by M. R. Forbes
"I probably can't."
"I think you're wrong. Detective work is all about putting together puzzles. Finding the pieces and getting them in the right places. Do you know what I mean?"
"Yes."
"So I have these pieces. A guy leaves the mental ward of a hospital. The same guy tries to rob someone a few hours later."
"I didn't try to-"
"Yeah, I know. And then immediately after that, an autocab drives off the road. Do you know the last time that happened, Reggie?"
"I've been committed for twenty years, Detective."
"True. Let me tell you." He paused for effect. "Never. Not once in the seventy-four years they've been cruising the city. There's never even been a single accident. Yet as soon as you step into one, it tries to kill you."
"That is curious, isn't it?" Reggie said.
"I already talked to a rep at Yellow, and they said the link between the car and home base went offline at exactly the same time the vehicle started acting funny."
"Maybe somebody hacked it?"
"Maybe, but that hasn't been done to an autocab in about forty years. Coincidence that it happened today, when you were in the car? Or that it just happened to be the car you were in? When you haven't even been outside in twenty years? What do you think the odds of that are?"
"So you think I'm being targeted?"
"Don't you?"
Reggie stared at the Detective, holding his poker face. He knew he was being targeted. He even had a name. He wasn't about to give it to Lyle. "It does seem that way, doesn't it?"
"Yeah. So the question is, why?"
"Do you think I know why?"
"I think something happened to you, and you went into that hospital to escape from it. I think you figured twenty years was long enough to be forgotten about, and I think that obviously, it wasn't. Whoever you pissed off once upon a time was just waiting for you to surface again." He paused a second time. "And, I don't believe for one second you don't know who you are or who wants to kill you. Hiding, yes? Crazy? No. Puzzle. Pieces. That fits."
"A little too perfectly, don't you think, Detective? I doubt answers are always so easy to come by."
"You'd be surprised."
"What it is you want from me? I haven't done anything wrong. In fact, if anything I'm a victim. So why the questions? Why the disbelief? If I tell you I don't remember, why do you doubt that? You can theorize all day about the shape of the pieces, but you still need evidence to prove they look the way they do before they can be assembled into a whole."
"I didn't just pull your file, Reggie," Lyle said. "I talked to a few of the people at St. Mary's, including a pair of security guards who said you beat them up like you were some kind of damned ninja."
Reggie lowered his head into his hand. He had forgotten about that. "I didn't want to hurt them. They wouldn't let me leave."
"You want to know why I'm grilling you? It's because I think you're dangerous on your own, and the fact that someone wants to kill you makes you even more dangerous. I don't need a bunch of innocent people winding up dead because they get caught in whatever crossfire you've created."
"I haven't created anything. I was never held in St. Mary's by any legal proceeding. I had every right to leave. Just like I have every right to get into a car and be driven somewhere without winding up at the bottom of a river. Whatever you think, I am one of the innocent people, so maybe you should spend your time trying to figure out who hacked the autocab and arrest them for attempted murder, and leave me the hell alone?"
Detective Lyle was silent. He sat back in his chair, staring blankly at Reggie. He remained that way for a minute before getting to his feet and leaving the room without another word.
Reggie stared at the closed door. He wondered if he should have told Lyle what was going on. That someone had targeted him, taken control of the car and tried to kill him. Maybe if he explained about Katherine Asher, the Detective could be useful? Lyle was right that whoever Watson was, he was dangerous, and Reggie didn't get the feeling he cared about collateral damage.
He wanted to be able to tell him. He also knew he couldn't. Detective Lyle was too crisp, too clean. He would do all the right things and take the information through all the right channels. After getting a small taste of what Watson was capable of, Reggie knew that kind of approach would get the Detective, and probably himself, killed.
Lyle returned to the room a few minutes later, carrying a bundle of clothes. He tossed them onto the table.
"Everything should be the right size. If I had any legal means to hold you here, I would. Seeing that I don't, you're free to go."
Reggie started reaching for the pile, pausing halfway. He might have some dry clothes, but he still had no money and no way to get to New York. He looked at Detective Lyle. The man had an honest face, and he was going to have to take a risk somewhere if he was going to get to Major Asher.
"What branch did you serve in?" he asked, resuming his reach.
"What?"
"You're former military."
"It takes one to know one," Lyle said.
"Maybe. I don't know. I can tell you are. Which branch?"
"United States Marine Corp. Ten years. Semper Fi."
Reggie was glad his hunch was right. He had a feeling Lyle was right, too. That he used to be a soldier. How else could he explain his nightly ritual?
"Is there a diner nearby?"
"Two blocks north. Why?"
"If you want in, meet me there in an hour."
"In on what?"
"Meet me there."
Reggie locked eyes with Lyle. The Detective nodded curtly, and then turned and left the room.
Reggie got dressed again. Another officer met him and the door and escorted him out. He had taken a chance to even hint at anything with Lyle.
He couldn't do this alone, whatever this turned out to be.
