Daniel Ganninger - Icarus Investigations 01 - Flapjack by Daniel Ganninger Page A

to find somebody doing something wrong, and oh, I don’t know, do whatever it takes, let’s say, wiretapping, hacking, breaking and entering, to get that done.”
    “ Now, on the record, I never said such things, but we simply want some private supportive investigatory services to independently research items in our investigation that we currently cannot allocate the manpower towards.”
    “ Wow, very well said.  That was crystal clear, wasn’t it Roger?”
    “ Crystal,” I answered.
    “ As you know the information I have about you company and your latest job proved to be highly illegal.” 
    “ But you guys hired us!”  Galveston exclaimed.
    “ You’ll have to prove that. Did you ever talk to an agent?  I know you didn’t.  I can easily make this go away.  I’ll make sure Mr. Acker doesn’t ask any more questions, and I’ll ensure there are no more connections between you and Genesis, it’s a federal matter now.  In exchange for helping the Bureau, you’ll be helping yourselves.  I don’t think I can put it anymore succinctly.  I mean, I’ve got you with breaking and entering, computer fraud, and a host of other federal crimes I could throw in.”
    The anxiety welled up in me and I started to become dizzy, but Galveston remained calm.  He knew something I didn’t.
    “ I guess you’re telling us we have no choice but to cooperate.  You’ll tie up the loose ends?”  Galveston asked.
    “ Of course.”
    “ So the choice seems to be this; possible jail time, or the potential for getting killed,” Galveston said reluctantly.
    “ I think I’ll take my chances on choice two, if you don’t mind,” I interjected quickly.  Galveston nodded his head in agreement.
    “ I don’t want to have to put the screws to you about this.  As crazy as it may sound, I still consider you a friend first,” May said to Galveston.
    “ You sure have a funny way of showing that.”
    “ My hands are tied on this and the powers from above are very interested in getting this case wrapped up legitimately, or illegitimately as the case may be.  Let’s do this; I’ll talk to Mr. Ackers and then be right back to discuss all the details.”
    “ What are you going to tell him?”  I asked.
    “ I’ll let him know that this has become a government investigation and his services will no longer be needed.  He wants this done as much as you two because his job is on the line.  End of story.  Why don’t you two discuss it and I’ll be back.”
    “ You’re still going to pay us, right?” Galveston threw out the question as May got up from his chair.
    “ You’ll get your money,” May told him, “and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of if you get this job done.”
    “ I’m not sure I like the sound of that.”
    May smiled as he left the office, motioning for Ackers to follow him outside. My heart palpitations subsided, but were replaced with rage.
    “I know what you’re thinking and what you’re going to say,” Galveston started.  “If you want out, I won’t stop you.  I’ll even give Alex the same option.  I’ll tell David that everything will fall on me if we have to take a hit.  I’m sorry I got you involved in this.”
    “ I’m a big boy,” I said, my rage subsiding.  I couldn’t leave him to handle this on his own.  “I knew what I was getting into, but I should have spoken up.  I don’t think this was the excitement I was looking for.  I mean, can’t we just go legit.  My blood pressure is up and I think I’m losing my hair.  This is just too much.”
    “ I understand,” Galveston said quietly.  “I’ll respect whatever decision you make.” 
    May entered the office again and sat down.  “It’s been handled.  Mr. Ackers is very relieved.  I’ll call the CEO of Genesis and let him know about our investigation. 
    “ Where do you want us to start?”  Galveston asked, getting right down to business.
    “ We need you to look into a lead we have.  Dr. Sloan