“We need you back at your house. I’ll explain there.”
“You need to know what I’ve discovered.”
“Unless lives depend on it, this minute, it can wait till you’re home.”
Recent experience taught her to keep her car doors locked, not that they impeded the killer. When she slid behind the wheel to find no ragged noses, ears, or threatening notes, she gave herself a mental high five.
Morning sunshine warmed her hands through the windshield and reminded her that little normal things should be appreciated. The mindless task of driving allowed her to formulate various scenarios of current events, but none explained why anyone would target her and Billy.
Matt maintained an even pace behind her.
When she pulled to a stop by her front porch and cut the engine, she noticed movement inside her house. Buckeye’s excited barking signaled no threats existed. Before she could pocket her keys, Matt snatched her door open.
“Billy’s been hurt and refuses to see a doctor, unless it’s you.”
“What? What happened?” Snatching her purse, Remie bolted for the house. Taking the porch steps two at a time, she rushed for the door with keys in hand. Matt followed on her heels.
Not waiting for her escort’s reply, Remie burst into her living room to see Billy lying on her couch, his younger brother pacing in the kitchen.
“What happened?” Life wouldn’t allow her to take an easy breath.
“Dunno. Hit from behind after coming out of my house. Some prick knocked me out then gave me a few whacks for good measure.”
Behind the sofa, Megan and Lexi, the veterinarian and hacker, spoke in quiet tones. Each turned to her when she knelt to examine Billy.
“It’s not as bad as it looks, Doc. Though they may have cracked a couple ribs.”
“Where the hell’s your partner?” Remie took in the sight before her. The man she had dragged into her crazy world merely shrugged. Bruises marred both cheeks under his eyes along with a busted lip. That’s just what’s showing.
“We split up to cover more ground. He was at the college.”
“Ah, you know that I’m a doctor for the dead. This is a bit of a stretch.”
“I’m not willing to go that far for treatment. Do what you can, will ya?”
Remie looked to Megan, the vet who’d cared for Buckeye. “You know he needs to go to the hospital, at least for X-rays, right?”
“He’s a McAllister. He’s not going to listen.” Megan leaned over the sofa and glared at Billy. “The last time I treated you was an emergency and under extenuating circumstances.”
“Consider this the same. I figure between the two of you, I’m in good hands.”
“Billy. I am. A. Veterinarian.” Megan held out her hands in supplication.
“Didn’t stop you from giving me an untested, experimental injection last time fate kicked me in the teeth.” Blood spatters on his shirt and a bruised grin added character to a stoic nature.
“Jesus. This family’s insane.” Remie retrieved her first aid kit from the kitchen cabinet. “I can’t treat fractured ribs with non-adhesive bandages.”
“That’s not what concerns me now.” Billy gingerly pushed himself up to a sitting position and lifted the hem of his flannel shirt. Untucked was unusual.
“Aw shit. Really?” Remie crouched to examine the bruise forming on his side.
“What the fuck are they after? Why take stem cells when they already have your prints?” Remie searched through the bruises and noted several needle marks spread out over his side.
“What is it you found at the office, Dr. Tallin?” Matt’s concern arrowed toward his younger sibling.
“The professor, I saw her body this morning. She had both breasts—intact.”
“She was drugged and stabbed. Why the concern over her breasts?” Ethan paused in his pacing.
“Because she had a mastectomy years ago—without reconstructive surgery. Yet today, they were both intact.”
“Someone is installing fabricated body parts?” Lexi, quiet until now, slid her laptop from her bag and opened it on the kitchen table after sliding out a chair.
“Looks like it. Damned good work too. The structure was solid. We took tissue samples, rather, Jonathan did. I asked him to hide one, just in case the others mysteriously disappeared. It’s under a false name.”
“Good thinking. You’re learning fast.” Billy grimaced when lowering his shirt. “I’ve been thinking. Since they took stem cells from your side, why’d they take your cerebrospinal fluid? Why didn’t they take mine? Wait, Remie, check my back.”
