Report #3270, Transcript Section #27
(Operation SANDMAN)
©1998 Shane Ivey

Cabot:
When we last saw our intrepid investigators, Cabot was wiping the slobber off his face after the sound of his head striking the car horn awoke him.

Keeper:
Heh heh.

Keeper:
Right...

Keeper:
Lundquist, your people have been searching the TBC offices for a good long while.

Lundquist:
:-)

Lundquist:
Rock on.

Keeper:
They're still working on getting the generator running downstairs. Keen (in abesntia) delivers the message that the other new member of the team has arranged for a meeting at a nearby hospital, if you can have the main team members transported for standard medical evaluation.

Keeper:
The employees and directors of TBC-NY are in federal custody. Preliminary interviews with the Directors have already been conducted.

Cabot:
I'm still open to alternative, less convoluted plans, if Keen would just call me. (hint, hint.)

Lundquist:
Can I get a new battery for my phone, Keeper? I want to get back into the loop ASAP...

Keeper:
Yeah. Once you get downstairs they can scrounge a battery for you, or you can just send someone for it if you don't go.

Keeper:
So, are you heading downstairs, Lundquist, or ... ?

Lundquist:
I'm going to send for new batteries first. We need to arrange to get our janitor's cart out of the building, and for that I think we're going to need an elevator.

Lundquist:
So I think we're stuck here until the power comes back on.

Cabot:
Keeper: As a reminder, I instructed Keen to call me with a sitrep when he made contact with the team, otherwise I am sitting out there oblivious to anything other than what I overhear on the police frequencies.

Keeper:
Okay. Keen calls, then, after an assistant is sent down for phone batteries.

Lundquist:
"Keen is that new guy downstairs? Can you run down and bring him up here? We can't leave just yet, we need to see to this cart."

Keeper:
He indicates that the group is together, one casualty (Steve Borrow, a Friendly forensic examiner).

Keeper:
Lundquist, Keen says, "I'm getting him on the phone now."

Keeper:
Kelley looks at the cart in irritation. "We can either take it down the stairs, or wait for the elevators. Or," he adds with a tight smile, "just drop it out a window and pick it up down there."

Cabot:
"What's the plan for evac? I'm an advocate of keeping this as simple as possible. The hospital plan was made envisioning the worst-case scenario."

Keeper:
Keen says, "Just a second," into the phone. "I'm giving you Lundquist. He's organizing this." He passes the phone to Lundqusit.

Lundquist:
"Hello, this is Lundquist, Justice Department."

Cabot:
"Cabot, the friendly ghost. Listen, do you feel you can exfiltrate this incident under your present covers?"

Lundquist:
"Sure, no problem... But I do have some 'sensitive' evidence material here, which we need to bring with us."

Lundquist:
"Keen briefed me on a plan to use an ambulance, is that what you've set up?"

Cabot:
"It is my understanding that the forensic team is friendly to the cause, is this correct?"

Lundquist:
"Yes."

Lundquist:
"But I have some material here I want to handle personally, if you get my drift."

Keeper:
The team goes about their chores quietly. All of them seem to be concentrating intently on the work, not quite like people under fire.

Keeper:
Danforth and Kelley stay near the trash-cart, keeping it unmolested.

Cabot:
"Then I would suggest letting them remove the evidence from the scene. It's their job, and it'll draw the least attention. We can arrange to take custody of the material once it is clear of the scene."

Lundquist:
"Uh, negative, that's not an option, for reasons I'll go into shortly..."

Cabot:
"When I got here, I was expecting to shake hands, and discuss the current situation over coffee . . .instead I walked into some half-assed tactical raid that'd gone south. The hospital plan was devised as a worst-case-scenario in the event your cover was blown and you needed out."

Cabot:
"If you can just walk away, do so. KISS. Ya, know?"

Lundquist:
"Understood. We'll want to bring our dead out that way, actually. Their covers may be in jeopardy. But I'm operating legally here."

Cabot:
"What's your plan for the dead guy?"

Lundquist:
"Do you mean our dead perp?"

[The transcript was interrupted briefly here.]

Lundquist:
"We'll take him to our house, for starters. From there, we'll pass him back through DG channels to whoever wants to claim him. Poor guy."

Lundquist:
"Look, can you come upstairs? I need to brief you face to face, right away."

Lundquist:
"The situation may still be more fluid than it appears."

Lundquist:
"Kelly, Danforth, keep a close eye on that damn cart."

Keeper:
They nod.

Cabot:
"Yeah, I can do that. Give me fifteen."