17
His name was Trevor Johns. He had been in the British SAS when Katherine met him, only a few months after she was transferred to Project Olive Branch. He was just another one of the competition the day they met.
He had become something more a little bit after that.
Then he had been caught dealing in some pretty heavy illegal human genetic enhancement products and summarily released from service, his record and reputation destroyed in a matter of days.
Katherine had done all she could to distance herself from him, and he had been cordial in doing everything he could to erase the fact that they ever knew each other. He understood how competitive the program was, and he also understood she was getting top marks and had every possibility of making it through the gauntlet.
She stilled loved him for that part.
Tracking him down wasn't hard. Katherine had kept a soft line to him over the last few years and knew that he had remained in the States after his discharge, quickly finding work in the private security sector with a technology company called Nova Taurus. They were huge in military contracting, a perfect fit for an ex-commando who could put all of their latest and greatest to the test.
A short drive from Norfolk to DC found Katherine sitting in the corner of a high-end cafe by noon, sipping a soft drink and waiting for Trevor to make an appearance. She didn't need Michael to do all her research for her.
He entered the cafe at twelve-fifteen, flanked on either side by an equally impressive pair of men who she was sure had also been special forces somewhere, at some time. All three of them were lean and muscled, sharp in expensive suits and top-of-the-line AR glasses that were barely visible across one eye. Katherine remained in her seat while they crossed over to the line to pass their order into the system - a small silver box containing an AI that could manage any potential interaction needed to purchase a meal in a multitude of languages.
She caught him glancing her way for the briefest of moments as he chatted with his companions on the line, and then again right before he placed his order. He said something to the other two men at that point and excused himself, ma
king his way over to where she was sitting.
"Katherine," he said, smiling. He was almost thirty-five years old, yet his golden hair and dimpled cheeks still made him look like a precocious teen, and still brought a flutter to her chest. "I have to say, I'm only a little surprised to see you here."
"Trevor," she replied, returning the smile. "I take it you heard the news?"
"About your trauma and discharge? It was in the morning stream. Did you come here looking for a job with Nova or to pick up where we left off?"
"Do you have a minute?" Katherine asked.
Trevor glanced over to where his companions had found a seat in the cafe. "For you? Of course. I'll tell you up-front, I'm seeing someone." He sat down across from her.
"Ego?" she asked. She couldn't say she didn't feel anything looking at him, but she had bigger things to worry about than her libido.
He shrugged. "Then you came about a referral. Nova Taurus is always looking to hire the best of the best to help test and develop."
"Actually, it's something else. Something a little more personal."
"I don't do relationship advice."
"Funny, Trevor. We used to be close. I came here because I'm hoping I can still trust you."
"Are you in trouble, Kate? Does it have to do with the news?"
"The less you know, the better it is for both of us. Do you remember when you said that?"
"Yes. It was right before-"
"I'm saying it now," Katherine said, interrupting. "We had an understanding then, and the tables have turned a bit. I'm hoping we can have the same understanding today."
"I don't do anything illegal. Not anymore."
"I'm not asking you to. What I do need is a contact. I want to purchase some equipment."
"The kind you can't get above the table?"
She nodded.
"Why?"
She raised her eyebrows. He smiled in response.
"What makes you think I can help you get what you're looking for?"
"Because I know you. Just because you're legit now doesn't mean you aren't keeping your options open. Like you did with that administrator in requisitions."
For as good as their relationship had been when it was good, he wasn't the kind of man who kept his sights set on one woman when it wasn't.
Trevor's smile faded slightly. "Ouch. That kind of equipment won't come cheap."
"I can cover it. Do you still have a name?"
Trevor bit his bottom lip. "Kate, whatever is going on, I really don't think-"
"Is that a no?"
"I didn't say that. I'm just-"
She leaned forward, over the table so she was close enough to whisper. "Look, Trev. Someone tried to kill me. Twice. I think they're going to come after me again, and I need to protect myself. Being discharged means I lost my privileges to purchase and carry legally. So save your advice for someone who wants it. If you have a name, give it. If not, get up and walk away."
"Ah, I've missed you," Trevor said, putting his hand up to her cheek. "When you talk like that it makes me wish we were back in training camp together. Or at least on weekend leave."
"Name?" Katherine repeated, ignoring his touch.
"There will be too much trouble for me if I divulge."
"Damn it, Trevor," she said, her voice rising.
"Shh. I didn't say I wouldn't help you. We're friends, after all. Do you know where the Woodley Loop Station is?"
"No."
"Find it. Board the last fare out and take it to Chinatown. Someone will meet you there. They'll have what you need."
He leaned back and got to his feet.
"How will they know who I am?"
"It was good to see you again, Katherine," he said in reply. "I'll put in a good word for you. Send your resume over and you'll be earning three times what the Air Force was paying you on your first day."
Katherine sat back in her seat, picking her drink up off the table and taking a sip while Trevor found his companions and his lunch. She saw him and his friends glance back at her once before they became involved in their own conversation.
