Free Infringement by Benjamin Westbrook Page A

to run both when I’m finished here. But, he followed her, watched her go inside, then he walked up to the front door. I think he got spooked when another car pulled into the complex and he bolted.”
    “So, he didn’t actually do anything?”
    “Other than follow her home? No.”
    “Do you know whether he, what’s his name again?”
    “David Stanton.”
    “Do you know whether Stanton knew the girl?”
    “No. At least not yet, but I’d like to look into it further and set up a full surveillance detail. Something just doesn’t seem right. I’d also like to see if you can contact someone at Homeland or the NSA and see about the SCI classification. Maybe see if we can get access under the circumstances.”
    “I tell you what, Parker. I’ll call a friend from Yale who’s now over at Homeland and see what I can find out about the SCI classification. I’ll do that today and see if there’s anything to it. In terms of a surveillance detail, in that you didn’t see Stanton really try anything, I think it’s premature at this point. At least until we get additional intel.”
    “Okay, but what if Stanton just got spooked last night and goes back tonight? He was definitely up to something; that I know.”
    “Maybe, but at this point you don’t know what. This girl could be an ex-girlfriend or a harmless infatuation he was trying to ask out, but chickened out at the last minute. He could just be some kind of pervert, or a peeping tom or something. I don’t think a full surveillance detail is justified at this stage. Let’s give it a few days and get some more information before we commit the man hours and Bureau resources.”
    “If that’s your decision, sir.”
    “It is.”
    “Can I at least continue to keep an eye on him, until you’ve had chance to speak with your friend and gather more intel?”
    “Of course, I’d expect nothing less.”
    “Thank you.”
    “But, take tonight off. If there is something there, I don’t want him to catch onto you and get spooked.”
    “I’ve been using different vehicles and locations.”
    “As I would expect, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t noticed. You did say you followed him outside of town and to this girl’s apartment last night, right?”
    “Right,” Declan answered.
    “Do you acknowledge the possibility that Stanton could have noticed you following him?”
    “I suppose, but I don’t think so.”
    “Regardless, brief Costello and take tonight off. We’ll touch base on this thing tomorrow after I’ve had a chance to talk with Homeland. Let’s say, 10:30.”
    “Will do, sir.”
    “Excellent. And, Parker, I’m serious about tonight. Costello will cover it, understood?”
    “Understood.”

Chapter 16
    December 22 nd
    Megan’s flight from D.C. had been delayed over an hour and wasn’t expected in until sometime closer to 7:30. Declan was a walking bundle of anticipation, which rendered him unable to just sit at home waiting for a reasonable time to head to the airport, so he left as if her flight was on time and figured he’d kill some time in the main terminal. At least he’d be there, and he was hopeful some diversion or other would occupy the time.
    Upon entering the airport, Declan immediately checked the Arrivals board only to discover Megan’s flight had somehow suffered an additional delay and wasn’t expected until 8:10. After browsing the various bookstores and sundry stores in the main terminal, Declan made his way to the “Runway Bar & Grill” and nabbed an empty seat at the crowded bar, which was bustling with holiday travelers.
    After a few minutes, one of the bartenders brought him a draft beer and put in his food order. Declan drank his beer and watched the news coverage on the latest escalation of events in the Middle East. Israel had begun exchanging heavy rocket fire and targeted air strikes with the Syrians, Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic State fighters operating just over the Jordanian border. The Israelis had suffered