Lundquist:
"Roger that. See you soon."

Lundquist:
"Kelly, it may be a good idea to pull our cart out down the stairs... The elevators are bound to be full of people as soon as the power comes on. The stairs might be more discreet. What do you think?"

Cabot:
"Where are you, and do you need anything?"

Keeper:
He shrugs. "It'll be bumpy and dark. But if he stays quiet, it should be okay."

Lundquist:
"We're back up on twenty now. Meet us there. I don't think we need anything right now."

Lundquist:
"The more I think about it, the more I like the stairs. We can always pull him onto a floor if he starts getting antsy and we need to deal with him."

Lundquist:
"Otherwise, we'll have to wait several hours after the power comes on for things to quiet down somewhat before using the elevators."

Keeper:
Kelley shrugs. "If he gets antsy we can just throw him down the well."

Lundquist:
"You're sure in a big hurry to drop him."

Cabot:
A don my FBI jacket, sunglasses, and tuck my hair up under my cap in the back to alter my appearances from earlier and head toward the entrance. I am looking for the forensic team's vehicle.

Keeper:
He looks at the bag in disgust. "You got that right. Reminds me of Montana."

Lundquist:
"Yeah, me too, and I don't want to be reminded of Montana."

Keeper:
The others look at you guys askance.

Cabot:
Also, I am steering clear of the FBI CP and Devereaux.

Keeper:
Cabot, you make your way in without attracting attention. You already got an idea of the layout, and you're pretty good at lying low, so you find the FBI forensics wagon easily near the main entrance of the building,.

Keeper:
The doors are closed. You don't see anybody who looks like they are assigned to it; just a lot of agents and officers moving around in a hurry and others standing around talking it all over.

Keeper:
Lundquist, your messenger comes back as you wait. He hands over your phone batteries.

Cabot:
Are there any forensics personnel at the vehicle?

Lundquist:
? I thought I already had them... I thought that's how I was talking to Cabot?

Cabot:
Is the DG friendly forensic specialist FBI or NYPD?

Keeper:
You were using Keen's phone to talk to Cabot, Lundquist.

Lundquist:
Duh, that's right.

Keeper:
Cabot, you find one agent inside the vehicle.

Keeper:
He looks up from a thick folder. "Can I help you?"

Keeper:
So, Lundquist, new phone batteries are delivered to you.

Lundquist:
I plug em in and call my office to make sure everything works.

Keeper:
It works. You have messages on your DG line.

Lundquist:
Oh? I check those right away.

Cabot:
Are any of the vehicle doors unlocked?

Keeper:
The forensics van is unlocked--the agent you saw is inside.

Keeper:
L: There are two, both recent. Within the last couple of hours. Both are from Walter Brenneman, Deputy US Marshal and DG friendly.

Cabot:
I'm sorry, I got the dialogue, but who's speaking to me?

Keeper:
C: Sorry about that--it was an agent inside the FBI forensics van.

Lundquist:
!! I call Marshal Brenneman right away from a quiet corner of the 20th floor.

Keeper:
L: First message: his voice is low and tense. "Mr. Lundquist, this is Deputy Brenneman, US Marshals Service. A team's here from the Witness Protection Program HQ. They say they have to take your witness, orders from the Director. I'll stall."

Lundquist:
@#$%@^&*!!! "Kelly!"

Keeper:
"Yo!" He jogs over.

Lundquist:
I fill him in and listen to the next message.

Keeper:
He stays quiet and thinks.

Keeper:
Next message: "Brenneman. If you want your boy, you better get in the air. They went way over my head, here. I'm probably in some shit. They're wheeling the suspect out now. A DoJ doc will take over upstairs. You have my number."

Cabot:
"Excuse me, can I grab a set of PPE (personal protective equipment)? I'm heading upstairs and I understand its a little messy."

Lundquist:
I speed-dial Brenneman.

Cabot:
While we converse, I am looking at the assorted evidence containers in the vehicle.

Keeper:
C: The agent nods. "Yeah. Sign out on the clipboard?" He points at a clipboard nearby as he gathers up the gear.

Keeper:
L: Brenneman answers. He sounds terse. "Brenneman. What is it?"

Lundquist:
"Hello, it's Lundquist calling. Where is the suspect now? Did they remove him from the hospital?"

Keeper:
"Not yet. He's still being prepped upstairs. The docs here don't like the transfer a bit. They say he's not stable yet."

Lundquist:
"Listen, we're coming over right now. I know it's asking a lot but I want you to stop them. This is an illegal move on their part and I will go to the mat to cover you on this."

