The End of the Beginning

“Rescue Officer Nancy Lewis speaking. How may I help you, Captain?”

“Morning, Rescue Officer. I was wondering if we could speak in person together about something.”

“Of course, sir, would you like to meet in your office? You still have not been in it.”

“As much as I would like to let’s meet somewhere else, somewhere more out of the way. I rather not discuss it over the comms but…” “Is everything alright, sir?”

“That’s what you’re going to help me find out, Rescue Officer.”

“So, why are we on the seawall, sir?” asked Nancy, trying to speak over the sound of the forceful breeze.

“I come here to be alone sometimes, to think, to talk. It’s private, away from the base,” explained William.

“Why should we be away from it?” Nancy asked, concern growing in her voice.

“It’s better if we’re out here for this conversation. I’m sure you have heard all about Rescue Officer Samir Mamedov, my team member, and his suicide.” “Yes, of course. I’m very sorry about that.”

“Thank you. It was sudden but…” William grimly looked out to sea, “but something was wrong about it. Do you know anything about the incident?” “No, not really, sir. I heard about it pretty quickly but I don’t really know any details. What was… wrong, about it, as you say?” William leaned over the railing and took a moment to himself as to whether or not to tell Nancy what he believed.

“Lewis, I think someone is trying to hide something about his suicide. I think Samir was a part of something much bigger than himself and he wanted out. Someone seemed to be controlling him and was under such pressure that…” “He jumped…” finished Nancy.

“Yes, he jumped right in front of me, four stories to concrete.”

Nancy rested against the railing, staring out over the waves looking to be scrutinizing what she knew. Some spray was making its way up to where they were standing on the wall near the east seagate, making a misty rainbow in the sunlight whenever it brushed up from the breakers.

“I need your objective help Rescue Officer Lewis,” William pleaded. “Samir said things before he jumped that make me cringe to this day. He wanted my help and I’m going to give it to him. He wanted us to uncover something. Right now, I don’t really have anyone on my side with this. It’s me against the brass,” pleaded William.

“What do you want from me, sir?”

“Your good with computers, aren’t you?”

“Was the top of my class, sir,” Nancy boasted. “I help to maintain the base’s automated maintenance and performance systems. I can tell you anything that happens within these walls.” “Anything?” William said, raising an eyebrow.

“Pretty sure,” Nancy shrugged her shoulders. “I helped design some of the bases systems. I can probably break through whatever is running in those fiber optics in no time at all.” “No time at all? So, like, what, we talking a few hours or…”

Nancy shook her head. “A few minutes.”

William nodded. “Good.” He looked at her and realized her utility was something he could utilize all the time and thought of just the place it would best serve. “In return for doing this, I would like to offer you a position with my team,” he said, touching his squadron patch on his shoulder.

Nancy covered her mouth with her hands. “Oh, my. Sir, that would be incredible. As much as I like it here on base the field is really where I want to work. A position with your squadron would be a dream.” “It’s a deal then.”