Chapter 2 (24-Section 23)
THE FOLLOWING TAKES PLACE BETWEEN 7 PM AND 8 PM
EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME
7:00:02
CTU Headquarters, Washington, D.C.-
Jack Grayson closed the door to the situations room and turned on the large overhead screen above the table. Instantly, the face of Nicole Spencer appeared. Her sharp eyes bore into him.
“What is it Jack?” She said sharply, getting right to the point. The one thing Grayson did like about Nicole Spencer was her no-bullshit attitude.
“I got a call from Theo Kontos over in Langley. He’s on his way here. He say’s he has disturbing news about one of my agents.”
“Yes, I’m aware. He called me an hour ago.”
Grayson held back his surprise. “Why wasn’t I informed?”
Nicole brushed back her hair and spoke directly into the camera. “Theo didn’t want to tell you right away. If the information we have is true then-“
”-what information?”
Nicole frowned at being interrupted. “The Director will inform you when he arrives. In the mean time, I don’t want you speaking with Watkins, not until you’ve spoken with Kontos, understood?”
Grayson hated being told what to do, especially when it concerned one of his own agents, but he held his tongue.
“Very well.”
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch.” The image disappeared. Grayson stood where he was, trying to formulate his next move. He could warn Nick, but then he would surely be fired. He put his hand on his temple and sighed. Just then, Andrea Welsh entered the room.
“Excuse me Sir, but Director Kontos has just arrived.”
7:06:03
Constitution Avenue heading east, Washington, D.C.-
The U.S. Capitol loomed ahead in a mass of white and gold painted against a pitch black sky. To the left, the capitol district of Washington glowed in the night sky.
Nick Watkins pulled his PDA from his suit pocket and turned it on. He then dialed his cell phone, which was mounted on the dashboard in front of him.
“What’s up?” Sarah asked curiously as Nick dialed CTU.
“I saw someone at the gala but I didn’t get a very good look. I want Andrea to pull up the surveillance tapes of the hall.”
Sarah scoffed at Andrea’s name. Nick ignored her and waited as the phone dialed CTU. After two rings, Andrea Welsh’s voice crackled out of the phone.
“CTU, Welsh,” she said quickly.
“Andrea, it’s Nick. I need you to do me a favor.”
Andrea paused for a moment then spoke. “Sure, what do you need?”
“I want you to run through the Watergate security camera’s and find the identity of a women for me. She’s about 5 feet, short brown hair and green eyes. I only got a glimpse of her face but I know I’ve seen her before. Run the tapes between 6:30 and 7:00. Call me when you have a name.” He hung up.
“Are you sure this isn’t a wild goose chase?” Sarah asked staring ahead at the approaching capitol building.
“I hope it is.”
Nick steered the SUV up along the edge of the large circle enveloping the front of the capitol building. Already, media trucks and global news corporations were spilling into the building. The front, however, looked fairly empty.
Nick parked along the edge of the road overlooking the Washington Monument.
“What are we doing, I thought we were heading back to CTU?” Sarah said confused.
“I want to see how things are going here,” Nick said, already walking towards the lit up capitol.
7:11:14
CTU Headquarters, Washington, D.C.-
Theo Kontos sat rigid in front of Jack Grayson’s desk. He had said little since entering the small office overlooking the heart of CTU D.C.
“Alright Theo, what’s this all about? You said you have some news concerning one of my agents?”
Theo cleared his throat and opened his small leather briefcase. He layed out documents across Jack Grayson’s already messy desk.
“These documents prove Nick Watkins is involved in some kind of plot against the President of the United States and the U.S. government.”
Grayson let out a surprised laugh. “Theo, are you serious? Are we talking about the same Nick Watkins?”
Kontos remained stoic. He opened up one of the envelopes and handed it to Grayson. Grayson eyed Kontos, then gazed at the photos. His face sunk.
“What is this?” Grayson asked, throwing the photos back on the desk.
“This is evidence against Watkins involvement with known assassins here in the U.S.”
“This is absurd ” Grayson yelled across the desk. “Where did you get these photos?”
“My sources are confidential-“
”Bullshit ” Grayson was standing now. “This is all insane. Nick Watkins working with terrorists That man has put his life on the line more then once to stop them, why would he be working with them?”
“Listen Jack, I don’t like this anymore then you, but these photos are real, and my sources are real, now I want Nick Watkins brought in for questioning immediately.”
Grayson knew his back was against a wall. He couldn’t ignore the photos on his desk, or the fact his boss wanted Watkins to be questioned.