Keeper:
Cabot, there are all kinds of containers in view. It looks quite mundane, though: nothing has been brought down yet from upstairs.

Lundquist:
Heh.

Keeper:
Lundquist, you hear a brief pause. "Are you serious? I'm in jail if you're wrong. You understand?"

Lundquist:
"Where is this heat from above coming from, specifically? I want names."

Keeper:
"They had papers signed by Byrne and Gonzalez."

Lundquist:
Keeper, who are they? Do I know them? How do they relate to my chain of command at DoJ? What legal authority do they have to commandeer "my" suspect?

Keeper:
Byrne is probably Daniel Byrne, US Marshal, Eastern District, New York. In a worst-case scenario, Gonzalez would be Eduardo Gonzalez, the Director.

Cabot:
What's this guy pulling out for me?

Keeper:
Cabot: He gives you standard contaminant gear. Mask, gloves, paper smock and shoes.

Keeper:
"Here you go," says the agent. "You know how to put it on?"

Cabot:
" I gotta sign for this shit? It's all disposable?"

Keeper:
He shrugs. "Rules."

Cabot:
Okay, what's this guy's response?

Keeper:
Just that. He looks like he still expects you to sign out.

Cabot:
"Yeah, I think I can manage." I sign an illegible name an walk off toward the building.

Keeper:
The place is still crowded with cops. Most look more relaxed now that the sweep has turned up no new hostilities.

Cabot:
My intent here is to look like any other forensic geek and avoid unnecessary attention from observing eyes.

Keeper:
Inside the front entrance you see the first stairwell stands open. There are a couple of NYPD officers nearby, passing time.

Cabot:
Does he attempt to stop me as I leave?

Keeper:
A set of halogen floodlights has been wheeled in to shine up. The officers look you over and then return to their conversation.

Cabot:
I proceed to the 20th floor, paying attention to the faces I pass along the way as I remember that I am tasked with security for this group.

Cabot:
Just below the 20th, I don the PPE.

Cabot:
"How do?" I mutter as I make my way past them and up the stairs.

Keeper:
They grunt and nod acknowledgement. It's a long haul in the dark, up twenty floors in the middle of a New York summer in the afternoon, but you've had worse. Below the 20th floor you pull the covers on.

Keeper:
The shoes are hardest to get on, and wearing them it's easier to slip and slide on a smooth floor. But they'll keep your shoes dry a little longer.

Cabot:
Am I making progress up the stairs into the building?

Keeper:
You're below the 20th now, after getting into the coverings.

Cabot:
Have I seen any other forensic team personnel. If so, how are they dressed?

Keeper:
When you make it to the 20th floor, you can see several of them working. It looks like they are fully dressed--smock tied at the back, mask, gloves, shoes, the works.

Cabot:
Good, I inconspicuously enter the room with my contacts.

Keeper:
You also see a cluster of other men, not suited up as examiners. They look pretty beat-up. One big guy's shoulder looks hurt, another (small, thin) has bandages on his arm and a knot on his head. The other two look harried but unharmed. You notice some distinct bullet holes in their clothes, though.

Cabot:
I act as if I'm milling about sharply while humming "Ride of the Valkyries."

Keeper:
Lundquist, you see what looks like another forensic guy step in from the stairwell, humming something operatic.

Lundquist:
I arch an eyebrow cinematically.

Lundquist:
I guess this is not one of the people I've met from Wang's team?

Keeper:
Another forensic agent looks up, looks at the newcomer curiously, then walks over.

Keeper:
Kelley says, "I think that's our man. What are we doing about the hospital?"

Keeper:
Cabot, one of the forensic examiners walks up. He lowers his face mask. "Agent Lucas," he says by way of introduction. "Can I help you?"

Lundquist:
"Hello there. I'm Brian Lunquist, DoJ. This is my friend Mr Kelley. Glad to have you on board."

Lundquist:
"We're in a bit of a bad way here. We've got a couple of crises going on right now."

Keeper:
Agent Lucas steps back. "Sorry. Didn't know you were with them." He goes back to his job.

Cabot:
"No, I'm fine. How do you do Mr. Lundquist. Mr. Kelley."

Lundquist:
"Thanks, Lucas." I drife away out of earshot. "What I didn't want to discuss over the phone is that we have the remains of one of the perps, stashed in a janitor's cart down the hall there."

Lundquist:
"We need to remove that from the scene as quietly as possible so that our own people can look at it."

Cabot:
"Who's in on this operation from the forensics team.?"

