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  “I spoke to Hutchinson. He has been on the scene most of the morning. Nothing has been found of any causal nature occurring on any of NYC public transportation sites, including the subway system. We are ruling out as many scenarios as possible,” answered Reed. She paused.

  “Sir, I have an idea. May I get back to you shortly?” she requested.

  “Certainly, Ms. Reed. I’m on my way to the Mayor’s office. You can reach me on my cell. But I think you would agree that we must move quickly on this.”

  “Yes, understood.”

  “Agent Reed, as part of the Counterterrorism Task Force, we want you and your partner, Agent Strickland, to meet us at City Hall, in the Mayor’s office at noon. Various department heads will be present to coordinate all efforts.”

  “Yes, sir, and I believe we will have some information at that time, which could be very helpful to this investigation.”

  After hanging up, George turned to Mark and said, “Let’s try to reach Wally Weber.”

  Mark looked puzzled momentarily and then smiled.

  “Great idea, George.” She began to dial the FBI headquarters at Quantico. The operator answered, and George, after giving her special clearance code, asked to speak to Agent Walt Weber.

  “One moment, please.” The operator returned and said, “I’ll patch you through.”

  “Thanks, “said George, and hung on.

  It took a few minutes, but then he picked up, “Weber here.” His voice was loud and gravelly. The sound of gunfire could be heard in the background.

  .

  22

  “Georgiana Reed here. Sounds like you’re at the range.”

  “Yes, Agent Reed, getting in some practice,” he answered.

  “What can I do for ya?” he asked.

  George replied, “I need your help, and you probably know what we’re up against here in New York,” she answered.

  “Yep, I think I do,” he said.

  “When can we talk?” she asked.

  He said, “Now?”

  “Yes, that would be great. Thanks.”

  “Fine, give me a few minutes. Let me get back to my office, and I’ll call you.”

  “That would be great,” said George.”

  Wally, with an elbow propped on his desk, patched through. He was about sixty, balding, of average height and a stocky build. He had on a rumpled white shirt, loosened collar and tie, dark slacks, and a Glock 22 in his shoulder holster. He didn’t know Georgiana Reed very well but had heard of her. She was considered highly competent and was quite a looker. He had seen her at some FBI functions.

  She answered, “Did you get them all in the ten ring?” she asked, smiling.

  “Mostly,” Wally answered, very low key.

  After George introduced Mark on speaker phone, she said, “I would guess you know why I am calling.”

  He knew what they wanted but would let them lead the way, remaining silent.

  “You were in charge of the investigation in ’08 that resulted in finding the alleged anthrax perp,” George stated. “As I recall, twenty-two were infected, five died. Correct?”

  “Yeah, as we were closing in, the bastard offed himself. Pissed me off, big time.”

  George continued, “You deserved all the credit for tracking that guy down.”

  Wally said, dismissively, “It was a team effort.” He spoke modestly, but they knew he was responsible for finding the killer.

  “We could use your expertise on the case we’re working now.” Wally let her continue, but he had heard plenty about the case from others in the agency.

  “It’s the possible terrorist attack, in the subway, a potential poison or biological agent,” said George.

  They briefed him on what they knew, including the telephoned threat, the number of possible victims, and the suspected object in question that had been found on the platform. He asked further questions, and they filled him in.

  “Where is the canister now?” he asked.

  Mark spoke this time, “Quantico.”

  Wally said, “You need to know the source of the canister. Then identify the agent and motive, simple as that.” He was matter of fact.

  “Right,” said Georgiana with a chuckle. “What else?”

  “The working profile would be this,” Wally said. “Look for a scientist, someone inside, with access to toxins, biologic or otherwise, possible ties to a jihadist group. Maybe an ax to grind or psycho. Maybe a combo.” Wally leaned back in his squeaky wooden desk chair.

  “Other thoughts?”

