Sooooooooooo. Let's give this a shot. A few things first. I've been feeling like writing for some time, but I haven't found the motivation to continue with what I was doing. Instead of just not doing anything, I decided to try and put a spin on things.
I'll be hard rebooting my Black series.
What that means is, the universe and characters are the same. But the story itself is going to be new. I've been wanting to do this for some time since I feel like I'm better at this now than I was when I first started in 2017, so this gives me an opportunity to tell the story better from the start. Or worse, who knows.
The few people (one or two) who actually read through my stuff a few years ago are going to run into familiar plot devices and story directions, but I have enough new and fresh ideas to make this worthwhile.
This Day 1 story in itself is an entirely new story. Some things are changed, some things will just take longer to get to where they were. This would be grossly unfair to readers had this been an active, ongoing thing, but as you can see, my account has been a ghost for quite some time now, so I think now is a good idea to do this.
If everything goes as planned, the story will slowly work itself up to where I left it off - though with numerous changes, I'm sure.
So, yeah. Some things will be different, so if you're an older reader, some things may feel off, but it's my hope to make Adam just as enjoyable as he was before for those who liked reading him.
So, let's go.
There are probably typos, but let's see if people care enough for me to care enough.
Black: Day 01
Chapter 01
Los Angeles, California
Monday June 6th, 2016 - 11:00 pm
The Boulevard3 Night Club
"Make it one more Margarita. But that'll be the last one, I need to get up early tomorrow."
Michael Bennett hands his credit card to the bartender, but gets lost as he makes eye contact with the most seductive sight he feels he's ever seen.
"As a matter of fact. Make that two."
The bartender also notices the beautiful dark-haired woman sitting across them at the counter, and gives a playful smile.
"Coming right up."
Michael then grabs the drinks and confidently makes his way towards the woman.
"I really hope you like Martini. Otherwise, I'm making a huge fool of myself."
She gives him a reassuring smile.
"The jury's still out, but yes, Martini's fine."
Michael then sits next to her.
"The name's Michael."
"Mia. Nice to meet you, Michael."
There is an instant connection. Two people, enjoying being young, beautiful, and most of all single. Immediately, Michael wishes to know everything about her.
"Mia, was it? So, what brings you here, Mia? It's not too exciting here on Mondays."
"Oh, just an after-work special. That's all."
"Yeah, same here."
"What is that you do, Michael?"
Before Michael gets to answer, he receives a phone call.
"Excuse me. I have to take this. Yes, hello? Yea, I tried to reach you earlier about the breakfast tomorrow. At what time did you want me to be there? Yes, that'll work just fine. Will Senator Miller be there at the breakfast? Good. Well, I'll see you, then. Okay, bye."
Hearing Michel ask about Senator Miller gets Mia's interest.
"Wait? You know Senator Miller? For real?"
Michael smiles.
"Hah, I can't say I know him personally. I'm just gonna be taking some pictures of him tomorrow. To answer your question from earlier, I'm a photographer."
"No kidding? I wonder if I've ever seen one of your photographs?"
The Black Family Home
As the eve of the California Presidential Primaries is drawing to a close, a beautiful suburban home in the outskirts of Los Angeles is the stage of a fierce debate of its own, as the peace negotiations of the century are taking place between Susan Black and her teenage daughter Megan.
The negotiations are currently at a standstill, as Susan's attempts at reaching her daughter get blocked by the door to her room getting slammed shut in front of him.
"I said no!"
"Megan! You're acting like a child."
"Oh, now you want to talk about being mature, huh, mom?"
Susan opens the door and tries her best to engage with her daughter who, in turn, is doing her best to ignore her mother while swiping up and down the screen of her smartphone on her bed.
"Even if you don't want to do it for me, do it for your father. He specifically took the day off tomorrow so that the three of us could finally spend some time together."
Megan finally gets her face off her phone for a bit.
"Look, mom. I know you really want this family thing to work out. And there was a time I wanted that, too. But don't you think now is a little too late for that?"
"Your father and I are really trying. Everyone else is really trying except for you. We're also doing this for you, Megan."*
"Since you're so concerned with me these days, maybe you should have thought of that sooner, before-"
What Megan is hinting is a touchy subject for Susan that can easily make her snap whenever these arguments between the two occur, causing a more aggressive tone in her voice.
"Listen, young lady, I-"
But she's interrupted by a pair of calming hands on her shoulders, as her husband approaches her from behind, having heard the door being shut - knowing he has to play peacekeeper. He does this in a calm, firm manner. It's a skill that partially originates from his job, but truth be told, is mostly due to experience in these situations.
