TONY HAD AN EERILY FAMILIAR FEELING when he woke up again in a hospital bed. Unlike the incident in Florida, far more was damaged than just his ego. His shoulder immediately began to ache, and he remembered being shot. He tried to think back to the garage, but he couldn’t. Hitting his head caused him to go blank for most of what had happened that day. When he woke up, almost a day after he went in for surgery to have the bullet removed from his shoulder, Lisa and Wilson were there in the room waiting for their boss to wake up.
“What the hell happened?” Tony called out.
“Well, you were shot first of all.” Wilson started.
“I was able to figure out that much?” Tony stated. He paused for a moment, “Was it Carter?”
“Doubtful.” Lisa answered as she moved closer. “Carter was shot as well.”
“Where is he?” Tony asked.
“He didn’t make it boss,” Wilson answered. “He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.”
“Do you know who did it?” Lisa quickly asked.
“I’m not sure,” Tony said as he felt his head with his hand. He looked around the room. “Where’s Bruce?”
“He was here for a while, but he left.” Wilson answered, “He was very upset over what happened to you and blamed himself for not backing you up. He was convinced that your lady friend from Hayden Industries had something to do with this, but the brass stepped in and sent him home. Turns out Ms. Black and all her employees have firm alibis for the shooting. There happened to be a big staff party the same day. Waiters, workers and even the caterer will acknowledge everyone was there. Bruce got upset and was sent home to cool off.”
Tony tried to sit up. “I can’t remember much but...”
“That will be enough.” A voiced called from the back of the room.
Everyone turned around to see that the director had arrived to check in on Tony.
“You two can head home for the day,” The director started, “You’re all on leave for the next few weeks, paid leave until we can sort this mess through.”
“Paid leave?” Wilson repeated.
“Consider it a bonus for a job well done.” The old man replied, “Now if you’ll excuse us, I need to speak with Special Agent Deacon alone.”
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Tony watched as Wilson and Lisa left the room without protest. He wasn’t willing to be so quiet.
“Sir,” Tony started, “I think Bruce was right. I think...”
“Agent Deacon,” The old man said, raising a hand to interrupt him. “The job is over. Your fugitive’s remains are in custody, and our nation is a safer place.”
“What about his work?” Tony asked, “The bag he brought with him?”
“What bag?” The director answered. “No bag was found at the scene with him, and we didn’t see any footage of him entering with it nor of anyone else leaving with it. You need to let it go, Tony. You’ve brought your man in like always. You’ve earned a few weeks off for a job well done.”
Tony knew what kind of bullshit was being heaved his way and it was easy to see why Bruce had become so upset. Tony on the other hand was in no shape to protest or argue about it.
“To be honest,” Tony started, “I don’t remember what happened, and that might be because I hit my head pretty hard when I fell down. Has forensics been able to figure anything out?”
“From what I’ve been told, it was Dr. Carter that attacked you.” The director began to explain, “He lunged at you and you both struggled for possession of your pistol. During the struggle, he fired a shot into your shoulder. After that I think you got the better of him and pumped him full of lead before hitting the ground and knocking yourself unconscious.”
“Wow,” Tony said without indicating his doubt, “I don’t remember any of that.”
“It’s all right Tony,” The old man said, patting him on his good shoulder. “We’re just happy you’ve managed to come through for us again. There are many at the Bureau who you’ve impressed greatly these last few months. You’ll have your pick of any position back at Quantico when you’re back on your feet. I guarantee it.”
Tony’s bullshit meter was off the charts, but he wasn’t in mood nor condition to put up any kind of a fight, for now. Instead, he chose to play dumb and just let the director get everything he wanted to say off his chest.
“Thank you very much, Sir,” Tony replied, “I look forward to getting back to work as soon as possible.”
“You’re very welcome, Tony.” The director said.
“What about my team?” Tony asked.
“They’re going to be well taken care of.” The old man replied. “I’ve giving them all a few weeks off to get over what’s happened. I’ve even decided to give Mr. Kern a full month considering how hard he’s taken your injury. I also realize he’s got some personal family issues that need attending to as well.”
“That’s awfully nice of you, Sir,” Tony admitted.
“It’s the least we could do,” The director answered. “Xavier Carter was a menace to society and a grave threat to society. This is the fourth time in two years I’ve had to adjust our most wanted list because of your efforts.”
“I aim to please,” Tony confessed.
“We are all very pleased, Agent Deacon.” The old man acknowledged, “You get some rest, and we’ll get you home as soon as possible. Try not to dwell on what’s happened. The important thing is Xavier Carter is dead and the world is a better place for it, all thanks to you. Take it easy kid and bask in your victory!”
The injured agent watched as his director left the room and suddenly things were quiet again. Tony knew what the director told was completely full of shit, but he didn’t feel like fighting anyone about it, especially since an effort was being made a lot higher up the food chain to sweep all of this under the rug. Tony knew a cover up when he saw one and he didn’t have the energy to fight it at this point. At least not yet, Tony thought to himself as he sat back in his bed and relaxed.