by E. E. Borton
“Fucking Ryan,” growled Colonel Brown.
“I don’t know how he did it, but he got to Baltimore and back to New Orleans like he was riding a magic carpet,” said Alex. “Do you think the Deputy Director knows he has her? I thought he was in our pocket.”
“He is, and I don’t think he knows,” said Colonel Brown. “Right now, this might actually be a good thing for us.”
“How?”
“Ryan must smell a rat. If he thinks his own boss is on the take, he won’t let him or anyone else know he has her. He’s trying to figure out what’s going on, but he doesn’t have all the pieces. The problem is, he will figure it out if he gets to the other Didache scientists. We can’t let him do that.”
“Those guys are scared shitless that Derek and Joshua are coming after them,” said Alex. “I don’t see them leaving the safety of this lab until those two are dead. How did Ryan know Dr. Anderson was even involved?”
“I think we have our own little rat problem.”
“Do you know who it is?”
“I believe so, but don’t worry about him,” said Colonel Brown. “I can take care of it from here. I need you in Atlanta today. It’s time for us to start tying up these loose ends. I need Dr. Kristina Anderson removed from the equation. Do you understand?”
“I do,” said Alex. “What about Ryan and his team? They’re not going to be happy when she turns up missing.”
“I don’t think he’s willing to implicate himself to his boss at this point. If he had all the information he needed, he wouldn’t be hiding her. But just in case, make it look like Joshua took her. Before you dispose of her, find out exactly what she told Ryan. We’ll make a determination then if we need to remove him and his team as well.”
“Kill federal agents?” asked Alex.
“Yes. We’ll kill federal agents to insure the survival of the Didache Project,” said Colonel Brown, glaring at Alex. “Are you still committed to that goal?”
“Of course I am, sir. The last thing I want to do is jeopardize the Project, but killing agents is going to bring a ton of heat and put a huge spotlight on us.”
“You know all of this is part of the plan,” said Colonel Brown convincingly. “We knew the FBI would have to get dangerously close to exposing the flaws of the program. It’s the only way they’ll be convinced this is an isolated case in which we’re not involved. But you also knew if they came too close, we’d have to make some tough decisions to keep this lab intact.
“If we fail to do that, this lab will be shut down tomorrow. Think about how many of our brothers are going to die on the battlefield because they weren’t given the abilities you have. Abilities that came at a steep price. It took over twenty years of research to develop, billions of dollars to manufacture, and cost us the lives of good men who would want us to carry on the mission. The days of turning on the news and watching our troops come home in flag draped coffins will be over because of what we’ve accomplished here. What you accomplished here. I won’t let anyone shut us down because of one stupid mistake that had nothing to do with us. You’re the future of modern warfare, Alex. You’re the future of the Marine Corps. You have to be protected and preserved at all cost.”
“Yes, sir,” acknowledged Alex. “I understand the importance of completing the mission. I won’t let you down, Colonel.”
“No, Marine. I won’t let you down.”
*****
The heat of Atlanta was reaching its summertime peak as Tom and Michelle left the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office on the east side of the city. They quickly determined the missing girl wasn’t a victim of Derek or Joshua. The timeline of her disappearance didn’t fit either profile. The girl was also too young. She was seventeen-years-old, which was six years younger than their usual twenty-three-year-old targets.
“This is going to sound crazy, but what if Dallas is right about Ryan and Kristina,” said Tom, out of the blue while driving back to Atlanta.
“Where did that come from?” asked Michelle.
“Left field, but what if?”
“First of all, you saying Dallas is right about something is mind blowing enough. Add Ryan becoming involved with a possible material witness in the most bizarre serial killer case we’ve ever worked, and you’re standing on a different planet. He’d never jeopardize his objectivity because of a crush.”
“You need to cut Dallas a little slack,” said Tom, earning a glare from Michelle. “He’s a very intuitive person, and he knows Ryan better than both of us. The fact that Dallas doesn’t have a filter between what he thinks and what he says is actually an enviable characteristic. You always know where you stand with him.”
