Page 105 of Airborne
“Good to know. Look, I don’t need a sitter. You have things to do.”
“Too late. I’m on my way. How bad is Andy?”
“In my opinion, he’ll recover from the neck wound. A GSW to the abdomen can be fatal. I’m hoping the bullet missed vital organs.”
“How long until you have word?”
“Depends on what the surgeon finds and how long it takes to repair the damage.”
“All right. If anything changes before I get there, call me. I’ll see what I can find out.”
Chad drank Diet Coke, coffee, and repeated to stay alert while the doctors repaired Andy’s battle-torn body. If he believed in God, he’d be praying. Javier found Chad in the surgery waiting room. No news from the surgeon.
“The shooters disappeared, and the police weren’t able to track them,” Javier said. “I learned the van was found in a residential area. Stolen. Police are sweeping for fingerprints.”
“Want to bet it’s clean?” Overwhelming guilt coursed through him. “This is my fault. If something happens to Andy, I’ll take the blame to my grave.”
“You might take it to jail. I told you to leave the investigation alone.”
“Are you here to arrest me?”
“Haven’t decided.”
“I asked Andy to help prove my innocence.”
“His decision. Just when I think you’re an asset, you pull something stupid.”
Chad neither agreed nor refused.
“Powell used a burner phone to call you.”
“Is it admissible in court?”
“We’d have to prove it.” Javier rose to his feet. “I’m tired of the FBI looking like a rookie team of recruits.” He paused. “The words in Trey Alvinson’s journal that stumped you? They were referring to Powell claiming he’d destroy him.”
“And he did.” Chad’s burner phone rang, and the number showed the devil himself. “Powell’s got guts.”
“Answer it,” Javier said.
“This is Dr. Lawrence.”
“Do we really need the formals?” Powell said. “After all, you recognized my number.”
“What do you want?”
“I’m stuck here in quarantine and saw the news. Dr. Sheehan had a nasty run-in with a couple of thugs. Heard he received two gunshots. How sad. May not live. Looks like those associated with Trey are cursed. They all run into bad luck.”
“Or it’s a pattern against the innocent.” Chad longed to trap him, shake up his saintly image. His anger burned calm, an unusual response for him. “The police will find the shooters.”
“Don’t count on it. Other regretful information has come to my attention. How unfortunate your computer is missing. I fear your enemies know everything you’ve learned about the virus. The CDC is desperate to find an antiviral. May never happen.”
“I believe in medical advances and the investigative work of the FBI,” Chad said.
“I have big plans. First, to make sure you pay for your part in H9N15.”
Chad’s blood pressure soared.
“I have a solution,” Powell said. “I can ensure all charges against you are removed. Parker and Sonya Karey have been busy casting the blame on you. All you need do is give up your work in the US and take an overseas position. I’ll call you on Monday at noon Houston time for your decision. If you choose my way, I’ll clear your record when you arrive at your new destination.”
