Chemical Attraction (32 page)

In the observation room, Joe crossed his arms. “Let’s see what else that little punk has to say.” As he watched Brayland usher Kenny in and Bill out, he reached into his pocket for the two-com units. Madeline took one without comment and put it in her ear. He and Matt left without a word.

She touched her earpiece. “I love you, Joe,” she whispered, looking at the floor. Eva smiled and stepped next to her by the window.

“Ditto,” he replied, leaning against the wall by the mirrored window.

Sitting across from Kenny, Matt lay the notepad on the table. “Do you remember that explosion last week?”

“Yeah, I was working that day. Check with Human Resources.”

“Two people were killed in the blast,” Matt continued.

“I told you I wasn’t there.”

“Three boys were put in the hospital.” Matt went on, ignoring his comments. “Searching the site, we found large containers of hydroiodic acid and red phosphorus. And guess whose fingerprints were on them?”

They watched Kenny squirm. “We have you for distribution, for assaulting an agent, and for murder,” Joe said.

“I didn’t assault no agent or kill nobody.”

“Dr. Pierce is an agent,” Joe said, sitting next to Matt. “That puts you in deep shit with the Feds. With those boys dead and your fingerprints on those containers, you can expect the needle.”

“What? No way, I didn’t mean to. What about all that stuff I wrote down? You said I’d get a deal.”

“This stuff’s horse shit,” Joe said, sliding the pages at him. “It’s all hearsay. Where’s your proof that Bill Bennett was working with you?”

“I’ll testify against him.”

“Yeah, that’ll work. They’ll take a grunt’s word over a CEO’s.”

Kenny twitched and started to stand, but Chief Connor pointed a finger at the chair. “What do you want from me?” Kenny asked, sitting down.

Madeline touched her com. “I’d like to know who actually ordered the raw materials.”

“And I’d like to know who set up the drop-off route,” Eva said, leaning into Madeline’s ear.

Joe nodded. “If you’re the one who put that stuff on the truck, who actually ordered it?”

Kenny put his forehead down on the table. “I did. Bill told me what to order, from which company, and how much.”

“Did you or he write anything down?” Joe asked. Kenny shook his head. “You are not helping yourself, Kenny. Who planned the route?”

“Dennis Hagen works in shipping and sends the truck to some barn in Three Rivers. Then Jon Kipsy and Marshall Wilson send the truck and driver to small businesses around the state.”

“Where’s Marshall Wilson?” Matt asked.

“He’s usually around Three Rivers at the barn, but he hasn’t checked in since last week.”

Madeline touched her com. “I forgot about him. Is he still at the state police post?”

“I’m not worried about Mr. Wilson. The FBI has him in custody for attempted murder. Maybe you can be his cellmate,” Joe replied.

“Where’s Jon Kipsy?” Matt asked.

“He’s the dude who blew up in the explosion.”

“You understand you’re the fall guy, right? Unless you give us something useful, you’ll find out what death row is really like,” Joe replied.

Kenny slammed his fist on the table. “I’m trying!”

Madeline and Eva jumped back from the window. Matt and Joe waited for Kenny to compose himself. Finally, Joe walked around the table. “Try a little harder,” he whispered into Kenny’s ear. Leaving the interrogation room with Matt, Joe swung open the observation door. “Damn it.”

“Listen, Joe. We got Kenny. Maybe your guys will find something on the computers,” Matt replied.

“None of what Kenny wrote is useable?” Eva asked.

“We have Kenny for the meth, but connecting Bill to it is another matter,” Matt stated.

“All Bill has to say is that it was a few employees, not the entire company,” Joe added, pacing the small area.

“So we have nothing substantial against Bill? What about this bio-weapon?” Madeline asked.

“We’ve only talked to him about his meth connection. Do we want to interrogate Bill about those vials?” Matt asked Joe.

“We better do it soon. We need answers now,” Joe replied.

“I think we need to change tactics,” Matt said. “Madeline, maybe you can get him to talk, or at least get him to say something that could help us. You understand that nano-drug the best.”

Madeline sat in the interrogation room alone. In her ear, she heard Joe, Eva, and Matt talking behind the window. Bobby opened the door and Bill walked in.

“I’m not saying anything until my lawyer gets here,” he said, seeing her. Bobby sat him in the chair across from her and stood sentry by the door without comment.

