Divine Justice (39 page)

"By an unidentified satellite transmission," he read.

The origin of the transmission was unknown. Ops techs were working on retracing the route back to its source.

"Why would someone transmit through the emergency broadcast channel?" he murmured.

And why would Winkler and Sampson watch it?

Monty Winkler went to his home office every night after supper. At around 6:30 he received a call from a payphone, by an unknown caller. Winkler then turned on his television and watched a transmission from an unknown origin. Afterward, he'd fall asleep, later awaking with no memory of watching TV or the phone call. Porter Sampson's story was the same.

Why?

There was only one reason he could think of, and it sent a chill through his bones.

"They're being brainwashed."

He grabbed his data-com. "Call Jasi."

Five rings led him to her voice mail. He left a hurried message, asking her to call him back immediately.

Then he called Natassia.

"Where's Jasi?"

"Out." Pause. "Is something wrong, Ben?"

"I think Winkler and Sampson were being brainwashed through the television."

"Can that be done?"

"Definitely."

He told her about the report from Divine Ops.

"Satellite transmissions?" Natassia's voice grew excited. "There's one place we know of that deals with that kind of thing."

"Paragon," they said in unison.

"Deirdre Dailey is the one in charge of satellite transmission research," Natassia said.

"And Marilyn Winkler could be involved too."

"Where exactly is Paragon located?"

His mouth tightened. "Shirleys Bay. About twenty minutes from here."

"I'll be right over."

Next, he called Matthew.

"We need a search warrant for Paragon Research Corporation," he told him. "I know it's late, but how long do you think it'll take?"

"You'll have a warrant within the hour."

Ben disconnected the call just as Natassia knocked on the door. He let her in. She had her laptop open and set it on the table.

"There's no Ops file on Paragon," she said, her voice tinged with excitement. "But Paragon's website says that Shirleys Bay started off testing magnetic and radio noise disturbances―high frequency soundwaves―in the early 1950s. The entire area is leased out to the military and an assortment of private research organizations, like Paragon."

He peered over her shoulder. "Sounds like top secret work."

"It does, doesn't it?" She glanced back at the monitor. "Shirleys Bay has been involved in a number of endeavors, including Project Magnet."

"Project Magnet?"

"An investigation into possible UFO transmissions. Over the years, some of Paragon's laboratories have built and tested communication and scientific satellites. And God knows what else."

"Something that someone would kill for?"

"Maybe."

Ben called Jasi again. He got her voicemail.

"Jasi, we found something. We think Porter Sampson and Monty Winkler were being brainwashed through transmissions sent to their televisions. That's why they were watching the emergency broadcast channel. Messages were sent via satellite. And you'll never guess who holds the contract on that particular satellite. Paragon Research Corporation." He glanced at Natassia. "We're heading there now. Call me as soon as you get this message."

"Where do you think she went?" Natassia asked.

He shook his head. "I don't have a clue."

"Zane's maybe?"

"I hope not."

"Why don't you like him, Ben? Are you jealous?"

He laughed. "Of Zane? No, I just don't trust him. Any time I've heard anything about Zane Underhill it's been nothing good."

"And you don't want to see Jasi hurt."

"Exactly." He studied Natassia. "You think she's with Zane?"

"What I think isn't important. Jasi's a big girl, Ben. She can take care of herself."

He nodded. "You're right. I'm being overprotective again."

Natassia walked to the door. "She's lucky you care."

"I care about everyone on the team."

"Really?" Her blue eyes glinted. "I'll remember that."

As they stepped into the hall, Ben mentally kicked himself.
Our relationship is strictly business.

29

Shirleys Bay was dead quiet. The only sign of life
came in the form of a beefy armed guard standing by the front gate. The man went into high alert mode when he saw the SUV approaching.

Ben pulled up slowly and stopped the car. When he flashed his badge through the glass, the guard gave a nod.

Ben rolled down the window. "This is official CFBI business. We need access to Paragon Research Corporation."

"Do you have a warrant, sir?"

"It's being faxed to you as we speak."

The guard folded his arms across his chest. "We can wait."

"We can't," Natassia said, leaning across Ben. "Some serious stuff is going down. I'm sure you can help us out."

The guard frowned. "Okay, ma'am. But if the warrant isn't here in half an hour I'm coming to get you. Until then, leave everything in its place."

"We won't be removing anything from the property," Ben assured. "Not until we get the warrant. But we'd like to prevent possible evidence from being destroyed. Is anyone working late at Paragon?"

"Don't think so, sir. Should I call ahead?"

"No," Ben said hurriedly.

"Have you got a key card, sir?"

