Dead Promise Read online

  Georgiana walked over and gently touched his arm, trying to grab the phone. He shook her off.

  “OK, sir,” she said. “You win. But only if you cooperate with us.”

  “Cooperate? I’ve done nothing but cooperate!” he said.

  The phone was still ringing when he hit disconnect and threw it on the bed. He lowered his voice.

  “Suzy…” He stopped midsentence. “Dr. Chen and I were involved, and if anyone can get information out of her, I can. I want to know how this happened as much, if not more, than you do. She would only have done this if she’d been coerced by a group, the Organization, whatever that is, and I’m going to find out.”

  “Let’s work this together, Colonel,” Georgiana said. “You know what’s at stake here.”

  “Fine.” He spit out the word. “Now give me my pistol.”

  Georgiana watched as Max straightened his tie. She opened her purse and handed him the Kimber. The assassin was still out there, and she had to keep Max alive. He and Chen were both loose ends, and she needed to keep them both alive.

  38

  Fran didn’t want to hear what Georgiana was saying.

  “Do you understand that I have to report to Hamler about the status of this investigation?” asked Fran.

  “Yes, Fran,” Georgiana answered.

  Georgiana, Mark, and Max were on their way to Walter Reed in Bethesda, Max taking up most of the small back seat of Mark’s black turbo Mustang.

  “Then give me something,” Fran demanded.

  “We’re following all leads, decrypting computers, phones, everything we could get from Edgewood. The techs are still there. We don’t know if this is a homegrown terrorist, Islamic extremist, lone wolf. No one has claimed responsibility. We have Wally Weber following a lead, looking at the financing, possible international ties to an Organization. The money trail will tell us what we want to know.”

  “Persons of interest?” she asked.

  “Yes. We have several, all from the Edgewood lab. You know about Dr. Chen and Adams.” She paused. “But Adams may have been set up.”

  She had to tell Fran that they had Max in the car. Georgiana looked at Mark. He was staring at the road.

  “We have Colonel Graham with us now. We’re heading to Walter Reed,” she stated.

  Silence.

  “I know he may be able to get her to talk, but I still don’t like it,” said Fran.

  Georgiana didn’t say that she wanted Max to talk with Suzy before the assassin tried again. Maybe Max knew that, too.

  “I don’t like it either, Fran. But if he can get her to talk, we have to take the chance. We don’t have a lot of options or time.”

  “Keep him alive,” said Fran.

  “He’ll be secure at Walter Reed. Maybe she’ll give something up to Colonel Graham,” she answered. Georgiana knew that Fran understood.

  “You know that things are turning to shit. We’ve got more cases of this virus than we can count,” said Fran.

  “Yes, we’ve been getting updates,” Georgiana said. “Not good.”

  “Worse than not good,” Fran said. “Get as much as you can as fast as you can. The president wants action on this.” She added, “And Hamler’s on my ass.”

  The FBI director was a good guy, but he didn’t tolerate fuckups. People got only one chance. It wasn’t an accident that he had served under the last two administrations. He was respected by both sides of the aisle and highly regarded by all levels of law enforcement.

  “We want it more than he does,” said Georgiana.

  “Call me as soon as you have anything,” Fran said.

  “Will do.”

  Georgiana hung up.

  “Wally better come up with something fast,” she said quietly to Mark.

  She looked at Max. He was hunkered down low in the back seat, staring out the window. She hoped he could get some answers from Dr. Chen. But how could Chen answer if she couldn’t remember?

  39

  Wally wasted no time. He’d driven many investigations, but nothing like this. The investigative team had removed the computer equipment and cell phones, but a lot of the work had to be finished at Quantico. They’d sent most of the staff home after the background checks had been completed. So far, everyone was clean. No ties to terrorist organizations, no one on the watch list except one of the chemists, who’d visited his family in Pakistan. But he’d checked out. Dr. Adams had given up nothing and was asleep in the employee lounge. Wally would save him for later. He had to deal with something more pressing.

  Ray was in one of the offices, securing the lid on an evidence case.

  “What have you got?” asked Wally.

  “Cell phones,” Ray answered, not looking up.

  “I have something for you to do,” said Wally. “You finished here?”

  “For the moment,” Ray answered. “The phone decryptions are time consuming, and I want to get started.”

  “How ’bout we ride back to HQ together,” Wally suggested.

  “Fine with me.”

  They spoke the same language. Wally was going to ask Ray to do something, and it was going to be between them.

  “Got something else for me to carry?” asked Wally.

  “No, I have everything I’m working on for now,” he said. “A few of the guys will be bringing some more equipment. Computers and some of the video.”

  “The team can stay here. You and I have some work to do.”

  They walked out into the parking lot, the heat already suffocating, and Wally unlocked the sliding door. Ray slid the case onto the steel floor of the van, slammed the door, and jumped into shotgun position. Wally slid into the driver’s seat and cranked up the AC. As he backed out of the space, he started talking. And Ray listened.

  “How long will it take?” Wally asked.

  Ray said, “Not long.”