Keeper:
Kelley checks his silenced MP5 for the second time while you talk.

Lundquist:
"The whole team is friendly to our ongoing operation. Agent Wang there is in charge."

Lundquist:
"There's more. Look, for compartmental security reasons, I don't want to expose them to these remains we have. I'd like to deal with them ourselves. I'd like to use your exfiltration plan to remove them."

Cabot:
"What is it about the "evidence" that's got you so spooked?"

Lundquist:
"Well, for now, I'd just like to say that the evidence displays some unusual properties, and leave it at that. I'll brief you more fully later, but I don't think this is the place."

Cabot:
"I'm a go on that. But it's gonna look a little strange when an ambulance pulls into Medical Arts with a trash can. What about body bags?"

Lundquist:
"I don't want the ambulance to go to Medical Arts. I want to use it to get away from the scene and get this stuff back to our house.

Cabot:
"Well, short of hijacking an ambulance and holding the paramedics at gunpoint, how do propose to do that?"

Keeper:
Kelley says, "Hate to interrupt, but don't we have a suspect getting away right about now?"

Cabot:
"Do tell."

Keeper:
Kelley looks to Lundquist.

Lundquist:
"Well, we need to borrow the ambo somehow. Or maybe we can use Agent Wang's van instead, though that is more conspicuous."

Cabot:
I follow Kelley's eyes.

Lundquist:
"Now, I need to get across town to the hospital where we have our suspect right away. There's a developing situation there and I think I need to be there myself."

Lundquist:
"Do you two think you can handle things here, if I take Danforth and get over there?"

Keeper:
"Let's get somebody over there," Kelley says, "How about you take Cabot and brief him on the way."

Lundquist:
"Cabot? You want to go for a ride?"

Cabot:
"Look, I hate to tap-dance on you, but I haven't got a clue as to what they hell happened here, and you want to split and leave it to me?"

Keeper:
Kelley says, "No. You go with Lundquist. You guys wrap up the mess at the hospital. I'll see about taking out the trash, here. Go on."

Lundquist:
"Right, good thinking. Kelley, you and Rogers keep things moving here. I'll take Cabot and this Keen guy and brief them in the air."

Cabot:
"Yeah, that's fine. Let's go. Kelley, those ambulances are still under direction to transport all FBI personnel to MA. That's the best I can do for you. "

Keeper:
He nods. "No problem."

Lundquist:
Keeper, I need to get a helo right away. Is there a FBI chopper I can hitch a ride on? Or NYPD? I'll try to Fast-Talk someone into helping me out, citing the extremity of the situation and all that.

Lundquist:
I'd much rather fly over to the hospital than drive if I can possibly arrange it.

Cabot:
"The feeb forensic van's out front. One guy inside. They've got assorted evidence containers in there."

Keeper:
You get on the radio and ask... FBI has a bird in the air overhead, in fact. They can only pick up up on the roof if you can climb a ladder to get aboard, though. The shot-up copter is still in the way.

Lundquist:
The landing pad's that small? While I'm tempted to shove the damaged chopper over the side (a la 1975) I'll just go for the ladder route instead.

Keeper:
Landing pad is small, yes.

Keeper:
"We'll be overhead in two minutes," says the pilot.

Lundquist:
"Roger that, we have three passengers for you."

Lundquist:
"To the roof then."

Keeper:
Up to the roof! The helicopter is waiting overhead, attracting much attention from gawkers in nearby buildings and irritation from the FBI and NYPD agents on the roof.

Lundquist:
I ignore them and scramble gracefully up the ladder.

Keeper:
When the pilot sees you come up, he shouts from a mounted bullhorn: "One at a time! Take it slow!"

Cabot:
Whenever it's my turn, I go.

Keeper:
They throw the rope ladder down. It's a climb of about twenty-five feet, but it seems longer than that to Lundquist and Keen.

Keeper:
In fact, Keen, the last to head up, gets tangled in the ladder. You can't hear him over the noise of the helicopter, but you see him cussing below as he tries to extricate himself.

Keeper:
After a minute he gets reorinted and makes it up the ladder the rest of the way.

Keeper:
He climbs into the copter, a little shaky.

Keeper:
The craft rises and wheels southward, over the cityscape, as you buckle up.

Lundquist:
I put on a set of headphones. "You know where we're going, pilot?"

Keeper:
"Not til you tell me," he calls back.

Lundquist:
"Lutheran Hospital, and we need to get there yesterday. It's urgent."

Keeper:
"Lutheran Hospital, Brooklyn, coming up." The craft wheels southward.