“There’s even more to this Jack. Believe me, I didn’t want to believe it either, but I have know choice.”
“What’s in the documents?”
Theo stood and picked up the skewed documents off the desk. “Just bank records, telephone calls-“
”You mean more incriminating evidence?”
Theo nodded.
Grayson rubbed the stubble on his chin. He looked wearily down at the Bullpen. Only a few analysts were in past six. He could see Andrea Welsh working at her station. A few other agents walked by tending to there assigned tasks. Grayson looked back at Kontos.
“I’ll bring him in.”
7:24:33
U.S. Capitol building, Washington, D.C.-
Nick Watkins walked slowly across the large foyer leading towards the outer room of the Senate Hall. Nick always admired the art work that adorned the walls of the Capitol. He loved the beauty and tradition of the building. He had only been inside the walls of the Capitol twice, both times he made it a point to visit the Senate Hall. Being a Federal agent did have it’s perks.
“Agent Nick Watkins, CTU,” he said immediately after entering the large Senate wing. The room was bustling with anticipation for the upcoming state of the union address. The media had taken over the entire wing. News men and women were speaking quickly into the camera’s.
“There’s another one of you here,” the agent said, pointing over to a hallway leading off of the main wing.
Nick and Sarah walked casually down the marble hallway, examining the art work and decor.
Finally, they arrived at the end of the hallway. A security guard was sitting at a small table, on which Nick recognized a hand held metal detector.
They both flashed there badges and proceeded on. Nick saw Frank standing a few yards ahead talking with one of the agents in charge. He stopped talking and turned to Nick.
“Grayson didn’t say anything about you two coming here.”
The Secret Service agent left the three of them to talk.
Nick spoke when he was a distance away, “he doesn’t know we’re here.” Frank nodded as if expecting he would say that. “How have things been here?” Nick continued.
“Nothing out of the ordinary. We did a perimeter check, sent the dogs through. It’s the capitol, probably the safest, most secure building in the city next to the White House.”
Sarah had wandered off and was glancing down the hallway.
“How was the gala?” Frank asked finally.
Nick scoffed. “As good as any rich banquet can be.”
Nick’s phone chirped in his pocket. “Excuse me,” he said, walking off down the hallway slightly. “Watkins,” he said after pressing the phone to his ear.
“Nick, it’s Andrea. I got a shot of that woman.”
Nick glanced around him. Frank was were he had left him, only now he was discussing something with Sarah. “Go ahead.”
“Well, I ran through all the reception hall videos, and I only got a few partial shots. But when I checked the tapes on the outside of the building, I got a money shot. I sent the photo to your PDA, it should be coming up now.” Nick reached into his suit pocket and pulled out his PDA. A new image had popped up. Nick stared at the new image in his hand. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
“Do you know her?” Andrea’s voice asked over the phone.
Nick took a deep breath and answered. “Yeah...I killed her two years ago.”
7:37:56
Outside the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.-
Alexa Dressler made her way through the media hoard that was gathered around the side entrance to the Senate Wing. She flashed her press badge numerous times as she passed through security. She carried her small camera bag through the metal detectors at the entrance to the wing.
“Hold up ma’am,” a Secret Service agent said, reaching for her bag. She handed it to him casually.
“Is there a problem?” She said smiling at him. The man fumbled the bag.
“No, but standard procedure, have to check all bags.” He smiled back at her.
“Well, don’t worry. Just my camera and make-up in there. No bombs.”
They both laughed. The man fingered through quickly and closed the bag.
“Thank you Ms...?”
She took the bag from him and leaned closer. “Ms. Nartina,” she said smoothly, letting the name hang in the air. The man nodded and watched as she hurried down the hallway towards the Senate Wing.
7:40:45
U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.-
Nick Watkins hurried towards Frank and Sarah. They stopped talking when they saw him approaching.
“What’s wrong? Frank said anxiously has Nick stopped in front of him.
“We may have a security breach. I need to speak with the agent in charge.”
“Wait, what are you talking about-“
”-I don’t have time to explain, just get me the agent in charge.”
Frank nodded and dialed a number on his phone. After a few seconds, someone answered. Frank said a few words to whoever was on the other end then closed his phone.
“Alright, John Mcintosh is on his way.” Frank said as he replaced the phone in his pocket.
“Good. We need to shut down the entry ways into the building-“
”-Wait, wait, Nick, this is the U.S. Capitol, we can’t just shut it down on a whim. And the State of the Union address is tonight, there’s no way we’ll be able to shut this place down in time.”
