The Secret Target

by Dean Atwood

  “Who killed him?”

  “An ex-military friend of the lieutenant’s.”

  “Have you talked with him about it?”

  “I don’t know who he is or where to find him. Besides, I think he should be left out of the sanitized version. If it weren’t for him, Anne Upshaw would be dead. I think it’s better if our report says the assassin was killed by an unknown assailant.”

  “Continue.”

  After Anne’s speech, the lieutenant went to Ted Danziger’s suite with him for dinner. We wired her, hoping she’d get him to incriminate himself in the killings of Jeremy Glover and Agent Thomason, the attempted murder of Blaire Saunders, and the attempted murder of Anne Upshaw.”

  “Was she successful?”

  “Not exactly. He didn’t say anything that could convict him in a court of law, but he said some things that reinforced my suspicions about him. The lieutenant was attempting to get him to slip up and say something more incriminating, but before she could do it, he spiked her drink and she passed out.”

  “Where were you while this was going on?”

  “I was in the stairwell near Danziger’s suite listening to it all from the transmitter the lieutenant was wearing. After she passed out, I could hear him still talking to her like she was awake He took her to his bedroom and took off some of her clothes.”

  “Did he find the wire?”

  “I don’t think so. It was inside her bra cup and he hadn’t removed her bra yet.”

  “So, how did he end up dead?”

  “Apparently, he went to get a drink before raping the lieutenant and while he was standing in front of a picture window, a sniper shot him between the eyes. By the time I got there, he was dead on the floor with a glass of spilled brandy next to him. I helped the lieutenant back to her room. And, that’s it.”

  “Not quite. Who killed Danziger?”

  “I have no proof, but I suspect Special Agent Warren had something to do with it.”

  “What makes you think that?”

  “He was ‘reassigned’ yesterday afternoon and moved out of the JUIAF. Nobody seems to know where he went or what his new assignment is.”

  “Why would he want Danziger dead?”

  “Maybe he and his bosses didn’t want it to be known that Danziger was their phony whistle blower, who they used to justify bugging Anne Upshaw’s home and installing psychotronic equipment.”

  “This informant of yours, the lieutenant, seems to have a lot of inside information. Shouldn’t we bring her in for interrogation.”

  “We can’t do that. She wants to remain anonymous and for good reason. The CIA and other agencies are looking for her. We’d put her life in danger if we connect her with this in any way. She’s ex-military intelligence.”

  “So, in the sanitized version, we say nothing about her role in all of this?”

  “We tell the truth. Danziger was my prime suspect in the murder of two FBI agents but before I could prove it conclusively, he was murdered. For us the case is closed. The local DC police have jurisdiction for Danziger’s murder and the murder of the hitman who tried to kill Anne Upshaw. Good luck to them with their investigation.”

  “It’s a stretch, but I think I can sell the sanitized version. The murder of two FBI agents is getting too much visibility. Richmond will jump at the chance to claim the case has been solved and the FBI’s involvement is ended.”

  “I’m sure glad you’re staying around for a few more years, boss. I’d hate to have to explain this whole mess to a stranger.”

  “I’m glad I made somebody happy. I’m still in the doghouse for cancelling the trip my wife had planned for us after my retirement.”

  Chapter 60

  D aphne said to QT, “I didn’t expect to see you at the JUIAF today. I figured you’d be busy all day with paperwork.”

  “I’m taking a break.”

  “You’ve come to the wrong place to take it easy.”

  “There’s another reason I’m here.”

  “What would that be?”

  “I need you to set up a meeting with Colonel Smithers.”

  “Why don’t you do it yourself?”

  “Because she’ll give me the runaround. I want you to tell her that you and I want to give her a final update before closing Jeremy’s murder case.”

  “Is that what we’re really going to talk to her about?”

  “Partially.”

  “What else are we discussing? I don’t want to be blindsided.”

  “I’m going to convince the colonel to help me protect a friend of mine who was instrumental in solving Jeremy’s murder.”

  “And, you want me to have your back, even though I have no idea who or what you’re talking about?”

  “Arrange the meeting and I’ll fill you in, on the way to her office.”

  “Why should I?”

  “You’ll be helping me do the right thing. And, I’ll owe you a big favor. You’ll have a chip you can cash in at any time.”

  “I’ll probably regret this, but I’ll do it. And, you better believe I’ll cash in that chip someday.”

  ***

  Colonel Smithers followed her normal welcoming routine. She stood when QT and Daphne entered, ordered them to sit in the visitors’ chairs, and then sat back down. “So, you’re here to tell me you’ve wrapped up the murder case,” she said to Quinton.

  “Yes.”

  “You’ve been avoiding me during the entire investigation, sending Daphne instead of meeting with me yourself. Why do I think you have ulterior motives for being here today?”

  “Probably because you’re very astute.”

  “Cut the flattery bullshit and get to the point.”

  “The FBI’s final report will say that Ted Danziger, VP of Operations for Upshaw Corporation, was responsible for Jeremy Glover’s murder and Blaire Saunders attempted murder at the JUIAF.

