Oval Office

President William Egan is receiving his morning intelligence reports from John Walker director of the NSA and Allison McDonald director of the CIA.  At the conclusion the president asks, “Do either of you have any idea of what caused the explosion that recently occurred south of Austin?”

John Walker quickly replies, “We haven’t been following that, sir.  We thought it was a police and possibly an FBI matter.”

Allison begins when John is through, “Since we aren’t supposed to operate inside of the United States we have kept our hands off of the matter.”

The president glances at Allison when she makes her remark because he knows her better.

Ten Days Later

Inside the director’s office of the Mossad, Ariel Wattenberg and Yosef Bergman are discussing the Austin area report they have received from their agent.

Yosef speaks, “Our man in the area says that it is quite clear both men were in the vehicle when it exploded.  This comes from media reports that two males were in the vehicle and in checking around neither agent is anywhere to be found.  He concludes that both men who were the targets have been eliminated.”

“So now we close this episode and we pay our man the balance.”

“That is my recommendation,” replies Yosef.

“Do you have any idea where he is at the moment?”

Yosef shakes his head and says, “He’s like a ghost.  He has a way of getting in under everyone’s radar, even ours.”

Ariel laughs and says, “Let this be a lesson to us for the future.  I will transfer the funds to his account in Switzerland today.”

Day After the Explosion

Inside of the CIA director’s office Allison McDonald is speaking with Kevin McCarthy one of her top agents. 

“Have you heard about the explosion that occurred outside of Austin yesterday?”

Kevin replies, “You couldn’t miss hearing about it.  It’s been breaking news since it happened and the media seems to be giving it constant up-to-date coverage.  Why are you asking?”

“I’m not sure but I have a feeling about this.”

“What kind of feeling?”

“I really can’t explain it.”

“Is there something you want me to do, like go to Austin?”

“I want you to go and nose around and see what you can come up with.  Was this a freak accident or a bombing?  Who were the occupants?”

“You know the FBI isn’t going to give us anything.  They’ll be pissed if they know I’m around.”

“Then I’ll leave it up to you to do it without them knowing.”

Kevin rises from the couch he is sitting on and walks towards Allison’s desk.  I’ll leave first thing in the morning and see what I can come up with.”

“Keep me posted when you find something.”

“How much time should I spend on this?”

“That depends on what you find.”

Kevin walks out of the director’s office.

Aftermath of the Explosion

The state police officer at the scene says, “We need to extinguish that fire.  The whole southbound lane is backed up five miles already.”  He calls into his barracks and explains the situation.  His commander tells him to have the fireman foam the wreckage.  They aren’t going to hurt anyone.  Anyone inside is definitely dead.

He tells the fire captain what his commander said and the captain agrees.  The fire truck moves as close as possible and still remain safe.  The heat is very intense.  The captain has two men put on fire hazard clothing and they move forward to try and extinguish the blaze.

It takes thirty minutes for the entire blaze to be put out.  The smoke is finally beginning to clear.

The ambulance is sent back to its center as it cannot be of any use.