Nick knew he was right. He glanced anxiously around the hall for any sign of Mcintosh.
“What time is the address?” He asked.
“It’s set to start around 8.”
“Ok, we have twenty minutes to find this woman.” He held up his PDA so Frank and Sarah could see the image of Alexa Dressler clearly.
Sarah stared for a moment then looked at Nick. “Isn’t she-“
Nick shook his head. “As of an hour ago, she’s alive.”
7:45:04
Behind the Senate Hall, Washington, D.C.-
President Charles Davis sat on the small couch situated at the back of the waiting room. His throat was still dry even after downing three large glasses of water. He was a good public speaker, but these speeches always made him nervous. And he also new this speech would make a lot of people around the District angry.
Gus Tucker sat cross legged across from the couch. Light was streaming in through an open window near them and he could make out the thin silhouette of the President.
Tucker knew better then to bother the President in time like this. He knew he was going through his own way of preparing for the biggest speech of his presidency. Tucker also knew the impact of this speech. He knew what it would mean for the intelligence agencies. The President would receive a lot of criticism after tonight, and a lot of opposition. But, his hope was to gain support in the Senate. He knew most of the party would back him, but it was the Senate majority he wished to convince.
“We should get going Sir,” Tucker said cautiously.
Davis nodded and stood from the couch. “Showtime,” he said winking.
7:53:28
Senate Hall, Washington, D.C.-
Senator Richard Harris sat slightly relaxed at his chair inside the Senate chambers. Beside him sat Senator Morgan Stanley. Both were on the front lines of the new Bill the President was trying to get made into law. And both had a lot to lose.
“Hello Richard,” a voice said cheerfully from behind him.
Harris turned and saw the short figure of Senator Charles Logan standing beside him.
“Oh, hello Charles. How are you?”
Logan smiled awkwardly. “I’m doing very well. I hear you’re trying to get the President’s Bill passed. You think that’s a wise course of action, what, seeing as the intelligence community practically runs this city?”
Harris frowned. He had a strong dislike for Logan. He couldn’t figure out why, but there was just something about him he didn’t like. “I happen to agree with the President’s decision. And as far as I’m concerned, the Senate run’s this country.”
Logan shrugged. “We’ll see how it plays out.” He left Harris and continued down the aisle to his seat. Morgan turned to him.
“I take it Logan expressed his distaste for the President’s new Bill.”
Harris scoffed. “You know Charles. Always has to get his two cents in.”
Morgan sighed. “Let’s hope he’s never President, or we’re all in trouble.”
7:58:29
Above the Senate Hall, Washington, D.C.-
Alexa Dressler was nearly complete assembling her camera. She had hidden the barrel of the .54 Sniper rifle in the lining of the bag. The clasp was hidden inside the fake camera’s interior, while the remaining body and bullet were dispersed inside the remaining parts of the camera. It wasn’t an easy task, but she had managed the hard part of eluding security. She watched as a man entered the small booth and stopped next to her.
“Is everything ready?” The man said in a thick Eastern European accent. A press badge dangling from his breast pocket.
She turned to him and handed him the camera. “It is now.”
7:59:23
Outside the Senate Hall, Washington, D.C.-
Nick Watkins raced down the hall as John Mcintosh approached, three Secret Service agents at his heels. Mcintosh was the stereotypical Secret Service agent. Tall, broad shouldered, and a demeaning face. He had been head of the Secret Service for nearly ten years, served under three presidents. He hated other agencies butting into his business, especially CTU. He also knew Nick Watkins. Word spread quickly through the District about Watkins antics.
“I checked with our door agents. They said no one entered without a badge.” Mcintosh said immediately.
“Did you give your men the photo I showed you?” Nick asked anxiously.
Mcintosh gave him an annoyed nod. “Yes, I showed it to a few, but it’s not necessary, my men are good at what they do agent Watkins. They wouldn’t have let anyone in without proper identification.”
“I know that agent Mcintosh, but she may have gained access to a fake badge.”
“Look agent Watkins, no one entered this building illegally. There are no terrorists here.”
Suddenly, one of Mcintosh’s men appeared from nowhere, carrying a piece of paper.
“Sir,” he said breathlessly. “We matched this photo to a woman who entered the building twenty minutes ago.”
Nick grabbed the picture and saw the frame of Alexa Dressler walking past a security checkpoint near the rear entrance to the Senate Hall. She was carrying a large camera case.
“Jesus,” he whispered to himself.
“What?” The agent asked.
