Two Days Later, Mark Center

  The air in the hearing room crackled with tension, a palpable weight pressing down on Seven’s shoulders as he sat alongside Kimi. Behind them were numerous somber faces, each bearing witness to the gravity of the proceedings.

  At the front sat a panel of intimidating officials: Jonathan Sherman, Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense; Maj. General Laurence Fergusson, Commanding Officer of the Special Forces; and General Felix Bigbee, Commander of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

  As the hearing commenced, Hunter Bourne, the Special Agent in Charge, was called upon to provide the panel with a detailed account of Seven’s violations before handing the floor over to Carl Herod.

  “Thank you, SAIC Bourne. Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Assistant Chief of the ISB, Carl Herod. I oversee special investigations for the FCPD. Today, I’m here regarding a breakthrough in our case that requires urgent, interagency cooperation involving Colonel Seven.”

  Then, pivoting to Katherine, Carl called, “Lead Detective Kavanagh will provide the specifics and necessary context.”

  “Thank you, Chief,” Katherine began, her demeanor composed, professional. “Commanders, I’d like to shed light on the web of circumstances surrounding Colonel Seven’s recent actions and their subsequent connection to our ongoing sting operation.”

  She paused, letting her words settle before delving into the details. Before concluding her account, Katherine urged, “Given the complex nature of this case and the imminent threat posed by the suspect, I implore the panel to approve the interagency collaboration.

  “It is crucial that Colonel Seven can continue his undercover work unhindered. The information and evidence gathered could be pivotal in apprehending and bringing the perpetrator to justice.”

  As Katherine’s remarks sank in, the officials exchanged silent glances, each absorbed in thought. Sherman leaned forward, his expression unreadable as he addressed Seven directly.

  “Colonel, can you provide more details? Specifically, your involvement in the undercover operation?”

  Seven straightened in his seat, meeting the CIO’s eyes squarely. “Yes, sir,” he responded crisply. “As Detective Kavanagh mentioned earlier, I’ve been working at Data Dynamics, posing as the victim’s replacement to draw out the suspect.

  “Since I joined Data Dynamics, the company suffered a cyberattack by Heister, one of the top ten hackers on the Dark Web. Unfortunately, there was no way to prove who hired Heister because I thwarted the attack; he didn’t receive a payout.

  “Later, at a ceremony that I hosted, the suspect approached me and brazenly tried to recruit me to help him develop an untraceable digital casino chip to subvert financial regulations.

  “I ignored him, but through the victim’s compromised secretary, the suspect showed up at Data Dynamics and demanded I collaborate with him. He threatened that if I didn’t comply with his demands, he’d target other members of Data Dynamics or my loved ones.

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  “He gave me a week to decide. However, pending the outcome of my disciplinary hearing, I’ve avoided going into the office, using a business trip as cover. The suspect then sent his men to surveil my home to confirm that I wasn’t hiding from him.

  “I also recorded our conversation as evidence of his proposition and threats. The recording is in this USB. You’re welcome to review the evidence,” Seven explained as he handed the USB to SAIC Bourne.

  At this juncture, Fergusson interjected, “Colonel, although I can understand that you made a judgment call in the critical moment to save the civilian, I’d like to know why you subsequently helped her in your capacity as an undercover agent.”

  Seven paused, choosing his words carefully. “Sir, as the victim’s caregiver, I became privy to the ongoing case and game plays.

  “Initially, the plan was to deploy her bodyguard as a decoy to lure the suspect out. However, while she’s able to disguise herself to look like the victim, she cannot carry herself as a tech executive. This is a recipe for disaster.

  “Since I have the technical expertise, I volunteered to be the victim’s replacement.”

  As Seven’s explanation hung in the air, Fergusson pressed him further. “You said you’re the victim’s caregiver? Why did you offer her medical care after her discharge? Were you or are you being paid for your services? And why did you also tender your resignation?”

  Seven took a breath, steadying himself before replying, “Sir, if you recall from SAIC Bourne’s report, I also performed surgery on another victim from that attack.

  “He was initially treated by three trauma specialists at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus. Unfortunately, that intervention partially failed, resulting in his paralysis from the waist down. I reviewed his condition and chose to operate on him.

  “Since I’m on authorized leave for six months, I thought I could use this time to help the victim regain mobility through regular acupuncture and physiotherapy post-op. He is a former Special Forces soldier, only 40 years old, with two young children. Both victims and I currently live under the same roof, so I can render the treatments they need.

  “For the record, I did not receive any payment for treating the two victims. I did all these willingly, abiding by my Hippocratic oath as a doctor.

  “As for why I tendered my resignation, it was my father’s dying wish. He wanted me to leave the service after his passing to look for my long-lost sister and to take care of her.”

  At this moment, SAIC Bourne rose from his seat, approached the three officials, and handed a folder over. “Sorry for the interruption. Commanders, I have some information pertinent to Colonel Seven’s hearing. Please take a look.”

  As they perused the materials, their expressions shifted. Then, Fergusson broke the uneasy silence.

  “Colonel, among the documents we have here are your bank records. Although there were no suspicious deposits, there was a recent sizable withdrawal. It was to redeem a mortgage loan for one Ms. Katherine Kavanagh. The name of the detective here today is also Katherine Kavanagh. Was Detective Kavanagh the beneficiary?”

  “Yes, sir,” came Seven’s concise reply.

  “Then please explain why you did such a thing,” Fergusson demanded.

  “Sir, Detective Kavanagh happens to be my long-lost sister. Her father, former General Killian Kavanagh, adopted me when I was four. We’d lost touch with her for many years; he asked me to leave the military after his passing to look for and take care of her on his behalf. It was a coincidence that I reconnected with her due to this case.

  “I paid off her mortgage after discovering she had bought an apartment a while ago. I decided to redeem her loan as a birthday gift.”

  “Your adoptive father was General Killian Kavanagh?” Fergusson asked, his tone betraying his surprise.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Detective Kavanagh, Killian and I go way back. We were coursemates and even did several tours and missions together when we were younger. He was an outstanding soldier. My condolences to you and Colonel Seven,” Fergusson mused, his voice carrying a tinge of melancholy.

  Despite the poignant moment, Sherman pressed on. “Colonel, since you’ve already found your sister, why did you still tender your resignation?”

  “Sir, remaining in the military would mean I might be deployed for tours of duty,” he said before adding, “I wouldn’t be able to take care of her then.”