  “Places like Detrick or other centers for chemical and biological warfare are locations to investigate. To jump to a conclusion, take a shot at Edgewood, the ECBC in Maryland. There are other military CBW centers that need to be checked out, as well. You could send investigative teams to the other centers, and you guys can start at Edgewood. They store a lot of bad shit there.”

  “I think you sized it up for us, Wally. Can you be in on this thing? We could use your help.”

  “Glad to, Agent Reed.”

  She said, “Call me George. How about we call you after we check some things out at Edgewood?”

  “Sounds good,” said Wally. “That will give me time to get some things in place.”

  “Wally, you know some agents that are experienced in this type of investigation. Can you call them and get the investigative process going at several other locations?”

  “Can do, but you know the protocol.”

  “Yes, I’ll call Jacobs, fill her in, then we’ll leave for Edgewood.”

  George called Fran Jacobs and explained how she was going to proceed. Jacobs said to use all agents necessary to look into the various CBW centers. George was advised to contact Director Bennett to arrange security clearance at the APG lab.

  George called Bennett to let him know the plan, explaining that Director Jacobs had given full approval, and they would need security clearance at Edgewood.

  Bennett said, “You are going there now? What about the meeting?”

  George said, “We need to act on some information critical to the investigation. Can you conference us in, sir? We will be in the car for the next two hours.”

  “Are you sure this is absolutely necessary right now? We want all members of the task force present,” he demanded.

  “Sir, we would not ask this if it were not crucial to the investigation. One of the Quantico-based agents, Wally Weber, has given us some leads that we must follow up on now. Weber will be checking with you for clearance at other CBW centers, as well. Can that be arranged? We will contact you with any additional information, sir.”

  “Yes, I’ll get whatever clearance you need, but I expect a full report. We should have the meeting pulled together around noon. We will call you.” He hung up.

  “Fucking bureaucrat,” she muttered under her breath.

  Then to Mark, she said, “What does the GPS say about the drive time to Edgewood?”

  He said, “Not long. It is ninety-five miles, but we have to factor in traffic.” He had the red bubble on top, flashing, as he began the route. He grabbed his cell phone, spoke briefly, and then said, “Thanks.”

  After the call, Mark said, “Our state police escort is going to meet us on I-95.”

  George knew this was going to be a fun ride and smiled, as she tightened her seat belt.

  .

  23

  “What is it, Frank?” Dave asked.

  Dr. Edwards proceeded, saying, “Within the last half hour, we’ve had three patients brought in, all with flu-like symptoms, most unconscious or nearly so. Standard treatment has been administered, blood drawn, IV fluids, and each seems to have one thing in common. They all used the Express Subway Station this morning. I have moved them to isolation, in case they have been exposed to some type of chemical or biological agent that could put us all in an at-risk emergency situation.”

  Dave asked, “Have you notified the hospital administrator about this?”

  Frank responded, �
��Yes, and Jim Lucas is informing the FBI, the CDC, Homeland Security, and the NYPD. We are under disaster response conditions, and extra staff have been called in, including three ER physicians. The isolation unit is capable of handling thirty patients, so we are prepared, for the moment.”

  Thoughts were racing as Dave considered what he had just heard. At this point, they knew nothing.

  “Call me when you get lab results.”

  “Will do,” said Edwards, and he hung up.

  Chris asked, “What is it, Dave?” He explained, and they discussed possible scenarios.

  Dave grabbed the remote off the desk and turned on the TV, sitting on the console on the opposite side of the room. He found the local news channel, which was reporting the latest on the subway shutdown. There had been no further developments, but one eyewitness at the scene saw someone being carried out of the subway station where a suspicious object was rumored to have been found. No press releases or statements were being made at this time. Mayor Donnelly had urged all New Yorkers to remain calm since nothing of significance had been discovered. Traffic was slow but not impossible, since buses and taxis were available. The Mayor requested that everyone remain at home, if possible, to ease the traffic flow in case emergency vehicles needed roadway access.

  Dave said, “Check with the nurses’ stations and get an update. It could get ugly very fast.”