Lundquist:
Keeper, can you clear up the jurisdictional issues for me, as to how the Marshals can commandeer "my" suspect? Do I have any legal authority to prevent this? Can I muster the legal resources from my DoJ office?

Cabot:
Once aboard, I turn to Lundquist, "Where the hell are we going and what's the rush? This feels awful half-assed."

Lundquist:
I'd like to play up the medical angle... Unsafe to move the suspect and all that.

Keeper:
Lundquist: If the suspect is placed formally in care of the WPP, the Marshals would control him; that would mean what someone higher than you made that designation and ordered him moved into custody, someplace more safely controlled by the Marshals or whatever.

Keeper:
Keen waits to hear Lundquist's briefing.

Lundquist:
"Half-assed don't begin to describe it, Cabot. Right now, we're dancing to their tune, just trying to keep our heads above water. I wish the truth was better than, that but it ain't."

Cabot:
I attempt to remove my PPE in the cramped chopper.

Cabot:
Shit.

Keeper:
Keen says, "Whose tune?"

Lundquist:
(I take off the headset to brief them, so that the pilots can't overhear.)

Lundquist:
"Whoever's behind all this. They have the initiative and we don't seem to be able to get it away from them. We're constantly reacting to stuff they pull, and the results haven't been pretty."

Lundquist:
"Several days ago we were ambushed by a couple of gunmen who turned out to be employees of the Breckenridge company."

Lundquist:
"We took one of them alive, but he was pretty badly hurt. We've kept him under guard at this Lutheran Hospital. But a little while ago, some people from the Witness Protection Program showed up to spirit him away."

Lundquist:
"I badly want to prevent that. I suspect there may be some government involvement behind the activities of our adversaries."

Lundquist:
"I'm afraid that if they take this witness, he'll disappear and we'll never see him again."

Lundquist:
"Any questions?"

Cabot:
"Is this guy a viable witness, or is he gonna kack ten minutes after we get him?"

Lundquist:
"He's lived for the past couple of days, at least. And he's our most important link to the Breckenridge people. I badly want to question him."

Lundquist:
Keeper, I'll call the Marshals at the hospital and try to let them know we're on our way over the noise of the engines.

Keeper:
You get the Deputy in charge on the phone. "You're on the way? What for?"

Lundquist:
"Have they left yet?"

Keeper:
"Not yet. The docs are taking their sweet time. The ride is fired up and ready to fly."

Lundquist:
"Okay. Stand by." Put my headset back on. "Pilot?"

Keeper:
"Pilot here."

Lundquist:
"Listen, I'd like you to shadow another helo for me. I strongly suspect some irregular, criminal activity is going on. Can you do that, in such a manner that they won't know we're following them?"

Keeper:
"What, are you kidding? This ain't Fifth Avenue up here."

Lundquist:
"No, Goddammit, I'm not kidding. Yes or no?"

Keeper:
"I can follow anybody, sure. But after they see me on their radar more than a minute they'll know I'm following them. No way around that."

Lundquist:
"Okay, never mind then. Just get us to the hospital, thanks."

Keeper:
You see the pilot and the co-pilot's helmets turn as they exchange looks.

Keeper:
"Roger. ETA four minutes."

Lundquist:
Back to the phone. "Deputy? We'll be there shortly. Meet my on the rooftop landing pad, but try to keep the rest of your people as close to the suspect as you can."

Keeper:
In fact, it's hardly a minute more before you reach the hospital. The helicopter hovers overhead, circling around for position. Below you see another DoJ hospital on the landing pad, rotors spinning, ready for take-off. You see several men in suits near it and in the elevator bank.

Keeper:
As your craft descends, slowly, you see another man come out of one of the elevators. He steps out, covering his eyes with a hand as he looks into the overcast sky at your helicopter.

Keeper:
One of the others calls out to him. He turns and shouts something back, then watches your chopper descend.

Cabot:
Keeper: Is the other chopper ON the pad? If so, is there room for two birds?"

Keeper:
The other is still on the pad, and there is room.

Lundquist:
"He has been touch-and-go since the shooting, however. It would be all too plausible for him to slip deeper into his coma and die on us. I'm afraid that if he gets out of our control, someone will arrange for that to happen."

Keeper:
Keen says, "How hard are we gonna fight to keep him?"

Lundquist:
"We'll see how it goes. I'm not going to break any rules here. I'm going to try to do what I can using my authority at DoJ."

Cabot:
"Well you better have your shit wired-tight, troop. " How many on the pad?

