by Anise Eden
Captain Abbott had approved my field trip to Braz’s office after I convinced Ben and Skeet that I needed to confirm some things I’d learned during our empathic submergence session. I told them that it would help me to spend time in Braz’s space going through his papers and “absorbing his pre-coma energy.” And since Braz’s office was in the same hospital building we inhabited, the captain decided that the risk was minimal. During that meeting, Ben had watched me like a hawk. I knew he suspected that something else was going on. He wanted to come with me to Braz’s office, but Captain Abbott asked him to stay behind to work on something. I told him it was just as well because I would concentrate better if I were alone—with a marine guard standing outside, of course. In spite of his obvious reservations, Ben had acquiesced. While I was pleased that he had chosen to respect my judgment, it made me feel even guiltier than I did already about lying to him.
If things went as planned, though, no one would ever find out. Braz told me that there was an emergency exit door leading directly from his office to the stairwell. He had long ago disabled the door’s alarm so that he could slip into the stairwell and have a cigarette without being detected. The plan was for me to get some privacy in the office, sneak out through the stairwell, catch a cab to Ernesto’s store, run in and pick up the cigarettes, then take the cab back to NIH and return to Braz’s office before anyone was the wiser. Then I would produce the cigarette pack and tell Ben that I found it in Braz’s desk. Easy peasy.
Kevin and Hector had walked me over to Braz’s office. Then, as promised, they’d waited outside while I went in and shut the door. I was so nervous that I hadn’t been able to eat lunch. My stomach was wild with hunger and nerves. I glanced around the room. There were a few random piles of books and papers, but for the most part, it was fairly organized. I did notice that it was heavily populated with potted plants—mostly ferns—and they looked like they needed watering. I would have to remember to take care of that when I got back.
There was a framed photo on Braz’s desk—a woman I recognized to be his wife Pedra in her later years. Thinking Braz might like to have her picture near him even though he couldn’t see it, I slipped it into the messenger bag Ben had given me in case I needed to carry anything back.
I’d told Kevin and Hector that I would need at least an hour, maybe more, and that I didn’t want to be disturbed. As an extra precaution, I turned the lock on the office door to slow down anyone who might try to enter.
Then it was time to try the emergency exit. If the alarm goes off, I’m screwed, I thought. Gingerly, I pushed on the bar handle, and the door gave way. Silence. Thank you, Braz.
I let out a great sigh, unaware that I’d been holding my breath. Then I closed the door carefully, using a sheet of notepaper to cover the latch so it wouldn’t lock behind me. I skittered down the staircase, following Braz’s directions to a second floor exit that was also without an alarm, then found the nearby elevator bay, took it one floor down, and walked out to the front of the building.
I squinted like a startled mole as I emerged into the bright, crisp autumn afternoon. As my eyes adjusted, I took in the enormity of the hospital. It looked more like the capital building in the middle of a city than the clinical center of a campus. But I didn’t have time to stand around gawking like an impressed tourist. I made my way over to the taxi stand Braz had promised would be there and climbed into the backseat of the first car.
I had to clear my throat twice before I could get out the words, “Friendship Heights Metro Station.”
“No problem.”
Within minutes, we were whizzing down Rockville Pike as the driver carried on an impassioned conversation on his cell phone in a language I didn’t understand. I rubbed my sternum in an effort to soothe my tightening chest and sent a silent plea out to the universe: If you get me through this, I’ll never do anything like this ever again, so help me God.
When we reached the metro station, the driver pulled over so quickly that my body was slammed against the door. “Um, sir,” I asked, “would you mind waiting for me? I just have to run in for some cigarettes. Then I’m returning to the same place.”
“Sure,” he said. “Five dollars extra.”
“Of course. No problem.” I climbed out, my heart pounding on the inside of my ribcage like a boxer punching a bag. I can’t believe I’m doing this, I thought as I scanned the streetscape. There was Ernesto’s newsstand in the middle of the block, right where I had expected it to be. A light sweat coated my skin as I crossed the street and walked up to the door. The store appeared to be completely empty.