  Chris called the nurses’ station in the ER.

  “Hi, Connie, how is it out there?” asked Chris, trying to keep a lighthearted tone.

  “Things are going pretty well, but we could be bombarded with more patients at any moment. It is an unpredictable situation.”

  “Call me if you need some help,” responded Chris. “I’ll check on the nurses’ lounge and make certain we have food supplies and coffee.”

  Connie was glad Chris and Dr. Grant were still in the hospital.

  Chris gave Dave a warm kiss, touching his face gently, and said, “I better check on supplies, then freshen up a bit.”

  There was a shower room with lockers next to the nurses’ lounge. Fresh scrubs were available, and the nurses had learned to keep extra clothing and personal items at the hospital, in case they had to work double shifts or had gotten soiled handling ill patients.

  After starting the coffee, Chris took a shower, dressed in fresh pink scrubs, and ran a comb through her hair. After a touch of coral lipstick and some blush, she looked presentable and headed out to the nursing station. Triage was starting to get busy, and in a few minutes, several ambulances would be arriving with four patients, all with severe flu-like symptoms. Chris called Dave and gave him the information, and he rallied himself for what was ahead.

  Dave called Frank, in isolation, and asked about the lab results.

  “It looks bad, Dave. Never saw this before, but it’s possible that it could be some kind of virus, to act so fast. We are double-checking the results. We sent samples to the lab that the CDC maintains at the pharmaceutical research facility in north Jersey. They are working to get a firm identification. As soon as they have anything, they will call us. The FBI lab at Quantico is working on the ID as well.”

  Dave said, “You stay in the isolation unit. I assume you are wearing protective clothing, mask, etc. You have nursing staff with you, correct?

  Frank replied, “Three nurses, all fully covered.”

  “Stay there. No one leaves or enters, and if you need something, we will run it in for you through the locked safe decontamination area.”

  “Fine with me, so far. We are keeping them stable, hydrated, and are all being treated with the standard anti-viral medications and antibiotics, but one of the older men has some shaky vital signs.”

  Dave hated to tell him but continued, “Frank, we have four more heading in with the same symptoms. They will be coming your way. I’ll get you an extra nurse when I can. We need to send any further patients with these symptoms to another facility, perhaps Edgewood Medical Facility. We can’t risk our staff and other patients if this is some virulent strain or bacterial attack of some kind.”

  “What the fuck are you saying, Dave?” Frank asked.

  Dave’s voice tightened. “You know exactly what I am saying, Frank. This could turn into a CF, big time,” and he hung up.

  Dave began dialing the hospital administrator, Jim Lucas, and explained the status. “The CDC has lab samples. Maybe you should call the CDC director. The FBI must be notified, as well. We should divert any further patients with these symptoms to Edgewood Medical Facility and possibly transfer the current patients, soon to be seven, to Edgewood, as well. Call them and explain what we have going on. Got it.?” Dave wasted no words.

  “What about the Mayor?” asked Jim.

  Dave barked, “I don’t give a shit about the Mayor. He is last on my list. Let’s get these patients out of here, fucking Stat!”

  Dave wondered how many had been infected already.

  .

  24

  Since they had met in January, every weekend was filled, day and night, with Max. During the week, they were in daily contact. They couldn’t get enough of each other. They sometimes had dinner out or would order in. Suzy would prepare special dinners for Max, and they would cook, laugh, and sip wine, savoring each moment they shared. They loved spending each night together, naked.

  Some Saturday nights, they would dine out, each choosing a favorite restaurant to surprise the other. One particular weekend in the spring, Max took her to the hotel in Baltimore where they had first met. He had reserved the same suite where they had spent their first night, and he had arranged for a special candlelit dinner to be served by the balcony, overlooking the Inner Harbor. Suzy was surprised when they walked into the hotel and he escorted her to the elevator.

  “Max, I thought we were having dinner here,” queried Suzy.