Ben glanced at Natassia, who nodded. "Yes."

They drove through the security gate and proceeded to the far end where the laboratories were located. There were no signs of activity on the grounds and from the outside the building windows remained dark. When they reached Paragon, he noted the lack of vehicles in the parking lot.

That's a good sign.

He parked the SUV next to a smaller building. Then he retrieved his data-com from his jacket pocket.

"Power down, Natassia."

"On vibrate, or completely?"

"Completely."

If someone
was
inside, the soft buzz of a data-com could still warn them, and he didn't want that. Better to get in and out undetected.

"What about Jasi?" Natassia asked.

"We'll probably be out before she returns my calls." He couldn't keep the bitterness from coloring his voice.

"You're pissed at her," Natassia stated unnecessarily.

He shrugged. "She should be here with us."

"We can handle this, Ben."

Natassia was right. It was a re-con trip. Nothing that two agents couldn't handle. If they did find anything incriminating, all of Shirleys Bay would be swarming with CFBI agents, RCMP and OPS within twenty minutes.

"I'll try Jasi later," he said. "If she doesn't call first."

"So we're going to snoop around, see if we can find a link to the transmissions, a file or something?"

"Yeah. It'll be easier without anyone here. If they knew we were coming I'm sure they'd hide whatever they could." He pulled out his data-com.

As they approached the front door, he noted that there were no vehicles parked anywhere by the building.

"I think we're in luck."

Ben led the way, sticking close to the bushes and shadows. Their approach was met with no resistance, and as expected, the door to Paragon was locked.

He glanced at Natassia. "You can get us inside, right?"

"No problem."

He watched as she plugged the IHD into her data-com and pointed it at the door. She punched in some numbers and hit a button. Seconds later, they were inside.

"Wow," he said. "I'm impressed."

"Thanks," Natassia replied.

They moved stealthily through the doors into a small waiting area. It was empty except for a couple of chairs and a magazine rack. A hallway led to three doors.

A sign on one door read
PRC—Main Lab.

"Let's start here," Ben suggested.

In less than six seconds Natassia unlocked the door.

"IHD rocks," she whispered.

"You rock," he said without thinking.

Inside, they turned on flashlights and started at opposite sides of the room. Individual desks were divided by tall partitions and filing cabinets.

"What are we looking for exactly?" Natassia whispered.

"I'm not sure. But I think we'll know it when we see it."

At least he hoped so.

He was tempted to call Jasi again, but he was sure she wouldn't answer. Besides, she was probably back at the hotel, bored out of her skull.

Boredom was the least of Jasi's worries.

She stood in Zane's bathroom, trying to control her breathing. Why had she agreed on coming back to his room?

"Because you're weak," she whispered to her reflection.

There was a knock on the door.

"Jasi?" Zane called. "Are you all right, love?"

No.
"I'm fine."

She mentally kicked herself for not bringing her purse with her. At least then she could have used the excuse of needing to reapply her lipstick.

She opened the door.

Zane was leaning against the wall by the door. The sight of him stirred her and she resisted the temptation of stepping into his arms and giving herself to a night of passion.

He smiled. "What shall we do for the rest of the evening?"

She thought about Ben and Natassia. She really should call and let them know where she was.

And if you'll be back tonight.

"I have to call Ben."

"Come on, love," Zane said coaxingly. "No more business tonight."

She strode across the room and pulled her data-com from her purse. She blinked at the display.

Damn! I must have turned it off without thinking.

"Sorry, Zane. I have to call Ben."

Her partner had left three messages. When she heard what he and Natassia had discovered, she gasped.

"We're almost at Paragon," Ben's recorded message stated. "We're going to do some snooping around first to confirm my suspicions. I'll call you if we find anything."

Shit!

Zane moved beside her. "What's wrong, Jasmine?"

"Ben and Natassia have found something."

"What?"

"Call Ben," she said, ignoring his question.

Five rings later and the voice mail kicked in.

"I'm on my way, Ben."

"Jasmine," Zane said, visibly frustrated.

"I have to go." She stuffed her data-com in her purse and strode toward the door. "I'm really sorry, Zane."

"Hey, don't worry about me. But tell me, what did Ben find out?"

She hesitated in the doorway.

Zane grinned. "Come on, love. One hint."

Faced with his irresistible charm, she sighed. "Fine, but don't mention this to anyone. There's a connection to Paragon Research Corporation, the company run by Monty Winkler's widow."

"What kind of connection?"

"That's all I can say. Ben and Natassia are heading there now, and I'm going to meet them." She gave him a hasty kiss. "I'll call you in the morning."