“Okay, for the sake of the argument I’ll agree with you about that, but not about Ryan falling for a woman under his protection.”
“Her name is Kristina.”
“I know her name, Tom.”
“I think maybe you’ve become too objective about her. You see her as just another player in this very complicated game. Why would it be so hard for you to believe Ryan may look at her differently? Haven’t you ever been attracted to someone involved in an active investigation?”
“No, of course not,” answered Michelle quickly. “It would only make the game more complicated. And we definitely don’t need this one to become more complicated. I would hope Ryan understands that. I find it hard to believe you’re being so cavalier about it. When have you ever known him to let down his guard?”
“Never, but it really has little to do with letting down his guard and more to do with him being human,” said Tom.
“You’re losing me,” said Michelle. “We should be talking about the case, not Ryan’s love life.”
“Okay, okay. Obviously, I struck some kind of chord with you.”
“No, I just think it would be terribly irresponsible of Ryan to get involved with a woman he barley knows under these circumstances.”
“Kristina.”
“Good Lord, Tom. You actually just made me wish I was with Dallas right now.”
“Aha! I knew there was something going on between you two,” said Tom with a chuckle.
“Okay, now you’re just trying to piss me off. I will shoot you in the face,” she said with an unconvincing smile.
“Just jokes, Michelle. Lower your weapon.”
“Seriously, Tom, what’s come over you?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m just getting a little older and thinking about my empty house and open date book that’s been that way for years. We all become so involved with the job that we forget to think about what happens after.”
“After?”
“Yeah, after we’re done with the job. And I don’t mean this one in particular, I mean when we hang up our guns and rejoin normal society. At this point in my life, I’d just go home to that empty house wondering what to do next.”
“Well, any concept I had of ‘normal society’ was skewed years ago because of this job,” said Michelle. “And the last thing I want to do is join a group I don’t understand anymore. At least here, we hold the line and know the bad guys are on the other side. For me, it’s actually a little comforting not having to think about someone waiting for me to come home. It’s just me looking out for me.”
“Do you really believe that?” asked Tom with a slightly hurtful tone.
“You guys are on that line with me, Tom. I know you’re looking out for me on the job. But when I go home, it really is just me. Just like it’s only you when you go home. I believe it’s what makes us better at our job than most. There’s nothing tying us down, and we’re able to trek across the country at a moment’s notice. There’s no one to check in with and make sure the kids are set for school and the grocery shopping is done. That has to make sense to you.”
“Oh yes, it absolutely does, and I agree with you,” said Tom. “But one of these days, perhaps sooner than later, the job will let us go long before we’re ready to let it go. I wonder how we’ll deal with waking up the next morn
ing without those kids and no food in the fridge.”
“I’ll borrow my sister’s monkeys for an evening and order pizza,” said Michelle. “After a night with them, I’ll look forward to an empty house.”
“I can’t argue with that logic. Do you want me to drop you off at Kristina’s?” asked Tom as they approached the neighborhood where she was being hidden.
“No, I need to take the car in case I have to run out and pick up something for her.”
“Okay.”
Michelle stayed with Tom for a few hours at the FBI house and waited for Ryan and Dallas to return. All four had unproductive trips, and the team briefed each other on their progress hunting Derek and Joshua. With almost no new information, the brief lasted only a few minutes. Michelle grabbed her gear and headed out the door.
When she arrived at Kristina’s, a man in tattered white coveralls and a baseball cap was sitting on the front porch reading a magazine. She also observed a windowless utility van parked beside an open manhole near the curb at the edge of the front yard. When she reached the porch, she noticed the tiny clear spiral tube running from the sentry’s ear disappearing down the back of his paint splotched clothing. She also noticed the butt of his automatic rifle peeking out from a pile of newspapers at his feet. He reached up and tipped his hat.
