Milwaukee Deep
Chapter 69

There was an air of excitement that spun through the crowd as it made its way into the CIA building. As the lobby filled, most ignored the television secured on the wall.

...In response to the recent terrorist attack on New York City, President William Stoker has issued a response that the experts are calling, ‘brave’ and ‘direct’. As of this morning, The United States Department of Homeland Security will no longer be run by the Homeland Security Council, a cabinet run body…instead the President himself will take full control of the department and will appoint a new Council, spilling all current members. The new council members will be appointed only once a detailed review of recent events has been completed…

…the President tabled in today’s press release that the inactions of the Department of Homeland Security almost dealt the city of New York with another unspeakable disaster, one that cannot and will not be allowed to happen again…

Special Agent James Rutten reached up and switched off the television in anticipation of the ceremony that was about to begin ….

Marianna Burton first saw the memorial wall as she entered the lobby of CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Sam Crease was by her side.

Slowly, they made their way towards the group of dignitaries, former employees and government officials.

Director of the CIA General David Morgan approached the dais.

“For the men and women of the CIA, this constellation is more than a memorial, more than a quiet tribute. Each star holds memories of a brave intelligence officer whose example we follow, a treasured colleague whose wisdom we keep. Our enduring aspiration as an Agency is to honour their memory. We do so by continuing the mission they served so faithfully.”

Sam turned to Marianna.

He could see how moved she was by the thought that her father represented a star on that wall.

“He never left you,” he whispered quietly, “After all those years of being away he couldn’t recall anything that had happened to him - who he was, where he came from, the job he was sent to do. The only thing he could remember was you. Your love carried him for eighteen years.”

Michael’s daughter turned to Sam.

“Thank you,” she said ever so softly, and placed her head on his shoulder.