The caller ID gave her a few seconds’ pause. “Sandra Vos,” she eventually answered. Formal, yet dropping her professional title.
“Thank goodness I was able to reach you. It’s Lieutenant Coleman with the MPD.”
The Metropolitan Police lieutenant was yet another reminder of last month’s crisis incident. He was the team leader. “How are you, Neal?”
“Been better. Listen, there’s an incident, and we need you here immediately.”
Sandra bristled at his demand, but it was also a cause for concern. Neal wasn’t the type of man to boss people around, let alone someone who didn’t report to him. His calling directly was also highly unusual. Not exactly protocol. As a member of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit, when her services wererequired, it was done through the proper channels. That meant that Sandra’s boss, Elwood Rowe, the assistant director of the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group, should be the one on the phone with her right now. But he wouldn’t be because she’d booked this week off and every Wednesday since Margo’s health scare into the foreseeable future. All because Sandra was reminded yet again of how fragile life could be. “You’d have no reason to know this, but I’ve cut back my hours. The MPD has many capable negotiators who I’m sure can help you.”
“I realize this isn’t how a request like this is typically handled,” Neal added.
She could sense abutcoming and held her breath.
“But I didn’t see a way around it. The thing is, the hostage taker requested you, or more specifically the lead negotiator from the Founders Hospital incident last month. He said he wouldn’t talk to anyone else. The lives of five people are at stake, including two children.”
His last statement dangled like a baited hook, and Sandra bit. “Tell me where to go.”
THREE
10:30 AM
Sandra was still spinning from what Neal told her. The Hanson family was being held hostage in their home, a place where they should feel safe. Where they shouldbesafe. They certainly had enough money to pay for the best protection as one of the wealthiest families in DC. Had a weak spot in their security led to this?
She stopped in at the Washington Field Office, or the WFO, where she was assigned, before she made her way to the crisis incident.
After she filled in her boss, Elwood leaned forward. “On your week off, and you’re going? I don’t think there’s anyone as dedicated as you are.”
“What am I supposed to do? Turn Lieutenant Coleman away? The hostage taker requested me.”And five lives are on the line…
“You’re a good one, Sandra.”
She let her boss’s praise wash over her. “If I can help, it’s where I’m meant to be.” With that, she left his office and pulled out of the parking garage with a government sedan.
On the drive to the Hanson house, she decided she’d made the right decision leaving the family name out of her briefing toElwood. It carried weight, and she didn’t want it exerting undue influence. Namely, having Elwood insisting that the FBI take over.
She presented her FBI credentials to the MPD officer at the barricade at the end of the street. It was to prevent vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It would also keep the press out for which Sandra was grateful. They often had a way of complicating crisis incidents. Though when it leaked the Hansons were being held hostage, the news would spread like wildfire.
The officer took a long, scrutinizing look at her badge. “Just go to the end of the street. You won’t be able to miss everyone.”
“Thanks.” She put the window back up and advanced slowly.
Ahead of her, the lights on a few police cruisers flashed in silent testimony to the dire situation underway. What was an ordinary Wednesday morning for most was a living hell for the people inside.
Upon spotting the mobile command vehicle, or MCV, on the road in front of a gated driveway, her mind served up memories of spending twelve hours inside it last month. The recollections also resurrected the failings from the day, but she couldn’t allow herself to get buried under by them. That was then. This was now.
She parked near the curb a couple of houses down and texted Olivia to let her know she was called to a crisis incident and might not make it home for dinner. A reply came quickly.
Thought you were off this week
Man makes plans and…
Funny
Sandra was in the middle of putting her phone away when another text came in.
Be safe xo
Will do. Xo