“She smuggled a weapon in. We have to find her, NOW!”
EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME
7:00:02
CTU Headquarters, Washington, D.C.-
Jack Grayson closed the door to the situations room and turned on the large overhead screen above the table. Instantly, the face of Nicole Spencer appeared. Her sharp eyes bore into him.
“What is it Jack?” She said sharply, getting right to the point. The one thing Grayson did like about Nicole Spencer was her no-bullshit attitude.
“I got a call from Theo Kontos over in Langley. He’s on his way here. He say’s he has disturbing news about one of my agents.”
“Yes, I’m aware. He called me an hour ago.”
Grayson held back his surprise. “Why wasn’t I informed?”
Nicole brushed back her hair and spoke directly into the camera. “Theo didn’t want to tell you right away. If the information we have is true then-“
”-what information?”
Nicole frowned at being interrupted. “The Director will inform you when he arrives. In the mean time, I don’t want you speaking with Watkins, not until you’ve spoken with Kontos, understood?”
Grayson hated being told what to do, especially when it concerned one of his own agents, but he held his tongue.
“Very well.”
“Thank you. I’ll be in touch.” The image disappeared. Grayson stood where he was, trying to formulate his next move. He could warn Nick, but then he would surely be fired. He put his hand on his temple and sighed. Just then, Andrea Welsh entered the room.
“Excuse me Sir, but Director Kontos has just arrived.”
7:06:03
Constitution Avenue heading east, Washington, D.C.-
The U.S. Capitol loomed ahead in a mass of white and gold painted against a pitch black sky. To the left, the capitol district of Washington glowed in the night sky.
Nick Watkins pulled his PDA from his suit pocket and turned it on. He then dialed his cell phone, which was mounted on the dashboard in front of him.
“What’s up?” Sarah asked curiously as Nick dialed CTU.
“I saw someone at the gala but I didn’t get a very good look. I want Andrea to pull up the surveillance tapes of the hall.”
Sarah scoffed at Andrea’s name. Nick ignored her and waited as the phone dialed CTU. After two rings, Andrea Welsh’s voice crackled out of the phone.
“CTU, Welsh,” she said quickly.
“Andrea, it’s Nick. I need you to do me a favor.”
Andrea paused for a moment then spoke. “Sure, what do you need?”
“I want you to run through the Watergate security camera’s and find the identity of a women for me. She’s about 5 feet, short brown hair and green eyes. I only got a glimpse of her face but I know I’ve seen her before. Run the tapes between 6:30 and 7:00. Call me when you have a name.” He hung up.
“Are you sure this isn’t a wild goose chase?” Sarah asked staring ahead at the approaching capitol building.
“I hope it is.”
Nick steered the SUV up along the edge of the large circle enveloping the front of the capitol building. Already, media trucks and global news corporations were spilling into the building. The front, however, looked fairly empty.
Nick parked along the edge of the road overlooking the Washington Monument.
“What are we doing, I thought we were heading back to CTU?” Sarah said confused.
“I want to see how things are going here,” Nick said, already walking towards the lit up capitol.
7:11:14
CTU Headquarters, Washington, D.C.-
Theo Kontos sat rigid in front of Jack Grayson’s desk. He had said little since entering the small office overlooking the heart of CTU D.C.
“Alright Theo, what’s this all about? You said you have some news concerning one of my agents?”
Theo cleared his throat and opened his small leather briefcase. He layed out documents across Jack Grayson’s already messy desk.
“These documents prove Nick Watkins is involved in some kind of plot against the President of the United States and the U.S. government.”
Grayson let out a surprised laugh. “Theo, are you serious? Are we talking about the same Nick Watkins?”
Kontos remained stoic. He opened up one of the envelopes and handed it to Grayson. Grayson eyed Kontos, then gazed at the photos. His face sunk.
“What is this?” Grayson asked, throwing the photos back on the desk.
“This is evidence against Watkins involvement with known assassins here in the U.S.”
“This is absurd ” Grayson yelled across the desk. “Where did you get these photos?”
“My sources are confidential-“
”Bullshit ” Grayson was standing now. “This is all insane. Nick Watkins working with terrorists That man has put his life on the line more then once to stop them, why would he be working with them?”
“Listen Jack, I don’t like this anymore then you, but these photos are real, and my sources are real, now I want Nick Watkins brought in for questioning immediately.”
Grayson knew his back was against a wall. He couldn’t ignore the photos on his desk, or the fact his boss wanted Watkins to be questioned.