  “I want it sooner than that,” said Wally.

  “Sure.” Ray laughed.

  Wally hadn’t told George everything he’d planned on doing. She’d find out soon enough.

  40

  The media coverage was fueling fears of the pandemic. That was all that the television news was covering. It was the biggest story since 9/11. And the president was going to address the nation again. Chris hoped he could say something reassuring that would help calm fears, her own included. Her world was All Saints Hospital, keeping the ER running and monitoring the temporary H5N1 treatment areas that had been set up. And Dave was in one of them. She looked around the nurses’ lounge. Several were on break, and all eyes were glued to the flat-screen mounted on the wall, waiting for the latest.

  The constant barrage of patients had worn Chris out, but no more were being admitted. They were on lockdown. That was both a plus and a minus. The hospital capacity was maxed out, and the guards had to keep turning patients away. Downtown Manhattan was always busy, but with the widespread fears of the pandemic, the situation was turning desperate. Thank God they had been well staffed when the pandemic began. And no one was allowed to leave. Not until this thing was over. And from reports, it could last a long time.

  Dave was holding his own. Chris couldn’t believe that he had contracted the virus. They had been together all night in his office. Why hadn’t she gotten it? Nothing made sense, but she was grateful to be able to continue working and be near Dave. He was stable, and she prayed that he stayed that way. She said a silent prayer for herself, too. They all needed a miracle.

  Chris’s attention turned to the television when the reporter announced breaking news: the president would soon be addressing the nation. Someone grabbed the remote and turned up the volume. The atmosphere in the lounge was tense as they watched the president approach the podium in the White House Press Room. He was surrounded by many recognizable faces, from the vice president to the FBI director, HHS director, and other top advisers.

  Chris stared at the screen as the president started to speak. Jake Howland was a striking figure, tall, with premature gray hai
r and a commanding presence. He’d won the hearts of all Americans with his “Strength through Prosperity” campaign, and he’d had no trouble convincing the country that he was going to create exactly that. He was only in his first term, and people were feeling hopeful again. He was authentic and smart—and a war hero. And no one doubted Jake Howland had the ability to get the country through this unprecedented crisis.

  Everyone in the nurses’ lounge became very still as the president began to speak.

  41

  “Ladies and gentlemen of the press and my fellow Americans, I want to first assure you that nothing will stop the United States, the greatest and most powerful nation on earth, from hunting down and destroying those responsible for this unprecedented terrorist attack on American soil. Secondly, I will explain in detail the steps that I and my cabinet are taking to stop the invisible enemy that has been unleashed against our country by an unknown evil terrorist or terrorist group.

  “I have spent the last several hours conferring with Vice President Davies, my cabinet members, the director of the CDC, and the director of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, as well as the director of Homeland Security. After this press conference, I will be talking with the leaders of our closest allies so that we can fight this attack with joint efforts, to avert any further attacks and to discuss our plan to prevent the further spread of this virus. It is my responsibility to tell you the hard evidence we have uncovered and the decisions we have made to keep all Americans as safe as possible.

  “The director of the Centers for Disease Control, Dr. Ambrose, has explained the preliminary details of the weaponized virus that was released on the New York City subway platform. He is an expert in the field of virology who understands how viruses spread, and he has explained how we will stop it. The methods used to contain the virus have been implemented and will be further explained by Elaine Griffith, the Health and Human Services director. The steps are clear. And have no doubt: we will prevail in keeping our nation as safe as possible. The CDC is testing a vaccine for immediate use in the cities most affected by the virus. Using modern manufacturing techniques, more vaccine will become available, but it will take time. I have issued an executive order to provide all necessary funding to the CDC and several pharmaceutical companies so that work can begin immediately on making the H5N1 vaccine that will protect all Americans.

  “I ask every American to assist us in this fight. We have a huge undertaking ahead, and although difficult, it can be done. As soon as the plan of action is fully in place, the spread will stop. You have my assurance that we will defeat this enemy. All branches of our military forces, our National Guard units, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the FBI, and the CIA have already begun their actions to ensure our country’s safekeeping. The National Guard will provide security to local communities. Our Department of Transportation secretary has already called for a temporary halt to all air travel. The air travel ban will be lifted as soon as possible.

  “I will not downplay the dangers we face, not only from the viral illness and its impact on our personal health and our health service providers, but from the broader threat that exists in regard to a slowdown of public services, food supplies, and so forth. I ask every citizen to cooperate fully with law enforcement and any and all requests by authorities to fight against this unprecedented threat. We, as a nation, are fully prepared and capable of eliminating the evil force that has been thrust upon us. We offer our prayers for those who have lost their lives in this deadly attack, and we must pray for our country.

  “The United States will not tolerate any attack, at home or abroad, and we will use maximum capabilities to combat this evil force. No enemy shall be permitted to alter our way of life or threaten Americans and our freedom. I was elected to be your commander in chief, and I take that charge with the greatest sense of duty and honor. We will act with courage as a nation, under God, and commit to defeating this deliberate act of war against the United States. May God bless you, and may God bless America.”