“If they’re going to manufacture brains, they need an adequate donor. Sorry, dude.” Matt nudged Billy’s shoulder in commiseration.
A careful examination yielded no marks between the bony prominences of his spine. “I don’t think they did a lumbar puncture on you, Billy.”
“That doesn’t make sense. They’re taunting us with the fabricated body parts. Someone wants us to know they can make spares and use them to screw up investigations. Why?” Megan turned to Remie.
“Wendy’s body was placed in a spot sure to involve a McAllister, yet I get a threatening note warning me away from Billy. Maybe there’re two different factions at work here.”
“If the killer is working at odds with a partner, or perhaps he’s mental, then we might get another body.” Matt sat on the sofa by his brother, concern etched in his features. “Damn, Billy. You sure do step in it, don’t you?”
“I know you think Ari could be behind this, and it would make sense if it was him—to a point. He didn’t kill me when he had the chance in the woods, and he’s still contacting me nearly every day to ask if I’m okay, if I need anything, etc.”
“Number one, there are other bioprinting companies in the area. Number two, Ari has a partner with a history of drug use, albeit a long time ago. We need to look at both angles.” Ethan nodded to Lexi in the kitchen. “Hon, can you look up and see—”
“Already on it.” Lexi’s flurry of clicking roused the attention of Buckeye, who left his companion’s side and padded over to the table for a back scratch. “I’m looking for a connection, any connection, between the professor and Ari or his partner.”
Remie’s patients were lifeless husks, people who depended on her to tell the story of their demise, a responsibility she took to heart, every day. She’d do no less to help the group who’d taken her in and accepted her as part of their team. “Billy, I need you to sit up again, so I can check your ribs.” Mere visual examination of his well-formed torso furnished her with a strong dose of cardio. Tactile inspection along his muscled chest wall elicited a strange tingling despite deep breaths washing out the adrenaline surge.
“Hmm, X-ray vision? Watch where you aim it. Wouldn’t wanna give you a shock.”
Remie felt her cheeks heating. The brief hugs they’d shared were enough to know that here was a man who didn’t brag, no false bravado. No doubt, he would turn her world upside down in a more intimate setting. The thought crossed her mind every morning when she descended the stairs to see Holly cuddled on his chest, head tucked against his neck. The cat’s instincts were as good as Buckeye’s.
“I gave him a little something for pain.” Megan shrugged a shoulder in apology.
Remie examined her patient, aware of the inadequacy and lack of proper equipment. Light pressure on the front and back of his rib cage produced no noticeable difference in the form of his reaction. “I need to see this.” Her frustration huffed out on a sigh.
“We have X-ray and ultrasound in our veterinarian practice,” Megan suggested. Though I have to say, in the past he’s been one of my unrulier patients.
Matt snorted in agreement. “The setting certainly fits. I’ll take Billy, Megan, and Remie to the vet hospital for diagnostics while Ethan, you stay here with Lexi so she can keep digging.”
Sandman shoved the polished glass slide from under the stage clips. “This tissue sample is also contaminated. Get m
e another.”
His assistant rushed to the specimen refrigerator. All remained quiet in the lab, science holding its breath to see if a mere mortal could interpret the findings.
“Yes, sir.” A small burst of cold air indicated the storage container’s opening. “Here’s a tissue block from the first sample obtained.”
Dye on the slide allowed better visualization of individual cells under the compound light microscope. After using the coarse adjustment knob until the specimen came into focus, he nudged the nosepiece until the high-power objective lens clicked into place.
When he’d discovered the bloody handkerchief in the woods, planting the DNA on Wendy ensured conflicting pieces of evidence, DNA matching different suspects, would keep PPD in a confused chaotic state. The fact the sample had come from Billy McAllister was icing on the cake.
It took a few minutes of mental gymnastics, scrolling through the detective’s known history before the proverbial light blew his earlier assumptions to hell. “Son of a bitch!”
“What is it?”
“These samples aren’t contaminated at all. What I’m seeing is the remnants of destroyed nanos, a signature, a very valuable one at that. The bastard got ahold of the antidote, but his body can’t clear the residue.”