“There’s even more to this Jack. Believe me, I didn’t want to believe it either, but I have know choice.”
“What’s in the documents?”
Theo stood and picked up the skewed documents off the desk. “Just bank records, telephone calls-“
”You mean more incriminating evidence?”
Theo nodded.
Grayson rubbed the stubble on his chin. He looked wearily down at the Bullpen. Only a few analysts were in past six. He could see Andrea Welsh working at her station. A few other agents walked by tending to there assigned tasks. Grayson looked back at Kontos.
“I’ll bring him in.”
7:24:33
U.S. Capitol building, Washington, D.C.-
Nick Watkins walked slowly across the large foyer leading towards the outer room of the Senate Hall. Nick always admired the art work that adorned the walls of the Capitol. He loved the beauty and tradition of the building. He had only been inside the walls of the Capitol twice, both times he made it a point to visit the Senate Hall. Being a Federal agent did have it’s perks.
“Agent Nick Watkins, CTU,” he said immediately after entering the large Senate wing. The room was bustling with anticipation for the upcoming state of the union address. The media had taken over the entire wing. News men and women were speaking quickly into the camera’s.
“There’s another one of you here,” the agent said, pointing over to a hallway leading off of the main wing.
Nick and Sarah walked casually down the marble hallway, examining the art work and decor.
Finally, they arrived at the end of the hallway. A security guard was sitting at a small table, on which Nick recognized a hand held metal detector.
They both flashed there badges and proceeded on. Nick saw Frank standing a few yards ahead talking with one of the agents in charge. He stopped talking and turned to Nick.
“Grayson didn’t say anything about you two coming here.”
The Secret Service agent left the three of them to talk.
Nick spoke when he was a distance away, “he doesn’t know we’re here.” Frank nodded as if expecting he would say that. “How have things been here?” Nick continued.
“Nothing out of the ordinary. We did a perimeter check, sent the dogs through. It’s the capitol, probably the safest, most secure building in the city next to the White House.”
Sarah had wandered off and was glancing down the hallway.
“How was the gala?” Frank asked finally.
Nick scoffed. “As good as any rich banquet can be.”
Nick’s phone chirped in his pocket. “Excuse me,” he said, walking off down the hallway slightly. “Watkins,” he said after pressing the phone to his ear.
“Nick, it’s Andrea. I got a shot of that woman.”
Nick glanced around him. Frank was were he had left him, only now he was discussing something with Sarah. “Go ahead.”
“Well, I ran through all the reception hall videos, and I only got a few partial shots. But when I checked the tapes on the outside of the building, I got a money shot. I sent the photo to your PDA, it should be coming up now.” Nick reached into his suit pocket and pulled out his PDA. A new image had popped up. Nick stared at the new image in his hand. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
“Do you know her?” Andrea’s voice asked over the phone.
Nick took a deep breath and answered. “Yeah...I killed her two years ago.”
7:37:56
Outside the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.-
Alexa Dressler made her way through the media hoard that was gathered around the side entrance to the Senate Wing. She flashed her press badge numerous times as she passed through security. She carried her small camera bag through the metal detectors at the entrance to the wing.
“Hold up ma’am,” a Secret Service agent said, reaching for her bag. She handed it to him casually.
“Is there a problem?” She said smiling at him. The man fumbled the bag.
“No, but standard procedure, have to check all bags.” He smiled back at her.
“Well, don’t worry. Just my camera and make-up in there. No bombs.”
They both laughed. The man fingered through quickly and closed the bag.
“Thank you Ms...?”
She took the bag from him and leaned closer. “Ms. Nartina,” she said smoothly, letting the name hang in the air. The man nodded and watched as she hurried down the hallway towards the Senate Wing.
7:40:45
U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.-
Nick Watkins hurried towards Frank and Sarah. They stopped talking when they saw him approaching.
“What’s wrong? Frank said anxiously has Nick stopped in front of him.
“We may have a security breach. I need to speak with the agent in charge.”
“Wait, what are you talking about-“
”-I don’t have time to explain, just get me the agent in charge.”
Frank nodded and dialed a number on his phone. After a few seconds, someone answered. Frank said a few words to whoever was on the other end then closed his phone.
“Alright, John Mcintosh is on his way.” Frank said as he replaced the phone in his pocket.
“Good. We need to shut down the entry ways into the building-“
”-Wait, wait, Nick, this is the U.S. Capitol, we can’t just shut it down on a whim. And the State of the Union address is tonight, there’s no way we’ll be able to shut this place down in time.”