“Good evenin’, ma’am. May I offah you a tall cool drink of lemonade?” he asked in an embellished southern accent.
“You’d make a thousand dollas selling that from a stand on the cawnah,” said Michelle in an equally embellished accent.
“I’d make a million if you sat beside me with your smile, pretty lady.”
“Well, I do declayah. How many are posted?” asked Michelle, dropping the accent.
“One in the van with a much bigger gun than mine,” said the man, losing his accent as well. “Two around back in a shed with a three-sixty of the yard. Two more inside. And then of course, yours truly sipping lemonade and enjoying this Africa hot weather in coveralls. My name is Patrick Webber,” he said, offering his hand.
“Michelle Dobbs, but you should already know that,” she said, giving him a firm handshake.
“Yes, ma’am. We’ve been expecting you. Dr. Anderson is up in her room reading. That’s pretty much where she’s been since she arrived. I’m sure she’s looking forward to the company.”
“Apparently, not mine,” said Michelle, confusing Patrick, who didn’t pry.
“If you need anything, let me know. These are my guys.”
“I appreciate it, Patrick. I have to say, if your guys are associated with the New Orleans team, she’s in good hands.”
“Thank you. I was CIA for three years before joining Steve’s outfit. The pay is much better, and the lines are less blurry.”
“I know the feeling,” said Michelle, finding herself lingering too long with the attractive young team leader. “Maybe I’ll send my application in when my tour is up.”
“I’ll put in a good word.”
“Thank you,” said Michelle, entering the house. She closed the door behind her and stood in the foyer shaking her head. “Maybe I’ll send in my application? Damn you for getting in my head, Tom.”
“Michelle,” greeted Kristina, startling her from the top of the stairs. “I thought I heard someone come in. Who were you talking to?”
“The only person that ever really listens…me. How are you?
“Oh, I’m fine. I have my books,” said Kristina, making her way down the stairs. “Can I get you anything? Coffee? Something to eat?”
“No, thank you. I’m actually supposed to be asking you those questions,” said Michelle, following her into the kitchen.
“Well, these gentlemen are as doting as the group in New Orleans,” said Kristina, opening a bottle of water. “A girl could get used to this.”
“It would drive me crazy, but if you’re sure you don’t need anything, I’ll leave you to your reading.”
“Oh, you have to leave so soon?” she replied quickly.
“I don’t want to disturb you,” said Michelle, trying to make a fast exit.
“Disturb me? I’ve been cooped up inside with a bunch of serious-looking guys carrying guns. They’ve been very accommodating, but I have to admit there’s been a lack of conversation other than asking if I need anything. Would you mind staying just a little while longer?”
“I guess it would be okay,” said Michelle, reluctantly taking a seat at the table. “I can catch you up on the case.”
“Actually, I’d rather talk about anything else. It’s the reason why I’ve been doing so much reading, you know, so I don’t have to think about what’s going on out there. I guess I just tend to worry about everyone involved. This may be hard for you to understand, but Peter and Richard were good guys. Derek as well.”
“It is difficult to understand after witnessing what they’ve done,” said Michelle. “They may have been good guys at some point, but they’re not anymore.”
“So, how are the guys?” asked Kristina, changing the subject. “How’s Ryan?”
“Dallas and Tom are good. Ryan hasn’t been sleeping very much, but he seems to be okay.”
“He does seem like a very intense person,” said Kristina. “I can’t help but feel a little responsible for his lack of sleep.”
“Why would you feel responsible?” asked Michelle.
“I mean having to worry about lugging me everywhere while trying to find Derek and Joshua.”
“Oh, I don’t think he’s worried about that. In fact, he’s probably more relieved you’re here. If anything were to happen, I’m sure he’d rather be here. You’re right, he is a fairly intense person, but that’s what makes him effective.”
