Tick Tock:Five

A special task force was assembled outside of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  After the Boston Bombing, the trust level among law enforcement agencies at the federal level plummeted. So the Justice Department convened this group.  They had more than enough evidence now.  The video tapes along would be a slam dunk.

Among the charges include hiding evidence, laundering money, graft and a myriad of other counts.

Kelli wasn’t much interested in the legal mumbo jumbo.  She agreed to do her part but preferred to be left out of the legalese. 

The task force moved at record time.  Within a month, Kelli and Paddy were en route to Washington, D.C. to the federal courthouse there.  Kelli was a mere recipient of the evidence.  It spoke for itself. 

As their plane landed on the runway at Reagan National Airport, a half dozen black sedans encircled the plane which was off to the side of the tarmac.  Under heavy guard, Kelli was whisked into one.  Several Kelli-like decoys were hired, all in flack jackets to ensure their safety. Their likeness was astonishing.

She was placed into a safe house near court for a 10 a.m. hearing.  Paddy moved into a professional mode, keeping their new relationship quiet and professional now.  This worried Kelli as she had just begun to trust again.  Then a knock came at the door to her hotel room.  Paddy was next door.  With another safe, pass-through.

“Can you open the door, Kelli?”

Slowly the door opened and a hesitant Kelli tilted her head around.  She had already checked the peephole and knew Paddy was behind it.

“Are you mad at me or something?”

“No, just bare with me a bit.  Once the trial is over,  at least your testimony, we can be together.”

He wrapped his arms in a warm bear hung around her.  Held her tight for five minutes.  Then kissed her forehead, and her cheek.  Then her lips.

Softness abounded.

“I want you here with me.”

“Soon, honey.  Soon,” he said.

Her signature smile returned to her lips.  A month together was like a lifetime.
Love was coming softly.