And I regret nothing.
Two hours later, I sit across from Assistant Director Martinez, Deputy Director Walsh, and Internal Affairs investigator Sarah Kim. The tribunal feels like a firing squad.
"Agent Quinn," Martinez begins, "your actions during the Kavanagh operation raise serious concerns about judgment and protocol adherence."
"The operation succeeded," I reply. "We exposed corruption within the Bureau and dismantled a criminal conspiracy."
"At considerable cost to operational security," Walsh adds. "Your relationship with the target compromised the investigation."
"My relationship with Eamon Kavanagh provided intelligence we never would have obtained through traditional methods."
Kim consults her notes. "You operated without authorization, endangered federal personnel, and developed personal feelings for a known criminal."
"I adapted to developing circumstances and followed the evidence where it led."
"Even when it led you to trust an Irish mob enforcer over your sworn duty?" Martinez asks.
The question hangs between us. Three faces wait for my answer—an answer that will determine my future in federal law enforcement.
"Eamon Kavanagh saved my life. Multiple times. He provided intelligence that exposed Agent Byrne's corruption and prevented further criminal activity." I meet each of their gazes. "Yes, I trusted him. That trust was justified."
"Was it justified when he eliminated Vincent Collins?" Walsh presses.
"Collins was eliminated during an armed confrontation. I was not present during that specific incident."
"But you had prior knowledge of Kavanagh family intentions."
"I had knowledge that Collins posed a continued threat to the investigation and to witness safety."
My phone buzzes with a text. I glance down:Byrne arrested. Confessed to eliminating Agent Stevens. Case closed. - Martinez
I look up to find Martinez watching me read.
"We arrested Agent Byrne an hour ago," he says. "He approached Agent Ramirez this morning, claiming you were feeding information to the Kavanaghs and needed elimination. Ramirez reported the contact."
Relief floods through me. "He confessed?"
"To multiple federal crimes, including the murder of Agent Stevens." Martinez slides a tablet across the table. "He's attempting to implicate you in his conspiracy, but his accusations contradict all evidence."
The video shows Byrne in handcuffs, voice carrying his desperate lies: "Quinn was working for them from the beginning. The whole operation was compromised."
"His story falls apart under scrutiny," Kim notes. "Communications records, witness statements, and physical evidence all support your version of events."
"However," Walsh continues, "your unauthorized methods require formal review. Internal Affairs must investigate your actions during this operation."
I nod. Expected this outcome.
"Effective immediately, you're placed on administrative leave pending that investigation."
The words sting but don't surprise me. "How long?"
"Six months minimum. The investigation will determine whether disciplinary action is warranted."
Six months of limbo while bureaucrats debate my fate. But I made my choice weeks ago in that safe house.
"There is one positive development," Martinez adds. "The Kavanagh family provided extensive cooperation in the Byrne investigation. That cooperation resulted in a limited immunity agreement."
"Meaning?"
