Vonalt: Blog

James Mercer and Johannes Frisch were in New York City searching for office space for their company’s new headquarters. The firm had grown rapidly into a leader in security and intelligence analysis, expanding from eight partners to more than a thousand associates in a short time. Moving to New York would place them closer to major corporate clients and increase exposure to foreign interests.
They had come by Acela, the high-speed rail line connecting Washington, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. It was faster and more efficient than flying.
The date was September 10, 2001. The following morning, they were scheduled to meet their real estate consultant at 10:00 a.m. in the main lobby of the South Tower of the World Trade Center to tour offices on the 84th floor. The space hopefully would meet their needs: strong security, discreet access, and a view that projected the success of Mercer, Frisch & Associates.
Even so, James felt an unease gnawing at his gut. He couldn’t explain it—only that it lingered. James was positive it was a warning from Grandma Jorgensen to be careful, that something bad was coming.

As much as James regrets it, he can’t be involved in everything that happens in Washington D,C. There are times where he will have to sit along the sidelines and let things play out. It is frustrating and if he gets involved he will be considered disloyal to his country or to his friends. This is why he must sit this one out and not show favoritism to either side.

If that is not enough, he has to listen to insults directed towards his family and his professional status and personal integrity. He can only take so much before he reacts in such a way, that his family make up is changed for ever.

After finishing dinner, James Mercer and his family are interrupted by frantic pounding and ringing at their front door. Armed for safety and accompanied by his trained guardian dogs, James investigates. When he switches on the porch light and looks through the peephole, he discovers two friends supporting an older, seriously wounded man. Preparing for potential danger, James readies his protective canines before finally opening the door to them.

It’s just a normal week for James Mercer: he identifies a deeply embedded mole in the intelligence community, turns down a presidential appointment, and creates a powerful political enemy. Things could become dicey if this individual has their way. James has been around Washington long enough to see the warning signs and takes steps to minimize the damage.
Unfortunately, James isn’t nearly as adept at handling plural spouses, and once again he steps into a minefield by opening his mouth and saying the wrong thing to his marriage partner. Just another typical week in James Mercer’s life in Washington, D.C.

James’s life spins out of control. His mother and brother are arrested, the charges against them more serious than he could stomach. Relief and dread hit him in equal measure.

Then Beast reminded everyone why he was the family guardian, taking down two men who came seeking revenge for the cult group that had attempted to kidnap James and were eliminated by James.

But there was light, too. Karen and Andi go into labor, turning the week into controlled chaos. James finds himself wrestling with hospital bureaucrats who judge first and asked questions never—pretty much business as usual for the Mercer family.