Nick knew he was right. He glanced anxiously around the hall for any sign of Mcintosh.
“What time is the address?” He asked.
“It’s set to start around 8.”
“Ok, we have twenty minutes to find this woman.” He held up his PDA so Frank and Sarah could see the image of Alexa Dressler clearly.
Sarah stared for a moment then looked at Nick. “Isn’t she-“
Nick shook his head. “As of an hour ago, she’s alive.”
7:45:04
Behind the Senate Hall, Washington, D.C.-
President Charles Davis sat on the small couch situated at the back of the waiting room. His throat was still dry even after downing three large glasses of water. He was a good public speaker, but these speeches always made him nervous. And he also new this speech would make a lot of people around the District angry.
Gus Tucker sat cross legged across from the couch. Light was streaming in through an open window near them and he could make out the thin silhouette of the President.
Tucker knew better then to bother the President in time like this. He knew he was going through his own way of preparing for the biggest speech of his presidency. Tucker also knew the impact of this speech. He knew what it would mean for the intelligence agencies. The President would receive a lot of criticism after tonight, and a lot of opposition. But, his hope was to gain support in the Senate. He knew most of the party would back him, but it was the Senate majority he wished to convince.
“We should get going Sir,” Tucker said cautiously.
Davis nodded and stood from the couch. “Showtime,” he said winking.
7:53:28
Senate Hall, Washington, D.C.-
Senator Richard Harris sat slightly relaxed at his chair inside the Senate chambers. Beside him sat Senator Morgan Stanley. Both were on the front lines of the new Bill the President was trying to get made into law. And both had a lot to lose.
“Hello Richard,” a voice said cheerfully from behind him.
Harris turned and saw the short figure of Senator Charles Logan standing beside him.
“Oh, hello Charles. How are you?”
Logan smiled awkwardly. “I’m doing very well. I hear you’re trying to get the President’s Bill passed. You think that’s a wise course of action, what, seeing as the intelligence community practically runs this city?”
Harris frowned. He had a strong dislike for Logan. He couldn’t figure out why, but there was just something about him he didn’t like. “I happen to agree with the President’s decision. And as far as I’m concerned, the Senate run’s this country.”
Logan shrugged. “We’ll see how it plays out.” He left Harris and continued down the aisle to his seat. Morgan turned to him.
“I take it Logan expressed his distaste for the President’s new Bill.”
Harris scoffed. “You know Charles. Always has to get his two cents in.”
Morgan sighed. “Let’s hope he’s never President, or we’re all in trouble.”
7:58:29
Above the Senate Hall, Washington, D.C.-
Alexa Dressler was nearly complete assembling her camera. She had hidden the barrel of the .54 Sniper rifle in the lining of the bag. The clasp was hidden inside the fake camera’s interior, while the remaining body and bullet were dispersed inside the remaining parts of the camera. It wasn’t an easy task, but she had managed the hard part of eluding security. She watched as a man entered the small booth and stopped next to her.
“Is everything ready?” The man said in a thick Eastern European accent. A press badge dangling from his breast pocket.
She turned to him and handed him the camera. “It is now.”
7:59:23
Outside the Senate Hall, Washington, D.C.-
Nick Watkins raced down the hall as John Mcintosh approached, three Secret Service agents at his heels. Mcintosh was the stereotypical Secret Service agent. Tall, broad shouldered, and a demeaning face. He had been head of the Secret Service for nearly ten years, served under three presidents. He hated other agencies butting into his business, especially CTU. He also knew Nick Watkins. Word spread quickly through the District about Watkins antics.
“I checked with our door agents. They said no one entered without a badge.” Mcintosh said immediately.
“Did you give your men the photo I showed you?” Nick asked anxiously.
Mcintosh gave him an annoyed nod. “Yes, I showed it to a few, but it’s not necessary, my men are good at what they do agent Watkins. They wouldn’t have let anyone in without proper identification.”
“I know that agent Mcintosh, but she may have gained access to a fake badge.”
“Look agent Watkins, no one entered this building illegally. There are no terrorists here.”
Suddenly, one of Mcintosh’s men appeared from nowhere, carrying a piece of paper.
“Sir,” he said breathlessly. “We matched this photo to a woman who entered the building twenty minutes ago.”
Nick grabbed the picture and saw the frame of Alexa Dressler walking past a security checkpoint near the rear entrance to the Senate Hall. She was carrying a large camera case.
“Jesus,” he whispered to himself.
“What?” The agent asked.
“She smuggled a weapon in. We have to find her, NOW!”