Unexpected 4: Digital Purge

Chapter 13: The Kraken

Deacon calmed down, as Agent Max and the others followed quietly to the room at the far corner of the first floor. It was a solemn walk, as Hicks felt proud of his senior officer. He figured if they could get alone with the agent and get him on their side, it would mean a huge help to get them out of this prison. They needed to figure out the perfect plan, one that was safe for both the prisoners and the families trapped in the area locked down by the FBI.

"Thank you so much, Agent Max." Hicks whispered slowly

"It's no problem. Sometimes I use this room to clear my head, talk with the Almighty. Come with me." the officer said slowly, as he gestured for the group to join him. He entered an access card on a slot next to the door handle, and then pulled the door opened for the group, making him the last to enter the room.

"Guys, gives us a minute. Will you?" Deacon pleaded softly turning to his teammates

Whitlock, Hondo and Hicks nodded their heads slowly, as Deacon went to the front of the room with Max.  The walls were completely bare, as the room counted with only a table and five chairs. One small side table held a lamp and a notepad, sitting right beneath the big glass window that showed the beautiful scenery outside. The drapes had been rolled out and the light was coming down very bright on the room. To everyone's surprise, this room didn't have any cameras, and the window was not tinted.

Deacon gestured for the agent to join him in the front, as both went straight to the window side. He then planted his feet firmly and bowed his head. After a moment of silence, he began a soft prayer. He could see from the corner of his eye that the man was following his lead. When the prayer was finished, he made the signal of the Holy Cross and went towards one of the chairs closest to the window. Max followed his every step.

Max took out his necklace, and held it in his right hand, as he sat in one of the chairs in the front.

"Are you a believer, agent?" Deacon asked softly

The three other gentlemen watched from the back of the room, as the two interacted. Hondo whispered to Hicks, as Whitlock looked around.

"Yes, sir." Max answered nodding his head slowly, "Have doubt it at times, but have always believed God challenges us to make us better."

"They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you."

"Jeremiah 1:19"

"Amen"

"God always knows what battles to serve us, right? We just have to believe he has the best intentions for us."

"That's right...but he will guide us towards the solution. Maybe throw us a life jacket when we are drowning, or a rope when we are being swallowed up."

"Exactly. We just have to find a way to be strong, like He is." the agent added his voice beginning to crack

"At times, we have to realize we can't act alone. We will need a helping hand."

The man lowered his head, as he took a deep breath. "Especially when it's a loved one that's at risk."

Deacon knew he hit a nerve, so it was his chance to take advantage. "Lieutenant, it-"

"You can call me Max. It's short for Maximiliano." he said as he grinned poorly, as if forcing it. He opened his right hand to Deacon, "This here, Deacon, this is my faith."

Deacon felt Max's voice crack again, especially when the man's eyes became watery. "Max are you, okay?" 

The man took a long look at him, then turned to face the men in the back of the room. suddenly he stood up, and a tear fell down his cheek. "This here...my son has the same exact necklace, with Our Lady de Chiquinquirá. She's the kind one; protects us from all harm." he paused as he stared ahead. Suddenly he snapped, "I can't do this...I can't lie to you in the presence of God. I miss him. I miss him dearly." he said as he got up from the chair towards the window