Come on, Duncan, I told myself, this is what you came for. Just get it over with. I pushed the door open and a bell rang, announcing my presence. My nerves were drawn so tight that I yelped as a man stood up from where he had apparently been bent over behind the counter.
He smiled charitably. “Can I help you, miss?”
It was Ernesto. I recognized him from my visit inside of Braz’s mind: tall and thin, with a sharp nose that looked as though it had been whittled to a point. I cleared my throat again and spoke the words I had practiced. “Hi, Ernesto. Braz sent me to pick up his special pack of Derbys.”
Ernesto’s expression changed instantly. He scowled. “What Braz?”
Thankfully, Braz had prepared me for his questions. “Dr. Braz Belo, your friend from university.”
“Ah, that Braz.” Ernesto rubbed his goatee. “What special pack?”
“The one he told you to keep safe and not to give to anyone.” To my embarrassment, tears pressed themselves into the corners of my eyes. “If he could have come himself, he would have.”
“I see.” Ernesto coughed in an attempt to conceal his own emotions. “Are you his girlfriend?”
“No, just a friend.”
“Then I have something to tell you.” He leaned forward and said softly, “Braz’s girlfriend was here on Sunday—the pretty one with the long black hair. She was asking if I had heard from him or knew anything about him. She said she had been unable to reach him. I told her the truth, that I didn’t know anything. I thought she might ask for the pack of Derbys, but she did not.”
I nodded, swallowing hard. “I’ll tell him.”
Ernesto disappeared behind the counter again, this time emerging with a cigarette box—white with a blue ribbon, exactly as Braz had described, but with the top of the cellophane wrapper torn off. He held the pack against his chest as he spoke. “Also, tell Braz that I think it’s best if he doesn’t come to visit for a while. Some strange creatures have been hanging around here lately, giving strange looks.”
The bell on the door rang. Sounds from the street came in with two fit-looking young men in dark suits. They animatedly discussed some football results as they wandered over and began browsing the magazine selection.
I looked back at Ernesto. His body had gone as taut as a pulled bowstring. “There are two of the strange creatures now,” he murmured. He subtly pointed at his ear, pretending to scratch it.
As casually as I could, I glanced over at them. Sure enough, they were both wearing identical, nearly invisible earpieces with wires that disappeared under their shirt collars.
The spinning of the earth slowed. I heard every deafening pulse of my blood and felt each ragged breath as my chest rose and fell. I turned back to Ernesto. With great effort, he tried to appear unconcerned, giving me a flirtatious wink. “You also should not come back soon. You are very memorable.”
I tried to smile to show my gratitude for his warning, but I couldn’t quite manage it. “Thank you,” I whispered.
He handed me the cigarette pack. “Go. Tell my brother that I love him.”
But I was paralyzed, unable to move. My body had ceased listening to my brain’s panicked commands.
Ernesto became somber. He reached across the counter and squeezed my shoulder. “Go now.”
Fortunately, his touch activated me. The world sped up again. I slipped the cigarette pack into my messenge
r bag and nearly tripped over my feet in my rush to reach the door.
Once outside, I saw that my cab wasn’t where I had left it. I figured the driver must have had to circle the block. I started to walk down to the corner where I could meet him when he returned.
I had taken about a dozen steps when I heard the bell on Ernesto’s shop door ring again. I tucked my head down and to the side, trying to be discreet. I caught a glimpse of the two men in suits leaving the shop. They turned and walked in my direction, still arguing jovially.
Coincidence…? But I was on a secret mission. My cab driver had apparently disappeared without taking any payment. Two strange men with earpieces were following me.
I glanced back again, trying to look as casual as possible. The men had stopped talking to each other. Both of their expressions were now hidden under black sunglasses. My heart fluttered and jumped like a moth caught on a glue strip.