Keeper:
On the pad you see maybe half a dozen men in suits. Two are at the helicoter, two at the elevators, two conversing near the elevators and watching you descend.

Keeper:
Your helicopter touches down softly. As it settles, the copilot leans back and motions for the door. "You're clear, go!"

Cabot:
Keeper: OK.

Lundquist:
"Thanks, guys, keep the meter running!" I clamber out and jog over towards the elevators.

Cabot:
"Let's keep this non-violent, shall we. . ." I step off and motion from the craft's door as if I'm just an escort for the others, turning my back so they can read "FBI" on the jacket.

Lundquist:
"Like I said, I'm doing this one by the book."

Keeper:
Keen hops out and follows. He's on the short side, powerfully built, otherwise plain-looking.

Keeper:
Looks like he's not yet 30.

Keeper:
The two conversing deputies watch and wait for your approach. One of them speaks up, calling over the wind and noise of the helicopters. "Are you Lundquist? What's up?"

Cabot:
A follow the other two at a short distance, look at my watch, and say to one of the nearest suits, "Any idea where I can get a cup of coffee before these bozos want to leave?" I make an effort to mentally record all their faces.

Lundquist:
"Who's in charge here?"

Cabot:
"No, I think he's Lundquist (gesture to Lundquist), I was just on that bird when it got diverted to bring him here."

Keeper:
The deputy says, "I'm Deputy Shanahan. Deputy Gill is inside, on orders from Marshal Byrne."

Lundquist:
"I'm Brian Lunquist, from DoJ. I'm afraid we've got a misunderstanding here." I'm going to be calm and reasonable.

Lundquist:
I look to the guy who called me by name. "Are you Brennan?"

Keeper:
"I'm Shanahan. Brenneman's downstairs. He's off-duty. And you better talk to Gill if you have a misunderstanding: we're taking one suspect into protective custody, ASAP, on orders from Wright and the Director."

Keeper:
(That was Lundquist's guy, btw)

Keeper:
Cabot, the other one nods to you as Lundquist and Shanahan talk. He points to the elevators. "The escort's downstairs. There's a break room, if you think you'll be here long enough. Just stay clear where they tell you to."

Cabot:
I smile broadly, "Thanks!"

Lundquist:
"Okay, sorry. Where can I find Gill?"

Cabot:
"Hey, fellas. I'm going to head downstairs to whip up some coffee, want some?"

Keeper:
Shanahan says, "Downstairs, tenth floor, waiting for the suspect to be released."

Lundquist:
"Thanks. I'll go with you, Cabot."

Keeper:
Keen nods and follows.

Cabot:
To the elevator, then.

Cabot:
Is anyone inside with us?

Keeper:
Shanahan follows you. "We're keeping this one in reserve," he says, "until we get our man away." He punches the tenth floor button.

Lundquist:
Keeper, have I seen Shanahan before, when the Mashals showed up to keep watch on our suspect?

Keeper:
You think you remember him from that crowd, Lundquist.

Keeper:
Only Brenneman was considered Friendly, though.

Lundquist:
OK, that's what I remembered. "How've you been, Shanahan?"

Keeper:
The elevator descends. It's large, like most hospital elevators. "Just fine," he says. "No problems here. Just watching our boy sleep, til this morning anyway."

Lundquist:
"Sure sure."

Keeper:
The elevator doors slide open on the tenth floor. You see orderlies and a nurse's station. Shanahan points you left, down the hall. "He's this way." He steps out to lead the way.

Lundquist:
I look around for anything unusual, and follow.

Cabot:
"Where's the coffee pot, " I ask Shanahan.

Keeper:
The staff watch you curiously. You see irritation in some of them. Shanahan glances back at Cabot. "Across the hall," he says, pointing to a small break room. He nods ahead. "Gill's in here."

Lundquist:
I go in to where he indicates.

Keeper:
Lundquist, you see six Deputy Marshals with badges displayed on their lapels in an antechamber, watching through plexiglass a window and door as the suspect is examined by two doctors. The doctors seem to be tense. The Marshals look up. One of them steps forward to meet you. The others look around and then return to watching the doctors.

Cabot:
"Great, listen guys. Holler when you're ready to go." I disassociate myself from the group to observe the events that take place. I am particularly interested in individual reactions to Lund's appearance here.

Keeper:
"I'm Gill," says the Deputy. He's about fifty years old with greying black hair, clean-shaven, rugged, with a midwestern accent.

Lundquist:
"Hello, Gill, Brian Lunquist." I shake his hand. "Listen, can I speak with you for a moment?"