  “We are, baby.” And he smiled at her. Her beauty continued to amaze him, as he studied her upturned face, realizing she was delightfully surprised.

  “Max, how lovely this will be. Thank you.” She spoke softly.

  Max was already excited, just being near her. Both were impatient to get to the suite and enjoy the memories of the night they had met, and make more and more memories.

  After entering the beautiful and familiar suite, he took her light wrap and hung it in the closet. She was wearing a stunning sleeveless turquoise blue cocktail dress, with a low-cut V-neck that was angled off center. It was just low enough that he could see the slight mound of one of her breasts. She was erotic and sensual, with a flair for dressing perfectly to showcase her exotic beauty. She wore little jewelry, only the diamond drop earrings. He loved watching her walk to the bar, the form-fitting dress hugging her rounded hips, heightening his desire.

  An hors d’oeuvres tray was on the bar, next to the chilled champagne. Max poured the sparkling liquid into their glasses, and they sipped slowly, sampling the delicious caviar and the assorted canapés. They talked about their week, with Max saying he had been assigned a difficult project, but it was going well. Suzy said her lab had been busy, but neither could go into much detail. Discretion was required when discussing their work.

  Suzy asked, “When will dinner be served?”

  Max said, “We will order when we are ready. I thought you might like to look at the menu.”

  She knew his thoughts. She set her wine glass down, touched his hand, and gently guided him to the softly lit living room. She pulled him down next to her on the plush sofa, and they began kissing, deep tongue kisses, ravenous kisses, his arms enveloping her. She was hungry for him, her desire and need equal to his. He leaned her backward, sliding his warm strong hand under her dress, feeling her thigh, his hand finding her opening, covered with silk. He slid her panties aside and touched her. She moaned, his lips on hers, their wet kisses full of longing, and she began moving against his fingers. They stopped just long enough for him to remove her dress and panties, and then he started kissing her breasts, so exquisite and her taste was thrilling
. She was ready for him instantly, and he took his clothes off, put his knee between her legs, spreading them, opening her body for him alone. She was touching his hardness, meant only for her, and after touching him, holding him close to her body, rubbing him against her wet opening, she guided him into her, his cock filling her.

  She wrapped her legs around him, her stiletto heels still on, pulling him deeper into her. His touch, their kisses, their longing, his body completing hers, they made love passionately, moving rhythmically against each other, heart to heart, saying love words, and they both came forcefully, in a huge burst of emotion. His fierce possession of her body was complete. She gave herself fully to him, and he to her, in all ways. Their lovemaking was so powerful, enough seemed never enough.

  “I love you, Suzy, and I will always love you,” he said, from the depths of his heart and soul.

  The tear droplets fell from her eyes. He was still on top of her, kissing her, his arms enveloping her.

  “Max, my darling Max, I love you so.”

  .

  25

  Max was nestled against Suzy’s back, both still naked. He awoke slowly, lightly kissing her shoulders. She stirred, moving back against him, to get closer to his warmth. His body encompassed hers, and she loved the feeling. He loved her small proportions and the feel of her beautiful body against his. He couldn’t stop his desire, and she didn’t want him to stop. They began to make love, his lips on the back of her neck, his hands on her breasts, as he moved in and out of her slowly, never wanting to stop. It was as though nothing existed in the world but them. She gasped, and he felt her body respond to his, and he came into her, both feeling they were in a dream, the rare moments, their rare magic. They savored each other, falling asleep wrapped tightly together.

  A few hours later, Max drove Suzy home, pulling his Mercedes into Suzy’s driveway, using the opener that Suzy had given him to raise the garage doors. He parked in the space next to her Lexus. He was comfortable in her world. It had been a beautiful night, and both were glad they had all day Sunday to be together. It was a warm spring day, and they planned on taking a swim in the heated outdoor pool after lunch. Both loved being active and exercising together. Fitness was part of his training, and Suzy had always been disciplined to exercise. It helped keep the gremlins at bay.