“How will that affect him?”
“Damn. Hard to tell since all of ClickChip’s records are deleted or destroyed. When I’ve reached my goal with Remie, I’ll have to acquire the detective on a permanent basis. This requires much further testing.”
“Looks like he’s going to be a thorn in your side for a bit longer.”
“Yeah. Thank God I didn’t eliminate him. I wish I’d thought to arrange to procure his cerebral spinal fluid, too. Damn.” It was time to reorganize the players on his organic chessboard.
Chapter Nineteen
“All that pissing and moaning, and you don’t even have a cracked rib. Damn, you’ve gotten soft since you stepped into the digital age.” Ethan accepted one of the carryout bags from Matt and set it at one end of the dining table.
Billy flipped him off, yet knowing he had one less thing to contend with provided a small relief.
Places were set for the brothers and their significant others with the kitchen and dining room tables once again flush against each other. A dozen subs, along with coleslaw, potato salad, and rolls, completed the impromptu meal. Royden, Ethan, and Matt, smirked at his purposeful steps. Remie pulled out his chair as if he were a child. He merely stared until she shrugged and sat.
“I’ll shoot the first person who makes the next crack about microchips, nanos, or raccoon eyes. Got it?” Existing as the ass end of jokes for far too long necessitated a change. Despite his brothers’ desire to lighten his attitude through humor, he’d had enough.
A knock at the front door heralded the arrival of Lucas, Caden, and Abby. Royden stood and grinned at her approach. The men were silent as she strode around the table to place a kiss on his cheek.
“Thanks for waiting for us.” Dressed in a formfitting skirt and matching jacket, court attire, Abby didn’t break stride as she pulled out a chair beside Royden and sat.
Lucas and Caden stood frozen in their tracks. No one spoke until Remie cleared her throat.
“Yeah, it’s really happening, guys. And now’s not the time to discuss it.” Matt arched a brow and gestured for the remaining McAllisters to sit.
“Damn. Turn your back for a damn second,” Lucas complained. “I thought it was some type of rebellious fad.”
“Not a freakin’ word from any of you. Not now, not ever.” Abby smiled at Remie. “I hope you don’t mind me joining you, but I’d like to keep all of my brothers out of jail if I can.”
“I don’t mind at all. I’m glad you’re here. I think you can keep them in line better than anyone.” Remie’s chuckle earned dark looks from each McAllister and a grin from Royden.
“Okay, dig in while we talk. I think that—” Matt, at one end of the table, passed the bowl of salad to Ethan, sitting cattycorner to him.
“No, Abby asserted, “First things first.” Her direct stare at Billy across the table scrutinized his expression while settling some inner conundrum, the same demeanor used when dealing with hostile witnesses in court. “I’m told you have a bruised flank. How do we know you’re not infected with nanos again?”
Megan, sitting beside Billy, waved her fingers for attention. “I can field that one. A, the antidote I gave him two months ago provided the antibodies to fend off any future injections. And B, after conferring with Remie, we agree there were multiple needle insertions, which wouldn’t be necessary with nano introduction. The bruising is likely indicative of tissue removal, possibly adipose tissue, not a simple shot.”
“And someone would want his adipose tissue because…?” Abby arched a brow and waited.
“Stem cells,” Remie replied. “Using a bioprinter, they can grow—many types of tissues, organs, etc.”
“But that doesn’t explain how his DNA got under Wendy’s fingernails.” Abby huffed out a breath. “The only reason you’re still free is because we have proof of this bioprinting bullshit happening. I’ve spent two hours arguing with the district attorney, which means you owe me two hours of yard work. I want to add a nice deck off the kitchen eating area.”
“I’m sure my solid alibi figures in there somewhere,” Billy added. “As far as my DNA—someone could’ve stolen something from my house, an article of clothing, a handkerchief… like the one I lost in the woods at the original murder scene.”
