Someone tapped on the acrylic window and both men turned around. Two women sitting in the boxcar behind them were grinning. “I recognize you,” one of them said to Maverick. “You’re the guy who saved all those hostages.”
Maverick shot them a smile. “How’re you ladies doin’ this morning?”
“We’re good,” said the second.
“Who’s your friend?” asked the first.
“This is my brother.”
“Oh, God, two from the same family.” She homed in on Sinclair. “Are you on social media?”
“Not if I can help it,” replied Sinclair, though his lips twitched in amusement.
“Have a good one,” Maverick said before facing forward.
“What’s wrong?” Sinclair asked. “You’re usually full of bravado.”
“I thought you’d want a turn.”
“I’m not the showman. You are.”
“Carly’s got me by the balls.”
“More sex?”
“No. She’s freezing me out.”
“She needs a helpful nudge in the right direction.” The monorail slowed and Sinclair stood. “Leave that to me.”
Maverick rose. “Carly won’t fall for your Jedi mind games.”
Sinclair flashed a devilish smile. “We’ll see about that.”
“Bye, boys,” said one of the women.
“Be good, ladies,” Maverick said as he and Sinclair exited the subway.
“I need to speak with someone, so follow this hallway to the end,” Sinclair said. “Turn left and take the third door on the right. No badge needed. I’ll see you in there.”
Maverick found himself in the back of the hearing room and made his way to the table.
The same intern zipped over. “Good to see you, Mr. Hott.” After pouring Maverick a glass of water, he flipped on the mic.
The committee members filed in. Now that Maverick had seen the real Internado, he knew that every other government official staring down at him was an irrelevant player. With his jaw set in a hard line, Maverick eyed the group.
Internado struck his gavel. “I call this hearing to order. This Senate Select Committee hearing is a continuation of our investigation into a recent mission undertaken by ThunderStrike, code named ‘The Twelve’.” Internado glared at Maverick. “Good morning, Mr. Hott.”
“Good morning,” Maverick replied, stone faced.
“Mr. Hott, the committee would like to acknowledge the good press you’ve received of late, especially with respect to your stopping the bomber who targeted Qualitation. Once again, the media labeled you an American hero.” The senator gazed around the room. “Unfortunately for you, government contracts are not awarded based on popularity contests.”
A light wave of laughter washed over the room. “It is the committee’s finding that you acted recklessly and in a way that was contrary to the government’s interest and agenda during the mission known as ‘The Twelve’.” As if punctuating his point with a pregnant pause, the senator sipped his water.
Bracing for the inevitable, Maverick steeled his spine.
“We’ve instructed all federal contracting officers to issue stop-work orders for all of your government contracts and to disqualify you for future awards.” With a smug expression, he added, “I suspect this action will also have a negative impact on your commercial business. Going forward, it’s the committee’s hope that you will follow the letter of the law and not behave like the maverick you believe yourself to be.”
Murmuring voices filled the packed room. Internado was throwing his authority around unchecked and Maverick was powerless to stop him.