“That’s fine, Bill. I’m waiting for Chief Connor and Agent Roberts.”

“You’re a distinguished scientist. Why turn against your own company?” He sat forward in his chair to steeple his fingers.

“Because what you’re doing isn’t right.”

“I’m not doing it,” he said, smiling.

She folded her arms. “Someone is. I would think you’d want to know who’s damaging the reputation of your company.”

“How can I when I’m sitting in jail?”

“You’re right, but you’re not giving Chief Connor anything useful. Kenny VanKampen has written pages to incriminate you. The FBI says they have you in connection with the meth materials. They’ve also brought down thirty-two distribution sites with materials that came from our company.”

“It’s my company. You no longer work there.”

She sighed. “I loved my job, but with this other information, I couldn’t in good conscience work there anymore.”

“What other information?”

“Your drug money is funding something much bigger and more dangerous.”

“You have no proof.”

“I have this.” She reached into her purse and pulled out the portable ultrasound machine.

“You have no right to invade that fourth floor!” he yelled, standing. Bobby took a step forward and Bill quickly sat back down.

“I also have this.” She set a vial on the table next to the machine.

Bill squirmed in his chair. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“What’s that say about your abilities as CEO? You don’t know what’s going on in your own company.”

He glared and clenched his fists. “You don’t have a clue.”

“Let me tell you what I do know. Someone injected this nano-drug into animals around town and used this ultrasound machine to make them violent. How soon do you think it’ll be before it’s tested on people? My God, Bill, you’re not shocked at all.”

“You’re speculating,” he replied as his mouth twitched.

“I suggest you cooperate with the FBI. From what I know of their evidence, you will be charged with assaulting me, for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine materials, and for testing a bio-weapon outside a laboratory. I heard they’re also adding murder.”

He looked at Bobby at the door. “Where’s my lawyer?”

“I’m not asking any questions. I’m telling you what they have.”

“Why would you do that?”

She clenched her own fists and leaned forward. “Do you think I want BennTech’s reputation damaged by this? Do you think I want all those people who are dedicated to their research destroyed? I’m loyal to the company, not those involved in this.”

“I have nothing to do with this mess.”

“Then who does?”

“Where’s my lawyer?”

She leaned back in her chair. “I’ll check for you, but before I leave I’m curious. Have you had any injections or drank anything with an aftertaste? What would happen if I turned this on and dialed the proper frequency?”

He started to sweat. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She shrugged and flipped the switch. “I want my lawyer now!” he yelled, drenched.

“Sure,” she said, clicking it off. “You can hang on to this one. The FBI has the rest as evidence. I’ll check on your lawyer.” She slid the machine over and placed the vial back in her purse.

Bobby opened the door and followed her out. “You’re good,” he said under his breath.

She patted his massive forearm. “Let’s just see how good I did.”

“Nice touch leaving the ultrasound in there,” Joe said, smiling at her. “Look at him. He’s soaked. Matt, you’ll need to keep him separated from the rest.”

“I’ll set up a cot in there.”

She took her com out of her ear and handed it to Joe. “At least I gave him something to think about.”

“Is he infected?” Eva asked.

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “Now what?”

“Now, we let him think about those other ultrasound machines.” Joe chuckled. “We can play on that. Don’t you think?”

Matt smiled. “Oh yeah. Bobby, find an extra cot somewhere in storage and drag it in there. Don’t forget to comment on his appearance.”

“Yes, sir.” He left, smiling.

Bill continued to wait. “Where’s my lawyer? And what’s this about?”

“Dr. Pierce thought you’d be more comfortable here than in a cell with those other guys. She also thought you’d like some water.” Bobby handed him a bottle of Ice Mountain while Ethan set up the cot.

“Someone already opened this,” Bill said.

“Oh, is it? Dr. Pierce just said to give it to you. Your lawyer will be here shortly. Is there anything else I can get for you?” Bobby asked.

He pushed the water away. “A can of Sprite.”

Ethan returned with an open can of sprite. “Compliments of Dr. Pierce. You’ve eaten already?”

“What is she trying to do to me?” He pushed the can back as well.

“Sir?”

“Nothing. Never mind.” He rubbed his temples.

Ethan reached for the ultrasound. “Do you want this in here, sir?”

“Don’t touch that!”

In the outer office, Matt gathered his men. “Who’s on-duty tonight?”