She lingered for a few more minutes, finishing the drink, and then got up and left.
She had gotten what she came for.
18
Katherine wasted the rest of the day shopping for less consequential items. A couple of changes of clothes, some toiletries, and other random crap that she thought would keep the NSA from getting too suspicious. She had no doubt they were monitoring her - keeping tabs on where she went and who she spoke to. She had vague ties to terrorists. That was good enough.
Talking to Trevor had been a risk. If he had been thinking a little straighter he probably wouldn't have come over. He would have realized she would be watched, and that talking to her would get him monitored too. She had to believe he was smart enough to be careful and to circumvent their surveillance.
She had gotten the Hyperloop schedule right after their conversation, marked the place and time, and headed to the area once that time drew near. She was loitering at a coffee shop, waiting for the transport, when Michael pinged her AR.
"Hey, Kathy," he said.
He sounded a bit happier that the last time she had spoken to him. He had said doing something proactive would help him deal with the weight of his experience, and it seemed as though it was.
"Hey, Beluga," she replied, using the old nickname she had given him. In Elementary school, it had been a word used by the other kids to tease him for his weight. She had started calling him that to lessen the impact - to show him that a word was just a word, not a definition of who he was. Or if it were a definition, that it could be as much positive as negative. "How goes it?"
"I spent the last eight hours scanning every resource I have for the name 'Mitchell' and cross-checking it with your duty record. You've been in the vicinity of six soldiers named Mitchell over the course of your career. Four of them are dead. One is retired and living on a farm in Wyoming. The last one is the interesting one. Mitchell Hogarth. He's a retired Colonel who owns a bar. Do you want to guess where?"
"Not really. Why don't you just tell me?"
"No fun. DC. Near the Capitol."
Katherine felt a twinge of excitement at the possibility. "Interesting. I knew you would come through for me. You were careful to cover your tracks?"
"Hah. I didn't leave any tracks. I eat this stuff for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
"Michael-"
"Yes. I covered my tracks. Are you okay? You seem a little on edge."
"I'll tell you about it later, but I am a little. Can you pass Colonel Hogarth's address?"
"Already done. You two were both shipped to Antarctica around the same time at the end of the war, but your bases were a good hundred kilometers apart. Do you really think there's a connection?"
Katherine thought about the name. She didn't feel anything special about Colonel Hogarth, but he was the only lead she had. "I don't know. I can't risk missing something."
"Yeah, okay."
"I've got to go, Michael. I have an appointment."
"At eleventy-fifty at night?"
"Believe it or not, yes."
"Okay. Hey, I dug up something else that I thought was interesting, but probably not related." He sounded excited about it like he had found some kind of buried treasure.
"Can it wait until later?"
"I guess. If it has to."
She didn't have the heart to make him wait. "Fine, what is it?"
"I got to thinking about everything you told me about Mitchell, and the Dove, and the AIT. The whole thing is so strange, but it reminded me of something. Do you remember back when we were kids, they day the XENO-1 crashed?"
She had never forgotten. "Yes. That day changed my whole life."
"Mine, too," Michael said. "And pretty much everyone else's, really. I remember we were on the playground at school when it hit the atmosphere. I remember watching it fall with you. But those memories are vague. Fuzzy because of time, yo
u know?"
"Not to me. I knew from the moment I saw her what I wanted to do with the rest of my life." She glanced to the corner of her AR glasses to check the time. She couldn't believe she was having this conversation now. "I assume you have a point?"
"Yeah. Sorry, you're in a hurry. My point is that there is one thing I remember about that day. One detail that has always hung with me. I never gave it much thought until you told me what happened."
"What detail is that?"
"You looked at the sky before it happened."
"What?"
"You looked at where the XENO-1 came into view before it came into view. As if you knew it was going to be there ahead of time."
"I did not."
"You did. I swear. Just like you knew when you saw it that you wanted to go to space, you knew it was coming. Maybe not consciously, but I'm certain you did. I'm even more certain now. I mean, all of this stuff with the AIT and Mitchell and whatever, there's no way it isn't related."
"There's a pretty big gap between those dots."
"I thought so, too. Until I ran a search for references to XENO-1 this morning, dating back over the last couple of months. There are a ton of articles about the Dove in there. A couple of smaller streams even picked up the story about your discharge. There was something else buried in there; something a little crazier."
"And you think it's related?"
"I'll tell you what it is, and then you can tell me."
Katherine checked the time again. She had two minutes to catch her departure. "I'm sorry, I have to go. I can't miss this appointment."
"Okay. Let me just tell you-"
"I can't right now, Michael. Thank you for everything you're doing to help. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I'll ping you back when I'm done, and then you can drop the bomb on me, okay?"
"Okay. Be careful."
Katherine disconnected, heading down the steps into the Hyperloop tunnel. She had to run to make it to the pod on time.
Whatever Michael had, she had a feeling he was wasting his time trying to find a connection that wasn't there. Even so, she appreciated that he was thinking out of the box.