"Okay, timeout. Both of you."
Adam leans closer to Susan's ear to whisper, simultaneously gently pulling her away from Megan's door.
"Can I talk to you for a second?"
Yeah, sure."
"What's this about now?"
"She's not really interested in coming with us tomorrow. Said she had plans. I don't know, Adam. I feel like there's been no progress. She completely shuts me out."
"She's a teenager. And we're still rebuilding this family. Give it time."
Susan calms down for a bit. Adam, even though the marriage hasn't always been perfect, has always had that skill. Clockwork, like magic.
"I guess you're right. I just really want this to work, Adam."
"I know. So do I. You want me to talk to her?"
"I'd appreciate that."
"I'll give it a shot."
Adam gives a light knock on Megan's door.
"Got a minute, Meg?"
Megan has always been more of a daddy's girl.
Susan knows this. It's not that she's jealous, but sometimes she'd like to have that same connection with her daughter as Adam does.
But she does admire Adam for trying. It's been a rocky marriage for the past year. However, when it comes to peacekeeping, Susan is always impressed by the transformation her husband is able to make from the hard-boiled federal agent into the caring family man she needs her to be.
"Sure, daddy, come in."
Adam steps into her room and closes the door before sitting down on the bed next to her.
"I think you're being a little unfair to your mother right now. She's trying. I'm trying. We're both trying. I'm gonna need you to try, too."
"I know you are. I just want my own space right now, dad. I told her, I made plans for today and tomorrow."
"This means a lot to your mom. And it would mean a lot to me, too. We could spend time together, the three of us. As a family."
Megan thinks about it for a second.
"Okay, dad. I'll come with you tomorrow."
Adam gives her a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks, sweetie. I really appreciate you trying."
Adam gets up to leave, but Megan interrupts her with one more thing as he opens the door.
"Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm glad you came back."
Adam gives her a smile in response.
"It's nice to be back."
Susan then wants the instant report on how it went.
"How did it go?"
"She agreed to come with us tomorrow."
Susan thanks her husband with a hug and a kiss.
"You're the best."
And Adam answers in kind.
"You too."
"I just wish I could talk to her the way you talk to her. Though, I sometimes think you're letting her manipulate you."
"Hey, I can sense when she's doing that, I'm her father. And I call her out on that. Tell you what, you want to go in there right now with me, and we'll both talk to her? Together."
"Yeah, sure."
However, as they once again open the door to Megan's room, they are quick to realize she's gone - with her window open.
This is not the first time, and it immediately enrages Susan.
"She snuck out! Okay, that's it! I'm taking her driver's license away for two months, and she can forget about going out once this whole summer, no exceptions!"
Just as Adam is about to give his take, his phone rings.
"It's Kev. I gotta take this."
Just as she felt they were going to be able to make things work, Susan is frustrated about Adam's work getting in the middle of their family - as has been the problem for years in their marriage.
Regardless, Adam reluctantly takes the phone call.
"Yeah? What, right now? I'm in the middle of something, I can't. Can't Amy just send me a report? Oh, yeah. Okay, fine."
Adam hangs up.
"Son of a bitch. Williams is coming into the office, he's called a meeting."
Adam recognizes the look on Susan's face. He then tries to console her.
"Hey, we'll fix this, alright? It's only a briefing, I should be back in an hour or two, okay?"
"Okay."
"I'll tell you what. If she's not here by the time I get back, we'll call all her friends and find out where the hell she is and who she's with."
Of course, Susan realizes Adam has an important job, and it comes with its own set of responsibilities, but she can't help but feel disappointed that Adam's job comes between them, again. Just like it has so many times before.
"Yeah. Sure. I mean, I'm sure she's fine, but-"
"I know. I know. And we're gonna have a long talk with her as soon as she comes home. You and me both. I'm gonna head out now, I'll call you once I get there."
"Okay."
Adam steps out of the house into his car, and calls his co-worker and friend Kevin back now that they have privacy.
"Hey, it's me. What did Williams say? What's the briefing about?"
"No details. He just wanted everybody to come in. You alright?"
"Yeah, I'm alright. Megan snuck out."
"Snuck out?"
"Yeah, she and Susan had a fight. I'm sure she's alright, she just went out with a bunch of friends. Look, I'm on my way there now, I want you to dig up detailed info on Senator Bruce Miller's staff."
"Why?"
