Page 53 of Operation: Silent Angel
“Interpol has remained silent,” Shepherd said.
“That’s uncharacteristic,” Mac said.
Shepherd nodded. “They’re still following up on the in-house scandal of having one of their own involved with Ruiz. They asked for a few days before any of the other world’s police agencies hit them with any questions regarding the matter.”
“I’m sure they’re looking to see if they have any other bad actors in their ranks,” Mac said. “It may be long overdue for a housecleaning.”
“Time will tell,” Shepherd said.
Mac glanced around the table, unsure if he should ask his next question with everyone present or in private. Shepherd acknowledged him with a nod. “Has your agency experienced any blowback from engaging in this case?”
“No, we have not. I asked no one for permission, so I did not proceed without authorization, not that I needed it, but no one specifically told me to stand down.”
Cooper chuckled. “No one knew we were working on it.”
The corners of Shepherd’s lips tipped up, just slightly. “True.” Then his expression grew serious, and his gaze focused on Mac. “You, on the other hand, were told to stand down. I cannot tell you what ramifications may come your way for proceeding without authorization, but I don’t need to tell you that, I’m sure.”
“No,” Mac agreed. “And this mission was a success. We got more out of Ruiz than I hoped to, and Madison is right; even one child saved makes it worth it, even if that means I am permanently burned with Interpol.”
Shepherd nodded. “I’m sure most of you are aware that the next DVR Mission has been fast-tracked. Woods, Roth, Lambchop, and Mother will leave immediately to drive to Saint Louis.Saxton will be assigned to the Digital Team to provide assistance with the case, and Alpha Team, you’re all assigned to the office until next week. Yvette, touch bases with Ops for your shift assignments. And if there’s nothing else, we’ll let the DVR Team get on the road,” Shepherd said, ending the meeting.
Everyone came to their feet. They all moved towards the door.
“Mac, stay,” Shepherd said. Yvette was near the door. “Close it on your way out, please.”
Yvette closed it behind herself but remained in the hallway just outside his office. She wasn’t sure what more there was for Shepherd to say to Mac unless he did know something more of Mac’s fate with Interpol.
“My suggestion to you is to let the dust settle for a few days before getting in touch with your Interpol contact,” Shepherd said. “I think a little time could work in your favor.”
Mac took a second and processed his words. He nodded. “Thank you, I just may do that. And thank you again for assisting with this case. It didn’t negatively impact you, but it could have.”
“It was the right thing to do. And Mac, if you ever need my assistance again, don’t hesitate to come to me directly. You have my email address and private phone line.”
Mac grinned. “Hopefully, that need won’t arise. But thank you, Shep.”
“Yvette has a few days off,” Shepherd said as he took a step towards Mac. He extended his right hand. “Best of luck.”
“Thank you,” Mac said, shaking his hand.
Then Shepherd walked behind his stand-up desk. “Don’t let her get too bored.”
Mac chuckled. “I won’t.” He stepped to the door and let himself out, surprised to find Yvette waiting for him there. He closed Shepherd’s door.
“What was that about?” Yvette asked.
“He thinks I should wait a few days to let the dust settle before I contact Interpol, thinks it would help me. I’ll of course follow his suggestion.”
Yvette grinned. “So, you’ll have nothing to do for a few days?”
“And evidently, neither will you. He told me you’re off for a few days too.”
“I am?” she asked. “Hum, I haven’t checked in with Ops yet, I guess I better do that.”
Mac smiled. “I can think of a few ways to fill the time.”
She returned his smile and nodded.
***