Lundquist:
(nod to the doctors)

Keeper:
Cabot, you see Lundquist and Keen go in and meet what looks like the leading Deputy. The others in the room don't look interested. There's one man, another Deputy in plain-clothes, in the break room with you, though.

Keeper:
Gill nods, smiling easily. "Sure. What can I do you for?"

Cabot:
"Que paso." I get a cup of coffee.

Lundquist:
I step a few feet away, out of earshot of the doctors and such.

Keeper:
The man in the break room smiles. "How you doing?"

Keeper:
Gill follows, Lundquist.

Lundquist:
"Listen, I think we have a misunderstanding here. I heard that the doctors weren't keen on moving this guy."

Cabot:
"Enough of you guys around here. Who's the guest of honor?"

Keeper:
Gill nods soberly. "That's right, that's right. But our man is checking him out, and he'll say whether we can move him."

Lundquist:
"He's an MD?"

Keeper:
The man in the break room keeps smiling. "Got a suspect in custody that we need to move." He takes a sip of something from a styrofoam cup and doesn't explain it further.

Keeper:
Gill nods again. "That's right." (He pronounces it "raht.") "Staff doctor. Standard procedure when transporting an injured suspect."

Lundquist:
"Sure, sure... Listen, this guy is a very big deal to my case. If I lose him, it could all come apart on me. Can you give me a number I can reach Byrne at?

Keeper:
"Three three oh, seven four nine three," he says. "Daniel C. Byrne."

Lundquist:
"Right, thanks, Gill." I step back into the hall, look for a quiet spot, and punch it up on my phone.

Keeper:
It rings three times. A bland female voice answers. "Marshals Service."

Lundquist:
I keep Keen with me. "Keen, keep an eye out, something smells damn fishy here," I whisper.

Lundquist:
"Hello, Daniel Byrne, please."

Keeper:
Keen nods shallowly and looks around, looking bored.

Keeper:
"Who's calling?"

Lundquist:
"Justice Department."

Keeper:
Cabot, your man sips coffee. He looks at your FBI jacket. "What are you here for?"

Cabot:
I look back over to the guy in the break room (psychology roll), where's the pisser here?"

Keeper:
He lifts his coffee, pointing down the hall the way you came. "Around the corner, maybe two doors there."

Keeper:
Lundquist, the receptionist says, "We're all Justice Department, sir. Can I get your name?"

Lundquist:
"Yes, Brian Lundquist, Justice Management Division."

Keeper:
Cabot, your man is inscrutable. He looks easy going and friendly enough.

Cabot:
"Just along for the ride. Devereaux, Special Agent Devereaux." Smile warmly. "Thanks." I leave and head for the stairs.

Lundquist:
Cute. :-)

Keeper:
Lundquist, the woman says, "One moment, please." A moment later the line picks up again. You hear a man's voice. "This is Byrne."

Keeper:
Cabot, you reach the stairs.

Lundquist:
"Hello, this is Brian Lundquist calling. I had some questions for you regarding the movement of a prisoner from the Lutheran Hospital in Brooklyn."

Keeper:
"I see. Were the transfer papers not in order, Mr. Lundquist?"

Cabot:
Standing by, sipping the coffee, looking board. Waiting to see Lundquist's demeanor on the phone.

Lundquist:
"No, no, I'm sure they are, but I'm wondering about the reasons for this sudden and medically ill-advised transfer. Can you tell me why it's being done?"

Keeper:
"Security," he says. "The Director has inspected the case in which the suspect is involved, and he feels that tighter security is warranted. The suspect will be questioned pursuant to the investigation when he is capable."

Lundquist:
"So this is coming straight from the Director himself? He initiated this?"

Keeper:
"That's what I was told."

Lundquist:
"By who?"

Keeper:
His voice sounds a trifle impatient. "Where's this heading, Mr. Lundquist?"

Lundquist:
Fast talk, calm him down... "Look, I'm curious, okay? This guys is hugely important to our whole case, and I'm taking a very personal interest in what happens to him. Who started all this?"

Cabot:
At the stairs, I examine the fire exit plan on the wall and any defend-in-place procedures they have posted. Where would patients in this wing be moved to in event of fire?

Keeper:
You hear his voice get hard. "Listen up. I'm not too concerned with your curiosity, Mr. Lundquist. If you have a personal stake in this, then I'll suggest that you disengage yourself and let somebody else handle it!"

Lundquist:
(Okay, switch gears then). "Why are you being so evasive, Marshal Byrne? It's a simple question. This transfer stinks. Who ordered it?"