  “Have you identified his motive, and do you have indisputable proof he was behind it?”

  “Yes, and I’ll make sure you get a copy of the FBI report that covers that in detail.”

  “It sounds like a clear-cut case. It’s unambiguous, the way I like it. Now, why don’t you tell me why you and Daphne really asked to meet with me?”

  “There’s a former military intelligence office named Lieutenant Madeline Casey, who provided me with invaluable assistance during the murder investigation.”

  “I’ve never heard of her.”

  “I didn’t expect that you would. Her records say she was killed in action five years ago.”

  “Lots of soldiers die in action.”

  “Well, this one is still alive. I don’t know why she faked her death and disappeared, but it has something to do with her stint in military intelligence. Apparently, the CIA and other agencies were willing to accept her death, as long as she remained invisible.”

  “I still don’t see what this has to do with me.”

  “By helping me with the case, the lieutenant has exposed herself to harassment or perhaps worse from the CIA and other intelligence agencies.”

  “Do you know this is true or are you taking the word of the former lieutenant?”

  “I know because the CIA has already contacted me and told me they want to question her.”

  “It’s unfortunate for her, but I still fail to see what it has to do with me.”

  “I need your help to get the intelligence community to go back to their previous position regarding Madeline Casey. Let her die in peace.”

  “Why on earth would I do that?”

  “I’m hoping you’ll do it because it’s the right thing to do. You know as well as anyone how difficult it is for women in the military. I’m asking you to accept that a fellow woman officer will be mistreated unless you use your power to protect her.”

  “That’s very altruistic, but I don’t understand why I should put my ass on the line for somebody I don’t even know.”

  “Let me put it another way that you can understand. During my i
nvestigation, I discovered that Special Agent Warren had secret contact with Ted Danziger. And, low and behold, when he found out that his communications had been discovered, he was mysteriously reassigned, and you were the last person he met with before he disappeared.”

  “Are you accusing me of wrong-doing?”

  “All I’m saying is that I can leave Warren and you out of my report or include you. It’s been my experience that even if a person isn’t guilty of a crime, the implication that they might be involved with something shady is sometimes enough to destroy their professional career.”

  “Are you trying to blackmail me?”

  “No, I’m giving you alternatives. You can do the right thing for Madeline Casey or you and Special Agent Warren can become subjected to an internal JUIAF investigation. I’m betting that your boss and Warren’s would prefer to avoid the publicity.”

  The veins on Colonel Smithers’ head bulged and her face turned red, but she managed to maintain her composure when she said, “Daphne, what do you have to say about this?”

  “I think it’s despicable that Agent Target would attempt to pressure you in this way. However, I do believe that Lieutenant Casey deserves our protection. I know for a fact that she was responsible for saving both Anne Upshaw and Blaire Saunders from assassination.”

  After a pause for reflection, the colonel said to Quinton, “I’ll intervene for the lieutenant but not because of your threats. I’ll do it because I trust Daphne’s opinion.”

  “Thank you,” Quinton said.

  “You’re both dismissed,” she replied.

  ***

  On the drive to his townhouse, QT thought about the past few days and tried to put the murders into perspective. It seemed to him that everything that had happened stemmed from an unrevealed person within one of the sixteen intelligence agencies, who’d taken it upon himself or herself to make Anne Upshaw a secret target to be used to gain an advantage over the Chinese government.

  Ted Danziger was a pawn, who this powerful person had recruited to put Anne Upshaw in a vulnerable position where she could be controlled. Unfortunately for everyone affected, the intelligence officer had underestimated the lengths to which Danziger would go to make his own power grab.

  As far as QT was concerned, his case was closed. He had identified Danziger as the man who’d caused Jeremy Glover’s murder. But, he couldn’t help thinking that the person who was responsible for initiating the entire plot was getting away without any repercussions. And what was worse, the guilty party was still out there, in a position of power, free to take aim at another target.

  Chapter 61

  L ieutenant Mad walked down the sidewalk near Rugby Road. The train ride back to Charlottesville had been uneventful. Well, there was one passenger who she thought could be from a covert agency. After she’d watched him for a while, she concluded he wasn’t following her. Thankfully, there hadn’t been a recurrence of the voice in her head. Even though nothing out of the ordinary happened on the train, she wasn’t about to let down her guard. The spooks were still out there, and they knew she was alive.

  For her trip from Crystal City, she’d changed back into her lieutenant’s garb. Unlike their usual soiled state, the army green shorts, camouflage shirt, and UVA cap were freshly washed and dried. The shower she’d taken at the hotel before leaving, had made her body as clean as her clothes. She was like a house that had a new coat of paint on the outside while the inside was still in need of repair.

  The signal sounded to alert her that she’d received a new message. She removed the overnight bag from her shoulder, unzipped it, and retrieved her phone.

  QT: I just made a deal with the devil to get the CIA and other intelligence agencies to return you to deceased status.

  Mad: Thanks, I hope it’s true. But, I’ll still keep my eyes open for them. They don’t always live up to their side of bargains. Where are you?

  QT: Leaving the JUIAF, heading home. And you?

