Murphy used the folding knife in his hand to cut the rope suspending him, quickly running out of the warehouse to look around. Not finding Swagger as he'd hoped, he used the phone in his pocket to call the FBI for help.
Soon, an FBI team conducting a search for Swagger in southern Philadelphia received orders to head to the abandoned dock. They found a visibly shaken Nick Murphy, and after leaving a few agents to survey the scene, the others rushed him back to the Philadelphia headquarters.
As soon as Howard, the Philadelphia FBI director, heard of Murphy's safe return, he asked immediately, "Tell me what happened. Why was there an attempt on your life? Were those three killed by Swagger? And why would Swagger save you?"
Back at the FBI office, Murphy finally let his guard down after remaining tense for so long, only to feel an overwhelming fatigue that left him slumping on the office couch. With his thoughts still scattered, he muttered, "The person who saved me had to be Swagger. Those three men trying to kill me were all taken out from long range, so it has to be him. I can't think of anyone else who would save me."
Murphy then handed Howard a disc, documents on the three Black Bear mercenaries, and a phone. "Swagger must want me to give you these. And as for the attempt on my life—maybe it's because I uncovered why Archbishop Desmond was assassinated."
Howard took the items, handing the disc to one of his agents. "Play this immediately."
The agent quickly inserted the disc into the player. The video revealed Murphy's car being hit, his capture, interrogation, and the suicide setup they'd tried to place on him, and how two mercenaries intending to kill him were each taken out with a single shot.
"Sir, our on-site agents report that the bullets came from over 200 meters away. Three people were found dead at the abandoned dock, all hit either in the head or the back—each with a single shot."
At this point, it was almost impossible for the agents in the office to believe that anyone other than Swagger could have fired those shots, given the timing and precision.
Another FBI agent entered, holding a document, and handed it to Howard. "Sir, I just checked the database. All three of the deceased were affiliated with Black Bear Claw Security Company. However, when I reached out to Black Bear, they denied any current employment, only admitting these men were former employees."
Howard reviewed the document, shaking his head. "It's impossible to catch them with this. These mercenary contractors always resign before carrying out any dirty jobs."
"Still, it's not a total dead end. Keep a close watch on Black Bear Claw Security and all of its employees. From now on, I want to know the whereabouts of every current and former Black Bear contractor in the United States. I don't believe they'd let Swagger roam free without taking action. The moment we catch them slipping up, we'll act."
"Yes, sir. I'll report this to headquarters," an agent responded, leaving the office.
Howard looked at Murphy, who was lying on the couch. "Have you rested enough, Murphy? Now tell me what evidence you found that would make those hyenas, who only care about money, target you."
"Alright." Murphy sipped some coffee, finally beginning to regain his composure. He was just about to explain his recent discoveries and experiences when—
Crack! A sharp sound of breaking glass echoed through the office, followed by the clatter of shards hitting the ground.
Murphy, who had just stood up, collapsed without a word, a bullet hole visible on his forehead.
Howard, sprawled on the floor, stared in shock at Murphy's body nearby, struggling to contain his rage.
Within two hours, the entire U.S. FBI seemed to have gone into a frenzy investigating Black Bear Claw. After almost two days, though, they found several irregularities, but all occurred outside the U.S. Black Bear Claw's domestic operations were entirely clean, making it appear more law-abiding than any private military contractor in the country. Unfortunately, the FBI lacked jurisdiction to investigate activities in other nations, leaving them helpless against Black Bear Claw's international dealings.
This scrutiny left Colonel Johnson in a difficult position; aside from his two closest operatives, he suddenly found himself short on reliable hands.
By taking the risk to eliminate Murphy, who knew too much, Johnson realized his time to take out Swagger was running out. If the assassination of President Benjamin Arthur remained unresolved, Johnson feared that the elusive Swagger might go public with information about Archbishop Desmond.
After much consideration, Johnson decided he had to bring in reinforcements from outside the U.S., although he lacked the authority to make such a move on his own. Reluctantly, he decided he would need to meet with his backer.
Turning to his aide, he instructed, "Get a plane ready. I need to meet with Senator Charles Meen."
"Understood."
This news brought a cheer from Brian's team, who had been keeping tabs on Johnson. Their plan to drag the FBI into this was finally bearing fruit. Following William's instructions, they now had the lead they needed.
Brian called out to Bernie in the driver's seat, "Let's go! We're heading to Washington."
"Got it, boss."
Two hours later, at 5:30 a.m. in Washington, still before dawn, Johnson finally met Senator Charles Meen near Lincoln Square after nearly 40 minutes of waiting.
A few hundred meters away, Brian and his team sat in a large SUV, watching as Sam controlled the Black Hawk drone, monitoring the meeting between Johnson and Senator Meen.
Fortunately, Philadelphia was only about 200 kilometers from Washington, and the early hour allowed them to reach the city only twenty minutes after Johnson, who had flown in.
Seeing Johnson's exhausted expression, Charles Meen's face darkened. "I'm beginning to doubt whether putting you in charge of this operation was a mistake."
"Think what you will. But remember, we didn't slaughter that village just for the oil pipeline."
Senator Meen froze for a split second before Johnson smirked. "I'm here because I need two planes with special clearance. One to bring in 24 of our men from Ethiopia, and the other to pick up Bob Lee Swagger's father in London and bring him back to the U.S."
Hearing the plan to bring in Swagger's father, Senator Meen's expression softened into a smirk. "Only 24?"
"I expect to hear that Swagger's been dealt with the next time we meet," Meen said sharply, glaring at Johnson. "Don't make me clean up after you again. Do you realize the lengths I had to go to resolve the issue of you openly killing an FBI agent?"
"Don't act like I'm unaware that Cynthia Wilkes, the FBI deputy director, is one of ours. One way or another, I guarantee someone will be held accountable for the President's assassination attempt."
"And how do you intend to ensure that?"
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! Only $5 per novel or $15 for all!!] [[email protected]/Mutter]
[+50 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[+5 Reviews = +1 Extra Chapter]