"Because I have a feeling this has to do with him."
"Alright."
"Thanks, Kev. I'll be there soon."
Adam doesn't like it, but he knew what he was accepting when he accepted the job as the Domestic Director of the Los Angeles Anti Terrorist Coalition.
However, sometimes, his marriage to job is healthier than the marriage he has with his wife.
Before driving off, he attempts to reach Megan's cell phone, but there's no answer.
A Few Miles Away
Megan's high school friend Julie picked her up in her car, and the two are heading to meet more friends of theirs, and are exchanging gossip.
"So did you have a fight with your mom again?"
"Well, kinda. I guess it wasn't really a fight, I just don't want to deal with the drama right now, to be honest."
"I thought your family was trying to fix things up? Not that it's any of my business."
Megan tries to avoid the topic, as she barely engages in the conversation while applying makeup using the rearview mirror.
"We are, yea."
"You don't have to tell me. But I thought your mom had been sober for a while now?"
"That's what she says. But she already broke the family once because she cared more about her drinking binges than daddy and me. So, like, why should I care now? You know?"
"Fair enough, I guess."
"Anyway, I don't wanna talk about it. Let's just have fun tonight."
"Totally. Mark and Rick should be ready, so let's just head over to their place and have a fun night, and forget all the bad stuff."
Megan smiles as she checks her phone, notices a call from his father, but decides to just shut the phone off for the night.
The Boulevard3 Night Club
The small talk between Michael and Mia has intensified, and both are looking for an excuse to leave the club and find somewhere more private.
Mia is the one to initiate it, placing her hand on Michael's thigh.
"You know, I wonder if I've ever seen any of your photographs."
"Heh, who knows. Maybe you have."
Mia leans in closer.
"Would you like to show me?"
And Michael takes the hint.
"I would love to."
They finish their drinks and head on over to Michael's apartment.
Los Angeles Anti Terrorist Coalition Headquarters
Adam parks his car in the parking lot, but before going in, he gives Susan a call like he promised.
"Hey, it's me. Is Megan back yet?"
"No. I've tried reaching her, but she's not answering."
"Yea, I tried calling her, too. Did you try calling any of her friends?"
"I wish. She keeps to herself, I barely know any."
"I can try to look into it. Look, I'm heading in now, so I gotta hang up, but I'll call you later, okay?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, bye."
Adam opens the door into the building with his keycard, greets the security guards and heads to the main hall where he meets up with Kevin.
"Hey, Kev. Is everybody here?"
"Yeah, we're just waiting on Williams. The stuff you asked for is right here on these files right here."
Kevin takes Adam to his workstation where Adam briefly goes over them while having a cup of coffee just in case. It's already been a long day, and despite what Adam told Susan, he does have a nasty feeling that it may get even longer.
Adam and Kevin share a special friendship that is only possible to obtain with someone you share a warzone with. In their care, it was field work for the Anti Terrorist Coalition, ATC.
Both have since moved on from field work, but have continued to work for ATC in different capacities.
Adam was named Domestic Director due to his years of outstanding contributions as the Head of Field Operations.
Kevin could be considered the hothead of the two, whereas Adam has always been more pragmatic. Though, in the end, they're the opposite sides of the same coin, both very passionate about what they do.
As they're waiting for Mr. Williams to arrive, Kevin tries to engage with Adam a little bit.
"So, why do you think this has to do with Senator Miller?"
"Because he's supposed to giving a speech in Santa Clarita tomorrow. You know as well as I do that he hasn't exactly shied away from making enemies during his Presidential Campaign."
"A man of honor. A rare quality in a politician."
"And that's exactly what can make him a target."
An older, well-dressed gentleman then captures everyone's attention, as Richard Williams, Administrative Director of ATC, enters the building. He is a figure who always immediately makes his presence felt. Not through direct actions, but due to his presence, and the amount of respect he garners from his peers.
He has tirelessly held his post for a number of decades now, and has always been a well-liked and respected senior official among the people under him.
The staff in the building all move into the main conference room. Richard is the last one to enter, and closes the door behind him.
"I'm not gonna waste any time, let's get straight to the point. We have reason to believe that before tomorrow is over, an attempt will be made at Senator Bruce Miller's life. Here in Los Angeles."
Adam was expecting it.
"How good is this intel?"
"Very good."
"Any idea about who might be responsible?"
"Right now, the working theory is that it's domestic. Possible a hate group. Miller has a lot of enemies. Needless to say, I want everybody working full force to make sure the hit doesn't happen."