  Mad: On the way to my new home.

  QT: Where?

  Mad: Secret location in C’ville. An upgrade from the Jefferson Theatre. This place has a shower.

  QT: Will I still see you for coffee?

  Mad: I’ll be around.

  QT: How about Sandy?

  Mad: Sandy left town and her return is doubtful.

  QT: Pity. I sure liked that girl.

  Mad: I bet you did.

  QT: If she returns, tell her QT said thanks for the memories.

  Mad: Will do. Gotta go now.

  QT: Later, lieutenant.

  The lieutenant smiled as she put away the phone. Her relationship with Quinton had helped her self-esteem. But in her mind, there was no way she could compete with Blaire for his full attention. She was happy he was still in touch with her and making flirtatious comments; however, she needed to take a few steps back. She liked him more than she’d ever let him know and she couldn’t handle rejection right now.

  After climbing the steps to the porch, she pressed the speaker button and said, “Are you in there, Dr. Bit?”

  “I’m waiting for you to pass the security protocols.”

  “Come on. Let me in. My hands are full and I’m not in the mood for this crap.”

  “Aren’t we touchy today,” he said and unlocked the door.

  Once inside, she removed her laptop carrying case from one shoulder and her overnight bag from the other and set them on the floor.

  “Is that everything you own?” he said as he met her in the hall.”

  “This is it. I travel light. Which way to the rooms over the garage?”

  “This way,” he said as he directed her up a stairway that ended on a landing that led to the entrance. The door was already open. “It’s the same security to get into this room as the main house door.”

  “Am I the only one that’s programmed for access to the room? I wouldn’t want to wake up some night with you standing over my bed like a pervert.”

  “In your dreams. You’re the only one who has access. Of course, I control the security system, so I suppose I could change it anytime. But I won’t do that.”

  “I get very jumpy when I’m sleeping. If I discovered somebody in my room, I’d probably shoot them without thinking.”

  Dr. Bit looked like he wasn’t sure whether she was kidding or not. “You’ll have your privacy. I’ve removed the inside security cameras.”

  “All kidding aside, I want to thank you for this. It was time for me to move another step closer to normal living arrangements.”

  “I’m glad to have you here,” he said with relief written on his face.

  “Have you seen L. Ron and Rasputin lately?”

  “I haven’t talked with either of them today. L. Ron’s in C’ville at his place. Rasputin was in DC with you. I don’t know if he returned yet.”

  “We need to have a team meeting.”

  “Why? I thought everything was resolved. The guy hiring the assassins was killed and you alerted Anne Upshaw about the mind control device.”

  “Yes, but now we have a bigger problem. Those mindreading products that L. Ron discovered Upshaw has developed could have a devasting effect on personal privacy. We have to do something about it.”

  “Welcome back, lieutenant. It was very dull around here when you were out of town.”

  Chapter 62

  S uspicions begin with a trace of what might be possible. Based on the slightest hints, QT suspected that Blaire had been unfaithful to him. Now, it was no longer a suspicion because he’d confirmed it was true. He wondered whether Blaire suspected he’d retaliated by sleeping with the lieutenant. A couple of comments she’d made led him to believe she did.

  He didn’t know whether their relationship could survive their indiscretions or not. He dreaded the conversation they were about to have. He had a talent for using his instincts and analytical skills to arrive at the truth. However, the ability to interpret the irrational feelings and unpredictable behavior of women eluded him.

&nbs
p; He was greeted at the door by Blaire, who was wearing short shorts and a revealing top that left her midriff bare. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him more ardently than a normal kiss hello. “I’ve missed you so much,” she said, releasing him. “The past few days, I’ve felt like we were a million miles apart.”

  “We’ve both been under a lot of pressure. You more than me. I can’t imagine what it was like for you to have professional assassins trying to kill you.”

  “Those close calls with death changed me. They showed me that you’re the most important person in my life and I don’t want to lose you.”

  “If we’re going to salvage our relationship, we need to be honest and clear the air between us,” he said in a logical manner that he thought even Mr. Spock of Star Trek fame would envy, that is, if Spock were capable of experiencing the emotion of envy. QT could feel his thought process becoming discombobulated.

  She moved closer to him, wrapped her arms tightly around his waist and pulled his lower body toward her until it was touching her lower body. At that moment there wasn’t any air between them to clear. “We can talk about whatever will make you feel better about us,” she said.

  She wasn’t making this easy. On the way home, he’d practiced what he was going to say. Now that the time to speak had arrived, the words weren’t coming out the way he’d expected. How’s a man supposed to think straight when a scantily clad, beautiful woman is wrapped around him.

  “You cheated on me,” he blurted out.

  She buried the side of her face into his chest and started to cry. “I know I cheated on you. I told myself it wasn’t cheating because I wasn’t attracted to Jeremy and we didn’t go all the way,” she said between sobs. “I know now I wasn’t being honest with you or myself. If you give me another chance, I promise you’ll never have to worry about anything like that happening again.” She held his face in her hands and kissed him slowly with feeling. Her tears brushed against his face.