So the kid is not going to be told the truth?”
“His father is dead. That’s all he needs to know. Now let him grieve properly.”
“But is his father really dead?” asked Michelle. The statement drew a warning glance from Sean that she ignored.
“What the hell do you mean by that?” snapped McKinney.
Michelle leaned forward and went eye-to-eye with him. “Well, national security claims are so often accompanied by bullshit that I was just wondering. Are you guys going back to the daily color updates anytime soon? What was orange for again, imminent annihilation or perilous peril? I could never keep them straight.”
“Do you know how miserable I can make your life?” said McKinney, pointing a finger at her.
“Pretty miserable,” replied Sean as he hooked Michelle’s arm. “We’ll be going now unless you have any more questions or objections.”
McKinney glared at Michelle. “I do not want to see you again. If I do, it will not be pleasant for you. That’s a promise and I always keep my word.”
“Is that it?” asked Sean.
McKinney leaned forward. “This is your last warning. You’re at the edge of the cliff. Don’t take the next step.”
A minute later Sean and Michelle were being escorted out of the building.
They were dropped off at the Panera. The black SUV roared away, leaving them staring at each other in the parking lot.
Michelle folded her arms over her chest and leaned against her Land Cruiser.
“I am officially and majorly pissed off,” she exclaimed.
Sean wearily rubbed his temples. “Why did you think it was smart to let him know we doubt Sam Wingo is dead?”
“Because I was unofficially pissed off back then and he was acting like such a smug bastard. I lost control.”
“You need to control your emotions better, Michelle, or we’re going to get our asses handed to us. This is DHS and DoD we’re facing. Together they are the one-ton gorilla that stomps on anyone it wants to.”
She pushed off from the truck. “How can we leave this alone now? There is something going on, Sean. You know it and I know it.”
“I’m not disputing that. The question is how do we keep going and stay out of jail at the same time.”