Keeper:
Cabot: "In Case Of Fire" instructions point down the stairs and to a walkway that leads to another building of the hospital.

Lundquist:
Whispered: "Keen, got your phone on you?"

Keeper:
"I ordered it! The directive was signed by Director Gonzalez and co-signed by me, and my people are effecting the transfer. Now, if you think I'm being EVASIVE, why don't we have a little sit-down tomorrow and discuss it? Is that what you want, Lundquist?"

Keeper:
Keen pulls his phone from his coat pocket.

Lundquist:
Whispered: "Get Director Gonzalez on the phone for me, will you?"

Keeper:
Keen nods and dials Washington.

Cabot:
How many elevators at the elevator bank?

Keeper:
Six elevators.

Lundquist:
"Marshal, your reaction is entirely unwarranted. Your unwillingness to cooperate with our prosecution is doubly so. I'll ask you to change your tone."

Lundquist:
(I'm being very civil. Very very civil)

Keeper:
He sounds hot. "YOUR prosecution? You'll be lucky if you're still in the Department in eight hours. Lundquist, this conversation is over. If you interfere with the transfer, my men will arrest you. Now, are you still confused? Are we misunderstood about anything right this second?"

Cabot:
I push the down putton and wait for an elevator to open.

Keeper:
You see the floor-lights flash for the sixth floor.... seventh...

Lundquist:
"I'm not going to interfere with the transfer, sir. Thank you, good day." Hang up.

Keeper:
Keen has the phone at his ear. He looks up at you. "Director's not available. I'm on hold."

Lundquist:
"I'll take it."

Keeper:
Cabot, the elevator door opens.

Keeper:
Lundquist, you hear a man's voice. "I'm sorry, sir, the Director is still unavailable. Will you leave a message?"

Lundquist:
"No, I'll keep holding, thanks."

Keeper:
You hear Muzak play.

Keeper:
Are you holding the elevator, Cabot?

Cabot:
Is it empty?

Keeper:
Yes.

Cabot:
I enter, punch in Floor 8 and look up. Is there a shaft access door in the ceiling?

Keeper:
Lundquist, you hear the same voice. "I'm sorry, sir, the Director is busy in a meeting, and he will be for some time. If you won't leave a message, I have to ask you to call again tomorrow."

Keeper:
Cabot, the elevator descends. There is an access hatch.

Lundquist:
"What time will he be free?"

Keeper:
"You can call tomorrow any time after eight o'clock."

Lundquist:
"Okay, thanks." Hang up.

Cabot:
I want to see if the elevator shaft is communal between all banks.

Keeper:
Keen takes his phone back. You hear some commotion in the room, where the suspect was being examined.

Lundquist:
Poke my head in. What's going on?

Keeper:
It is, Cabot.

Keeper:
They're wheeling the suspect out. A plastic oxygen tent covers his gurney. He is surrounded by Marshals.

Lundquist:
I walk up to Gill. "Thanks for your help. Listen, could I trouble you for one more thing?"

Keeper:
Gill walks fast, setting the pace for the gurney. "Walk with me, son," he says.

Cabot:
Outstanding. I press Floor 10. I hop up onto the elevator, replacing the door.

Cabot:
I dial up Lundquist as I rise with the elevator.

Lundquist:
"I was just wondering if you could give me a call if anything out of the ordinary happens. If our boy here takes a turn for the worse or anything, I'd like to know about it." I hand him my card.

Keeper:
You hit the button and scramble back up top, Cabot. You're on top when the elevator rises to a stop at the tenth floor. It's dark and musty.

Lundquist:
"Do you have a card I could have?"

Keeper:
Lundquist, your phone buzzes.

Lundquist:
"Excuse me." Answer it. "Hello?"

Keeper:
Gill nods and reaches into his coat. He produces a card. He keeps walking, waiting for you to finish.

Lundquist:
I put it in my wallet, and thank him again. "Well, good luck with him." I shake his hand and get out of his way.

Keeper:
They wheel the gurney around the corner and head for the elevators.

Keeper:
Cabot, you get Lundquist on the phone.

Lundquist:
Back to the phone. "Hello?"

Cabot:
I move along the scuttle way (they do have them) to the elevator under Marshall control and stand by.

Cabot:
"How bad do you want this guy, Lundquist?"

Keeper:
The Marshals and the gurney move into the elevator. When all are inside, the door closes. Cabot, you feel it rise.

Cabot:
"Answer me, you don't have alot of time here."