In desperation, I thought of Ben, but I had no way of reaching him since there was no cell phone coverage in the subbasement. I couldn’t call anyone else for help, either. I had left my cell phone in my room; I thought it might look suspicious if I took it with me, and I also didn’t think I’d need it. Well, that was dumb, I thought. And now the poisoners are after me. Fear clutched at my throat. Although it was broad daylight and we were surrounded by people, I had seen enough spy movies. I knew that they had their ways. I’d feel a slight sting in my leg and would go down instantly like a shot deer. The autopsy report would read, “apparent heart attack.” Well, there was no way I was giving in to that fate, and no way I was going down without a fight. Not here, not now, I thought. Not when I’ve just found Ben.
I began to shift into a run when suddenly, I found myself flanked by two men—but not the ones I was running from. Instead, Hector and Kevin were on either side of me, holding me by the elbows. I barely had time to wonder where they’d come from before they lifted me up off of the ground and deposited me into the open door of a van that was idling at the curb. They slid the door shut and climbed into the front seats.
“Buckle up,” Hector shouted over his shoulder to me, then growled into his cell phone, “We got her.”
I sensed a presence behind me and turned to see two of the other marines from Yankee Company sitting in the back of the van wearing camouflage uniforms. They were stone-faced, looking out the back window and poised for action.
Oh hell. A wave of guilt amplified my terror. “Kevin? Hector?” I leaned towards the front seat. “I’m so sorry….”
“Later!” Kevin said, then addressed the men in the back. “Are they gone?”
“Yes, sir,” one of the marines replied. “As soon as they spotted you, they turned around and went the other way.”
“Good,” Kevin said. “Make sure they stay gone.”
“Yes, sir!” The two marines in camo exploded out of the back doors and slammed them shut. Kevin threw the van into gear and we tore off at high speed.
I was tossed back against the seat. Trembles of adrenaline mixed with relief wracked my body. I tried to force myself to repeat the mantra, You’re safe now. But it wasn’t long before the tears I had been holding back rolled freely down my cheeks. I reached into the bag and held onto the cigarette pack, trying to reassure myself that the whole thing hadn’t been in vain.
Chapter Ten
We drove into the hospital’s underground garage. By the time we had spiraled down to our floor, I was completely disoriented. Kevin and Hector stayed on either side of me as we marched through the maze of passageways. We stopped at the door to the conference room. Hector opened it, and I walked inside. He closed the door firmly behind me.
Of all people, I wasn’t expecting to see Skeet. He was alone in the room, leaning back in his chair and examining his hands. “Oh hi,” he said warmly. “Come on in, have a seat.”
I looked around the room to see if I had missed something, or someone. With caution, I sat down across the table from him and asked the obvious question. “Where’s Ben?”
“Hmm, let’s see.” Skeet tapped the corner of his mouth with his index finger. “Judging from the shouting I heard as I walked by Captain Abbott’s office, I’d say he’s busy being drawn and quartered right now. ‘You can’t control your people, they’re putting my marines in danger.’ Something to that effect.”
Skeet appeared to be pleased with his imitation of Captain Abbott, which unfortunately had been accurate enough to make me cringe on Ben’s behalf. I folded my arms on the table and laid my head down.
“Yes, well.” I heard Skeet clap his hands and rub them together. “There’s nothing we can do about that right now. However, I have been tasked with finding out what you’ve been up to. Of course, I told them that you must have been doing something very important, and for excellent reasons.”
I couldn’t tell whether Skeet had really told them that or was just trying to be encouraging. I lifted my head and placed the messenger bag on the table. Then I pulled out the cigarette pack and slid it across to him.
“What’s this?” He looked from the pack to me and back again. Then he opened it, peered inside, and began emptying the cigarettes onto the table. We both heard a soft, sharp tick as a small piece of plastic fell out. Skeet picked it up and examined it. “A flash drive. Well done.” He strode over and opened the door, handing the drive to Hector. “Please get this to Captain Abbott immediately. Tell him Cate brought it.”