“You seem like a pretty close group,” said Kristina. “When I was working at the lab, or anywhere else as a matter of fact, people tended to shy away from me. I never really became close to anyone. I had friends, but they always kept their distance. I’m sure I was partly to blame since I was always so involved in my work, but there were many times I wish I could’ve just hung out with them, you know, let our hair down and relax.”
“I think they might have been intimidated by you,” said Michelle, defrosting a few degrees. “Being an attractive, driven woman with a big brain tends to humble folks. They don’t know what to do with you, so they keep you at arm’s length. Speaking of people keeping their distance, imagine carrying a gun and a badge. It’s crickets and tumbleweed whenever I walk into a room at a social gathering.”
“Well, at least it’s nice to know there are other women out there like me.”
“Kristina, there are very few women out there like us. No offense, but we both walked into the men’s club without a club. Most of them don’t know what to do with us, so they try to ignore the fact we’re even there. We have to be more creative about how to make enough noise to get noticed without getting kicked out.”
“Very true,” said Kristina with a smile.
Michelle and Kristina sat at the table talking for over an hour. They discovered they had more in common than either thought. In a predominantly male working environment, they both enjoyed the rare opportunity of not having one in the same room.
*****
The chartered aircraft landed at Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta late in the evening. Two vehicles were waiting for the six men which included Alex and the banged up Red Team. They were looking forward to paying back Ryan and Dallas for the painful gifts they received in Baltimore.
“I want the other guys to wait at the hotel,” said Alex to Paul of Red Team. “I want you to follow Michelle and Tom. According to the GPS data, they’re usually together. Right now, it’s showing everyone at the FBI house. I’ll be tailing Ryan and Dallas. One of them will eventually lead us to Dr. Anderson. When they do, I’ll be the one taking her this time. Ryan will find it difficult putting me in a dumpster.”
*****
Scott Wilson stood in front of Colonel Brown’s office door and took severa
l deep breaths. His instincts told him to turn and run, but he knew Ryan wouldn’t have a chance if he lost his only inside source to the lab. But more importantly, he knew Ryan had Kristina. If he left, they’d be on their own. She’d be on her own. He knocked on the door and entered the office.
“You wanted to see me, sir?” asked Scott nervously.
“Yes, I did,” said the Colonel with a rare friendly greeting. “Please, sit down.”
Scott had been wary of the Colonel since he started working at the lab years ago, but was on high alert sitting in front of the man running the show. The Colonel wasted no time showing his cards.
“I understand you’ve been talking to Agent Ryan Pearson.”
“Yes, sir. We’ve had contact at each of the crime scenes. I only relayed the information you instructed me to divulge.”
Two security personnel entered the office and stood behind Scott. His pulse skyrocketed as the Colonel watched the scientist turn pale.
“No, Scott. You told him much more than that. In fact, you told him exactly where to find Dr. Anderson. We know he has her, but not for long. Alex and a team are in Atlanta getting ready to separate the two.”
“That’s crazy. Why would I –”
The Colonel put his hand up for Scott to stop talking – It worked.
“The next words that come out of your mouth are going to be critical to your survival and hers. You have no idea how bad you fucked up, son. You need to start unfucking yourself right now. The only way that’s going to happen is if you tell me everything you told him and everything you gave him. And yes, I know about the autopsy reports. If you even think about tap dancing around what I want, I’ll end your life right after I show you photos of how I ended hers. The only chance you and Dr. Anderson have to walk away from this is for you to come clean.”
16
Red Team Reunion
It had been two days since Alex started shadowing Ryan and Dallas. He still had no idea where they were hiding Kristina. The GPS embedded in the agent’s phones made it easy for him to keep his distance and stay concealed. Late in the evening on the second day, the locator map in Alex’s laptop showed all four agents in the FBI house. His senses were alerted when he observed Ryan leaving the house alone, but the GPS signal indicated no movement. Alex called his team and told them to prepare to move as Ryan’s car left the driveway.