“Steven, but I’ll stay to help,” Bobby replied.

“Good, continue to press and watch him. That’s all I want you to do. I’m taking my wife home. Keep me informed.”

Pulling into the garage, Matt waited until the garage door shut completely. With his gun drawn, he searched every part of the house, leaving the shades down and curtains closed. Satisfied, he set his weapon on the nightstand by the bed.

“What time are we meeting Joe and Madeline for breakfast?” Eva asked as she undressed.

“Eight, then we’ll discuss anything more we may have missed. We’re all too tired.” He sat on the bed and took off his socks. “How’s your jaw?”

“A nice shade of jaundice. I’ll be fine,” she said, sliding under the sheet nude. He stripped and reached for her.

“Tim, I need you and Ray at the station. Bobby will fill you in,” Joe said, standing in Sylvia’s living room.

“Yes, sir,” Tim replied as they gathered their canvas bags.

Joe ushered Madeline to his Blue Room. “Now, I have you all to myself.”

“You didn’t have to send them both.”

“I want to make you vocal.” He watched her blush. “You amaze me, Agent Pierce.”

“What do you mean?” she asked, slipping off her sandals by the chair.

“Every time I turn around, I see how brilliant you are.”

“Do you think he’ll talk?” she asked, embarrassed by his compliment.

“You set it up perfectly. What made you think of that?”

“I thought it might help, plus I liked watching him squirm.”

“As thirsty as he was, he wouldn’t touch those open drinks. He’s paranoid. With Bobby’s handiwork, I’m positive we’ll get a call in the morning.” Touching her hair, he gently tugged a strand, making her step closer. “Now that you’re out of work, will you continue to be my partner?” he asked, wrapping his arms around her.

“I’m a scientist, not a real agent,” she muttered before he kissed her lips.

THURSDAY

JOE AND MADELINE FOUND AN empty booth in the back of Minnie’s diner and faced the entrance. He saluted Earl, who sat at the counter. Tim had let him go after the bust with strict instructions to keep his mouth shut. Earl stiffened and hurried out the door. Madeline chuckled.

“He doesn’t like you,” she said.

“I don’t like him much either.”

“Well, I like you.” She squeezed his thigh under the table. “I’m glad you sent Tim and Ray to the station. You were the loud one.”

“In bed by nine-thirty, but I don’t feel rested.” He touched her cheek. “Why does your face get so hot?” Madeline elbowed him in the side as the waitress brought two coffees.

“Word is you work for the FBI,” Cindy said, holding the coffeepot.

Damn that Earl, he thought. “Yeah, and I’m on vacation with my girl.” He dismissed the question by putting his arm around Madeline.

“Good morning, you two,” Eva said, sliding over. Cindy left for extra mugs.

Joe skipped the pleasantries. “Any word?”

Matt waited for the waitress to take their order before he began. “I called around midnight. Your agents swiped the ultrasound machine from Bill’s room.” He continued with a few more torturous gestures from Bobby and the agents.

Joe chuckled as Madeline sipped her coffee. “Have you heard anything from David or Aunt Sylvia?” she asked, changing the subject.

Eva put her napkin on her lap. “Yeah, I called them this morning. Sylvia’s in heaven and David’s having fun, but misses Kim.”

“I’m betting that David and Stuart will kick my butt on his Xbox now. I haven’t played in over a month,” he said, gulping his coffee.

Madeline watched him. “You’re that into video games?”

“Yeah, he is,” Eva said. “Don’t ever play him. Taylor beat him years ago and he didn’t talk to her for a week. He cheats, too.”

“I do not cheat. I distract,” he replied as the waitress brought their food.

“I’ve seen Joe distracted and lose,” Matt stated, putting apple butter on his wheat toast.

Madeline grinned. “Oh yeah, what distracts him?”

“Never mind that. Aren’t we here to discuss our plan of action?”

She laughed. “Have your guys found this Simon fellow?”

“Not yet, but everyone’s looking. I think he’s on a binge somewhere,” Matt said, moving his jaw around to stop clenching it.

“Simon doesn’t do drugs,” Eva replied.

“Honey, I know you like him. I do, too, but he’s got to be on something.”

Eva set her fork on her plate. “No, he’s not, Matt. We’ve done a drug screen on him three days a week for the last two weeks. They were all negative.”

“Why’s he getting tested?” Madeline asked.