Thinking of Braz, I slipped one of the loose cigarettes into my bag while Skeet’s back was turned.
“Yes, sir!” Hector took off down the hallway. Skeet closed the door and returned to his seat.
“Well, that ought to give them something new to talk about.” He beamed at me. “Do you know what’s on it?”
“No, but I know it’s important.” With every moment that passed, however, my trepidation over the inevitable confrontation with Ben grew. I started to chew on my lip.
“Then there’s nothing for you to worry about,” Skeet reassured. “You’re back safe and sound, and you’ve brought back something worthwhile. I’m sure it will all smooth over in no time.”
If that was what he thought, then Skeet was clearly out of touch with reality. I slumped against the back of my chair.
He chuckled. “You think I’m overly optimistic. Well, maybe I am. But look at it this way. No matter how much of a hard-ass Abbott is, you’re rid of him after you leave this place. And as far as Ben is concerned—well, I’ve known quite a few marines, so I’m sure he can be somewhat… single-minded when it comes to certain things. Still, I’m sure he’ll appreciate that you only did what you did in an effort to help our patient… right?”
“Of course,” I said, annoyed that any other motivation might even be considered.
Skeet smiled and spread his hands out in front of him. “Well there you have it. Personally, I think you showed a lot of courage. I’m proud of you, Cate.”
I squinted in confusion. Proud of me? That was a weird thing to say. But before I could reply, the door flew open. I shot to my feet.
Ben burst into the room like a runaway train. His face was completely devoid of emotion, as though it had been chiseled out of rock. In less than a second, he had his hands on my shoulders and was looking me up and down, examining. When his eyes finally met mine, his mask slipped for a moment, and I caught a glimpse of the agonized expression that lay beneath. “Are you all right?”
The intense pain in his voice made me freeze in place. “Yes,” I managed to whisper. “I’m fine.”
He checked me over again, as though to verify my claim. Eventually, he appeared satisfied that I was all in one piece. Putting his stony expression back into place, he turned to Skeet. “Captain Abbott would like to see you,” he said, his voice as smooth and hard as a steel beam. “He would like you to be present while they examine the disk.”
“The disk Cate brought back,” Skeet said.
So Skeet was standing up for me. I felt myself soften a little towards him.
/> “Yes,” Ben replied sternly, “at great risk to herself, four marines, and the entire mission.”
“Well, it’s a good thing she was so successful, then.” Skeet winked at me. “I won’t keep Captain Abbott waiting.” He walked out, shutting the door behind him.
Ben looked at the wall just beyond me. His voice taut, he asked, “This was Braz’s idea, wasn’t it? He put you up to this?”
“What?” I looked up at him, eyes widening. With everything that was going on, Ben’s first priority was to assign blame? Well, I wasn’t going to throw Braz under the bus. “Nobody ‘put me up to’ anything!”
“His idea. Just as I thought.” He gestured towards the door. “Let’s go.”
As controlled as it was, I could still sense the rigid edge of Ben’s anger, cold and impossibly hard. I tried to think of something to say in Braz’s defense and my own, but my adrenaline-soaked brain was struggling to find words.
Ben walked over to the door and opened it, then stood to one side. “Let’s go, Cate.”
Propelled by the sheer determination in his voice, I walked out of the conference room, careful to hold my chin up. As we headed back to my room, I braced myself for what I expected would be one hell of a dustup.
• • •
We passed a few marines in the hallway. It was clear that they were trying not to stare. Obviously word of my little adventure had already spread.
When we reached our room, there were two marines standing on either side of the door. This does not bode well, I thought. Ben exchanged nods with them, opened the door, and gestured for me to step inside.
I walked into the middle of the room and turned around, waiting to hear what he had to say. As it turned out, though, I was waiting in vain. Ben was still standing in the hallway addressing the marines, but in a voice loud enough for me to hear. “Take her to the mess hall for dinner then bring her back here. Per Captain Abbott, she is only to leave this room for meals or work activities, and then only with a two-marine guard.”