“That helps, yes. Plus factor in we’ve proven all evidence is suspect, and the killer can mix and match evidence as he pleases. The DA has no clue how to proceed. This is unchartered territory, which means you guys have to stay squeaky clean. Got it?” Abby studied each of her brothers in turn.
“Not a problem, Abs. I’ll look after your brother. But right now, we need to figure out who’s behind all this and why they’re targeting my partner and Remie.” Royden smiled in the face of each McAllister’s glare.
“Hell, Billy. Who’d you piss off this time, and has anyone contacted our friend in the fed’s office?” Full-on lawyer mode was right around the corner.
“No to the feds since we’re not sure what we’re up against. Like before, if what we suspect is true plays out, there might be a government finger in the pie. If not, they’d surely want the technology.” Billy nodded to Lexi. “Did you find anything else on Ari or his partner, Farabee?”
Lexi slid her plate aside and retrieved her laptop from the satchel hanging on the back of her chair. “I did.”
“Damn, I wish I could go anywhere I wanted, digitally speaking. And for the record, Lexi, I assume you’re searching public records.” Abby looked from Lexi to Ethan, both across the table.
“Hmm, sounds like you’re contemplating breaking the law. I might have to arrest you.” Royden slid his arm around Abby’s shoulders and leaned inward to nuzzle her hair.
Holding her hands up, wrists together, she responded, “Slap the cuffs on, Officer.” The subtle challenge carried a slight breathlessness.
“Oh God. Knock it off, you two.” Caden grimaced and set his sub down with a thunk. “Christ, I can’t eat now.”
“Make sure he uses the flexi-cuffs, Abby. They stretch more and rub less.” Quiet until now, Kaylee shoulder-bumped Caden with a mischievous grin.
“More stretch is good.” Lexi grinned, her flurry of dexterous activity ceasing long enough for a sideways glance at Ethan. “Rubbing is good too, sometimes.”
“Jesus! Stop it. You women are worse than any group of jocks in a locker room. Billy shoved his plate aside.
“I’ve lost my fucking appetite.” Matt glared at each woman in turn, ending with his little sister.
“Matt, you didn’t need to tell us that. We all know you’ve been celibate for a long time. Maybe it’s time to rethink that situation.” Abby smiled as she took a bite of coleslaw.
“Can we get back to business?” Billy
nodded to Lexi. “What did you find?”
“I think I’ve found a loose connection between Ari’s partner, Dr. Farabee, and the professor. They’ve traveled in some of the same social circles. Both come from money.”
“Farabee could’ve tried to implicate me in the professor’s murder, but he’d be smart enough to not leave his DNA behind. And I don’t see a motive.” Remie turned to Billy. “You’ve talked with him more recently. What kind of take did you get on him?”
“They both said they have a great working relationship, shared the same goals, etc. You get any different vibes, Royden?”
“No, with the exception of what we both know. They are both hiding something. And I believe that specific something is in their lab.” Royden nudged Lucas’ elbow. “You and Caden are private investigators, why don’t you see what you can find out?”
“I don’t want to hear plans involving illegal activities, guys.” With a hesitance rarely shown, she added, “But I also don’t want any more of my brothers attacked by madmen or psychopaths.” It was the closest Abby had ever come to crossing a legal line.
“It’s bad enough someone’s trying to frame first me with fingerprints on the knife then involve Remie with the business card. But their actions are contradictory at times. When they knocked me out, they could’ve easily killed me. Instead, they’re playing some type of twisted game, which means there’s more to come.”
“We need to figure out their plan first and beat them to it, just like we did two months ago.” Simultaneous nods echoed Megan’s show of solidarity.
“Farabee knows something about ClickChip. He baited me in reference to nanos.” It had taken all Billy’s willpower not to thrash the prick on the spot.
“There could be several reasons for Farabee having the knowledge. We’re dealing with a select medical group where it’s hard to keep secrets.” Under the table, Remie settled her hand over Billy’s.
“Remie, when you knew Ari back in school—was he studying neural organoids? And by the way, what the hell is a neural organoid?” Lexi didn’t look up from her keyboard.
McAllister Justice Series Box Set Volume Two Page 43