“He said he was hurt at work, but I think he’s covering for someone. His bruises covered his entire body. Maybe finding the fingerprints in that car is self-defense or something.”

“Until we find him, we won’t know,” Matt said. His cell rang. Checking the Caller ID, he nodded to Joe. “Yeah,” Matt replied into the phone, “we’re on our way.”

“Well?” he asked.

“Let’s go. He’s ready,” Matt said, grabbing the bill and sliding out of the booth.

“Honey, I want to double-check Simon’s drug tests at the hospital. I’ll meet you at the station,” Eva said. She waited for the argument.

“No way,” Joe said, standing, “we’re not letting our guard down yet.”

“Joe, I’ll go with her.” Madeline folded her arms, not moving from the booth.

Joe sighed. “Fine, but for the record, I don’t like it.” Putting his knee on the seat, he leaned in and kissed her.

“I’ll make a note of it,” Madeline replied.

Matt reluctantly nodded.

As Madeline and Eva walked through the hospital’s main entrance, they saw Dr. Russell, dressed in a dark suit and red tie, talking to the teenage greeter at the information desk. Seeing them, he glared and walked away.

“He’s an ass,” Eva said.

Madeline nodded. “He flirts with the researchers. The young ones let him, hoping for his support with funding.”

“He ever hit on you?” Eva asked.

“When I first started at BennTech, but I blew him off. He’s had it in for me ever since,” she replied, absently rubbing her arm. “Did you see his face? I wonder who I can thank for that.”

“Thank Matt. That bastard grabbed my jaw to get a better look at my bruise, so Matt stepped in and gave him his own.” Eva smiled. “I’ve seen him talking to Simon a few times, once at the banquet and a couple times here at the hospital. It was odd. I wonder what it was about.”

Betty greeted them at the door. “What’s going on at BennTech?”

“We heard the CEO was arrested,” Amanda added.

“I really can’t say,” Eva said, looking at Dr. Ellis’ closed office door.

“He’s not here. He’s at the morgue today,” Betty said.

“Amanda, I need Simon Baker’s chart.”

“Sure, I’ll pull it for you.” She left for the back room.

“Dr. Ellis has been in a foul mood. He sent Amanda to pick up the flu vaccines Thursday because you weren’t here to do it. He hasn’t liked taking over,” Betty said.

“I can’t find it. He must have it in his office,” Amanda said.

“Well, you’ve done his drug screens. Were any positive?”

“No,” Amanda said, opening the sliding window to chat with her new boyfriend, Norman Sanderson.

Madeline looked past Amanda’s friend to see Tim grinning. She gave Agent Orr a little wave.

Eva rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe my brother sent him here.”

“I’ll talk to him.”

In the waiting room, Madeline accidentally bumped into Dr. Russell as he walked by. He grabbed her arm again but backed away when Tim flashed his badge and gun. Ignoring Russell, she motioned Tim to follow her to the corner of the empty waiting room.

“Agent Orr, why are you here?” she asked, looking up at him.

Tim adjusted his shirt to cover his sidearm. “As your escort.”

“Joe sent you to babysit.”

“Actually, Chief Connor asked me to come. He said to watch for a doctor with a messed up jaw.” Tim looked at Dr. Russell by the ER registration desk. “Do you know him?”

“He’s the ass that Matt punched for touching Eva.”

“He’s watching us,” he replied.

“He probably hopes you won’t bruise the other side. How’d it go with Bill last night?”

“That guy has aged ten years. He’s a wreck. They’re talking to him now. Do you know this address?” He handed her a slip of paper.

“I know the area but not this specific house number. Whose is it?”

“MAP Chemical. I got a call on the way over here with the local address. They had a hard time tracking it down.”

“Eva can take us,” she replied.

Driving north on 30th Street to South Monterey, Eva turned west on 125th Avenue, passing Dumont Lake. Heading south on another dirt road, she pulled in front of a twelve-foot-high electric fence. Inside the gate, another dirt drive curved into dense woods. Parking the car across the road, Eva turned off the engine.

“Is there a house or a business back there?” Eva asked.

“I can’t tell,” Tim replied, getting out of the car.

“How do we get in?” Madeline asked, looking closely at the fence.

“We don’t. Let’s walk the perimeter. Maybe there’ll be a point where we can see a building.” Hearing only the buzz of the electrical fence, they looked for any signs of life. Nearing the front corner, Tim held his hand up to stop them. “Keep an eye out for any cameras.”