"I asked Kev to look up Senator Miller's security. It looks air tight to me."
"That's a fact. But I'm afraid we're dealing with professionals, so we need to be prepared. I want you people to check the background of everybody around Miller, and cross the data with terrorist databases."
"Okay, we're on it."
Adam signals for everybody to get to work. Richard, however, stops him as he's leaving the room.
"Adam. Can I talk to you for a second? Privately."
"Sure."
Richard waits for everybody to leave the room and shuts the door.
"How you doing, Adam?"
"I'm doing fine."
"Things good at home?"
"Not perfect, but- we're working on it."
"I'm happy to hear that. Have you enjoyed your position as Domestic Director?"
"I have, yea."
"Not missing field ops?"
Adam has to think about it for a second.
"I had my reasons to quit field work, sir."
"Please, Adam. Call me Richard."
There's a brief silence before Richard continues.
"I'm going to tell you something that will remain between the two of us. You understand?"
"I understand."
"Sit down."
Adam does as he asks.
What's this about?"
"Adam, in addition to the intel on a possible hit on Miller, I also have reason to believe people within this agency are connected."
"What?"
"You're someone I can trust."
"Why me?"
"Because of your connection to Senator Miller."
"You mean my father's connection to Senator Miller."
"When your father was alive, they were close friends, yes."
"Well, I don't know Senator Miller, personally."
"But you admire him a great deal. That's why I trust you."
Richard's tone takes an even more serious tone.
*"Adam. Bruce Miller is no ordinary politician. He's different. Many would say controversial. People believe in him. He elicits hope. If Bruce Miller gets hit - the consequences on the morale of this nation would be disastrous.
"Yeah. I agree."
"I want you all over this case, Adam. Until the end of tomorrow, I need you to lead this."
"I understand."
Richard looks Adam dead in the eye.
"We have to find this shooter, Adam. No matter what it takes."
The Black Family Home
Sitting nervously on the living room couch, Susan is startled by her phone ringing. She, of course, hopes the call is from Megan, but instead notices that the call is coming from an unknown number.
"Hello?"
"Hey, uhh. My name is Doug, Doug Harris. Julie's father. I believe she's good friends with your daughter, Megan?"
"D-do you know something about her? Has something happened?"
Susan gets nervous, but Doug's voice remains much calmer.
"Oh, I'm sure there's no need to worry. I just believe Julie went out with Megan tonight, and I was wondering if you knew something about where they are."
"Megan snuck out of our home a half an hour ago. I haven't heard from her since."
"I'm sure there's no need to worry, like I said, but I thought I'd call. You can reach me from this number if you need me."
"Sure thing, thanks for calling. I really appreciate it."
Susan is trying to stay calm, but she's never been good at handling stressful situations. She wonders if there really is a need to worry, despite both Adam and this man Doug assuring her there isn't.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel
Senator and Presidential Candidate Bruce Miller and his campaign staff have arrived to their room at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel to spend the night and prepare for the upcoming day.
His body has grown older and his hair whiter, but Bruce has always believed in one principle in life above all others: honesty. And he has never been willing to compromise that. Bruce Miller has never been the most popular among his peers in the political world, but among the public, he is looked at as a rare, trusted politician. Someone the people feel like they can connect with.
So, finally, it was the logical final step to take to try and run for Presidency. So far, the campaign has been a success.
Bruce is having a heart to heart with his most trusted campaign assistant, her daughter Maria, who he has asked to join him privately in his room.
"What is it, dad?"
It's been a long and hard-fought campaign for Bruce, and everyone involved. He feels like he hasn't really had the time to invest into his daughter. Not that Maria minds, but after the death of Bruce's wife, Maria's mother, Bruce has been determined to hold on to the family he has left.
"Yes, come on in."
For the first time in what seems like a long while, Bruce takes a good look at her daughter. The red hair, the freckles - he can see a lot of his late wife in her daughter. And feels so very proud of the adult woman she's grown up to be.
"I feel like you and I haven't had the time to really sit and down and talk in a while, Maria."
"Dad, you've worked hard on this campaign. And it's paying off."
"I know that, sweetie. But I wanted to make sure you understand that you're what's most valuable do me. Not my campaign."
Maria knows that what's bringing this about is her father wishing that her mother was here to share all this with him.
So she steps forward and hugs her.
"I'd never doubt that, dad. And I wish she was here, too."
"I wanted to let you know how very proud I am of you - and if Linda was still here, she would be, too."