  It was 3:20 a.m. in London. The Director watched the live BBC broadcast of President Howland’s address to the United States. He turned it off with a slow, satisfied smile.

  “You can’t imagine what’s in store for you, Mr. President.”

  He climbed back into bed, pulling his naked companion close to him. She was sound asleep, and he was tired from their arduous lovemaking. He hoped to feel better in the morning because he wanted more. And his plan was working perfectly. He smiled again. Her fragrant scent was as alluring as her soft, warm skin, and he pulled her even tighter against his mounting desire. She stirred in his arms. He began kissing her pale, slender neck and touching her small breasts. He could never get enough. Of anything.

  42

  Chris watched as the president and the heads of various branches of the federal government gave their assurances as to what they were doing to protect the country. Afterward, the president opened the floor to questions. Every member of the press corps seemed to be asking the questions that Chris wanted answered. The president deflected some questions to the cabinet members. How long would this thing last? When would a vaccine be ready? When would life get back to normal? How long were people to stay in their homes? Often, the answer was, “We don’t know at this time.” No one asked the question that everyone was thinking. What if there’s another attack? What will happen then?

  Chris had voted for President Howland. She trusted him, and if there had to be an attack of any nature, she wanted him in charge. But some questions were left hanging, and she was smart enough to realize it. How far had this thing spread? When would the vaccine be available? Some questions had no answers, and everyone, including the president, knew it. The reassurances had been given. Military and police were on high alert, patrolling every subway in all major cities. But no promise could be given, just reassurances that everything possible was being done to prevent any further terrorist attack.

  She was glad to hear that FEMA was setting up treatment centers in temporary facilities. The press was providing instructions on how to get to these treatment centers. That would help control the vast numbers of exposed patients who needed to be stabilized and treated. But there was the question of the vaccine and its production. The CDC and pharmaceutical companies were working on it, and the vaccine should be ready for distribution in the near future. But what was the near future? How many would die before the vaccine was ready? The news that a vaccine had been found in a government laboratory that had been studying the H5N1 aerosolized virus was good news. They said there were thousands of doses of this vaccine, but it had not undergone thorough testing; the CDC was doing that now. As soon as it was declared safe and effective, the vaccine would be distributed in the red zones, those most affected by the attack. NYC was the epicenter. Chris knew what that meant. The first to be treated was the first place that many would die.

  The question of responsibility for the attack had been raised. The CIA and FBI would offer no concrete information. The investigation was ongoing, and until they had more facts, they would say nothing. The Counterterrorism Unit of the FBI had been brought in, and they were “building out” the investigation, but it would take time. They had named no persons of interest. The lab where the vaccine had been obtained, the same lab that had been studying the H5N1 virus, was unnamed. When asked directly whether it was the same location where the suspected weapon was manufactured, whether it was a government lab, they answered only, “We cannot discuss the details at this time.” Chris knew they couldn’t say anything, but they must know something.

  At the end of the press conference, the president reassured the nation that, with strength and determination, the United States would find those responsible for the terrorist attack, and justice would be meted out to those responsible. He assured all Americans that the virus would be stopped.

  Chris felt more afraid than ever, but at least a plan was in place to stop this viral spread. But how long would it take? How long could All Saints Hospital hol
d on? How long could she hold on? She had no choice. And all those listening had no choice. But she knew now that a nightmare was beginning, and she just wanted to wake up. And she wanted to wake up in Dave’s arms and realize this was only a bad dream. And life could go on again as usual. But it wasn’t a bad dream. It was all too real.

  43

  The drive from Georgetown to Bethesda wouldn’t take that long with the light traffic. Maybe fifteen minutes at the most. George was glad Mark was driving. She was tired but keyed up. She had no idea how the scene would play out between Max and Suzy, but she hoped they’d get closer to finding the Director. She hadn’t had time to talk with Mark about how they were going to handle Suzy and Max’s first meeting.

  She looked over at Mark, and her stomach lurched, images of their night together flashing through her mind. He was the distraction she didn’t need. She had learned early on as an FBI trainee to compartmentalize. It was getting difficult, the more involved she became with him. The instant attraction she had felt when he became her partner had been hard to ignore, but she’d done it. Now they’d become lovers. Maybe the crisis situation, the intensity of this investigation, made everything different. She’d dropped her guard. She couldn’t think about their future right now, but she couldn’t ignore her feelings. She wanted him. Period. More than anything in the world. But she pushed back the thoughts.

  George turned on the radio to get updates on the virus. Plus she needed the distraction, even a bad one. Broadcasts about the attack and speculations of those responsible were the central topics. But nothing was certain. It was too early for any substantive information. Mostly the news was informative; the number of possible victims, the cities most affected, and government efforts to stop the virus. The news brought back more of the insane reality. What the fuck were they doing and going to do? They’d face the dangers of the outbreak. They had to. Right now, the job was the priority. But the question remained: What was going to happen to them all? She and Mark had standard-issue masks, but so what? It was like putting a Band-Aid on a bleeding artery. She had to stop going there. She shook it off.