They nodded and continued behind him. The underbrush made it hard to stay near the fence. Madeline’s sandals caught leaves and twigs, slowing her down. At least her jeans prevented scratches. At the back corner, Tim slowed them down even more.

Eva stopped and pointed through the humming fence. “I think I see a pole barn off to the right.”

“Yeah,” Tim replied, “we’ll get a better look along this far side.”

Halfway along the back fence, they found a locked gate that could open in the center. A two-track path led into the compound’s trees. The outside path headed toward Dumont Road. Two chained locks held the gate closed at the bottom and top to complete the electrical circuit, but it had a two-foot gap.

“I think I can fit through.” Eva said.

Tim urged them to continue along the fence. “No, we’re only checking the perimeter.”

Twenty yards past the back gate, Eva saw movement and immediately dropped to the ground. Madeline and Tim fell next to her. “I saw someone walking with a light blue shirt,” Eva whispered. “I don’t think he saw us.”

“Where?” Tim whispered. “Do you still see him?”

“Yeah, by the pine tree. He should step into that open space. Watch,” Eva said.

“Hey,” Madeline whispered back, “I’ve seen him at BennTech.

“Oh my God, that’s Simon.” Eva stood up and stared. “Why is he here?”

“He’s the guy who killed Alan?” Madeline asked.

Simon disappeared into the woods. Tim dialed his cell and turned away while Eva and Madeline backtracked to the gate. “I need to help him. I can fit,” Eva said, taking a deep breath. She slipped through without a problem.

“I’m coming, too.” Madeline stepped over the bottom chain and slid through sideways. With the drone in her ears and her hair standing on end, she hoped this morning’s omelet hadn’t made her bloated. As she pulled her left foot over the bottom chain, she heard Tim swear.

“Damn it, my arm wouldn’t fit through that.”

“Tim, don’t worry,” Eva replied. “We’ll check it out. Are Joe and Matt coming?”

“Yeah, and I’m already knee deep.”

“No, you’re not,” Madeline said. “Hand me my gun. It’s in my purse over there.”

“Fine.” He passed the purse through the gap. “Here. Take this one, too.” Tim pulled up his pant leg and handed her a smaller gun. “Please, be careful. I’ll hoof it to the front gate and wait for our backup, which is proper protocol, Agent Pierce.”

Madeline ignored his comment. “We’ll find a way to turn off the power.” She handed Eva the smaller gun, then they disappeared into the thick woods toward the building. “Joe and Matt are going to be mad,” she whispered as she swatted at the mosquitoes around her face.

“I’d settle for mad. I think they’ll go ballistic,” Eva replied.

They came upon a clearing with a full view of a camouflage green pole barn and a tiny, gray house. Standing along the tree line, Eva pointed at the empty driveway.

“This doesn’t look like a laboratory,” Madeline said, staring at the buildings.

“Can you do testing in a pole barn and have a semi-sterile area?”

“Let’s find out. Simon is around here somewhere and we assume he’s dangerous,” she replied.

“I don’t believe he is. But until we know what’s going on, we’ll take every precaution.”

“At least we can say we made some smart choices. How mad will Joe get?” she asked.

“Oh, he’ll yell. But he does love you, so it’ll only last a week or so.” Eva smiled. “Of all the things to be worried about, you’re worried about that?”

They snuck around the side of the metal barn with two high windows. A side door and the huge front doors were the only way into the barn. Madeline opened the smaller one. Peeking inside, she stepped in with Eva behind her. The large room looked like every other barn used on a typical farm. A huge John Deere tractor faced the front. Bales of hay were stacked against the back wall, and other smaller farming equipment were laid about in a clean and organized fashion.

“It’s staged,” Eva said.

Madeline nodded. “Look at this tractor. It’s brand new with no dirt, mud, or rust.”

“Is there a basement?” Eva asked as they wandered around. She waved her over to a breaker box with various switches. “Which one turns off the fence?”

Madeline leaned forward to read the faded writing on the cover. “I think that one.” She pointed to a largest switch. “Let me follow the line first.” Her finger traced the wire up and out the side of the building to a utility pole and outward to the perimeter. Back inside the barn, she shrugged. “It’s the only one that goes into the woods. The rest go toward the house.”