"So. Do you want to work with me on your speech tomorrow?"
"That would be splendid, dear. I want it to be real. Organic. Something people can relate to. I want them to feel like I'm talking with them, and not just at them."
"That's the secret to your popularity in the first place, dad."
"With you as my assistant, I know we're going to knock it out of the park tomorrow."
ATC Headquarters
The staff in ATC is working hard on the Miller case, but Adam takes a break to leave his office for something. He heads to the workstation of ATC's lead data analyst, Amy Price for a special request.
"Amy, got a minute?"
"Sure thing, Adam. What is it?"
"Personal request. I'll give you a phone number, I need you to trace all the phone calls made to and from that number in the last 24 hours."
Amy smiles as he knows Adam has a tendency to work things slightly off-book and jokes a bit.
"I'm not sure if this is legal, Adam."
"It's never stopped you before. I'm also your boss, here's the number."
Adam shows Amy a number off his cell phone, and Amy proceeds to work her magic on the computer.
"I can have a list sent to your station."
"That'd be great, thanks."
Adam then heads back to his office to survey the data, and then calls Susan.
"Hey, it's me. I dug up the calls off Megan's cell phone. Do we know a Julie Harris?"
"Oh, yeah. Actually, Julie's father called me earlier. He asked about them, too. He said he believed Julie to be with Megan."
"So, they're just out partying."
"I don't know, that's what Julie's father said, too. But I'm worried. I don't like having her out there with her cell phone off."
"Yeah, I know. I don't like it, either."
"Are you coming back soon?"
"Look, I'm gonna be here for a little longer. Something's come up. Can you hang in there for me?"
Susan can't mask the disappointment in her voice.
"Well, I was hoping you'd come back. But it's work, I understand. I really do."
Adam tries to lighten the mood with a joke.
"I can put out an APB for her if you want."
"Hah, at this point, I think maybe you should."
"Maybe. But let's give it some more time. I'll call you again later."
"Okay, bye."
Black Family House
Just as Susan hangs up the phone call with Adam, she decides to give Doug another call.
"Um, hello? It's Susan, Susan Black. My husband happens to work for the government, and he was able to look up the phone calls made from my daughter's cell phone number. And it definitely seems like she's out with your daughter, Julie, as you expected. I just - thought I'd let you know."
"Oh, hi. Yeah. I was actually just about to call you. I, uhh. Heh, I broke into Julie's social media accounts, and I have an address. I was thinking if you'd like to come with me."
"Oh. Yeah. Sure. Let's do that."
"Great."
Susan figures that since Adam is going to be stuck at work by the looks of things, she might as well.
Downtown Los Angeles
Megan and Julie arrive at their friend's house and get out of the car to meet up with them.
Two boys are waiting for them outside of the house. Megan goes over to kiss and hug one of them, Mark. He's the cuter one.
"Hey, babe."
"Hey, good to see you."
Julie then intercepts.
"So, I heard there was a party going on?"
The other guy shows the girls his car keys and points to his van.
"Hell yeah there is, I'll drive."
*"That's yours?""
"Yup."
"Nice."
Julie wants to know more about this party.
"So where's the party at, Mark?"
"It's a friend of Johnny's."
"Ever met him?"
"Nope."
Megan cracks a joke about being the daughter of a high ranked federal agent.
"Ooh, well how do we know we can trust him?"
"Hah, I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
Johnny joins in on the joke.
"Thing is, if I told you - I'd have to kill you."
"Very funny, Johnny."
The four then get in Johnny's van and he leads the way.
Michael Bennett's Apartment
The key turns in the apartment's lock as Michael and Mia slam the door open while passionately kissing and touching each other.
Michael flips on the lights, but Mia immediately flips them off.
"Oh, there's no need for that."
Michael then grabs Mia by the hand and leads her to his bed where they start removing their clothes, and Mia asks Michael about protection.
"Hey, do you have...?"
"Oh. Yeah."
Michael briefly turns his back to open his night desk drawer, as Mia then grabs something from her purse.
As Michael turns around, he doesn't even have time to react before Mia pulls the trigger and fires a clean bullet to his head.
Michael's lifeless body falls onto the bed.
Mia puts the gun back into her purse, and starts going through Michael's stuff, and then searches the pockets of his jacket for his wallet.
Inside his wallet, she finds what looks like an identification paper. She finds some additional papers and puts them all in her purse.
Before heading out, she makes a phone call.
"It's me. I have it."
Mia hangs up and leaves the apartment.