Chapter 140: A national scandal

“Crystal clear, sir,” Hawkins said, ending the call with a sinking feeling in his stomach.   The director of intelligence stood outside the president’s office, arranging his thoughts himself for a good while. After a moment’s hesitation, he knocked and entered at the president’s call.   President Edward Ricardo looked up from his desk, his expression expectant. “Reeves, I hope you have good news for me.”   Receives cleared his throat. “I’m afraid not, Mr. President. I’ve just received word from the field team. Anya Shaw… We failed to capture her. She’s gone.”   The president’s face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. “What do you mean, ‘gone’? How is that possible?”   “It appears the Shaw family moved her before our agents arrived, sir. We’re still investigating how they knew about the operation.”   The president slammed his fist on the desk, causing Reeves to flinch. “This is unacceptable! Do you have any idea what’s at stake here, Reeves?”   “Sir, I assure you, we’r