Page 114 of Airborne
“Do you need to sit for a few minutes?” she said.
He whirled around and faced her. His nostrils flared. She’d seen the transformation before, and the alternate side of Thomas glared at her.
“The quadrivalent flu vaccine is an illusion.” The words fell from his lips like poison. “Nothing stops or cures the virus.” He pushed on to the compound.
Heather detected a slight limp, a trait not visible before. The migraine had either caused pain throughout his body or the announcement of the quadrivalent flu vaccine had triggered a possible dissociative identify disorder episode. Or both.
Heather informed Jordan of Thomas’s headache and let him handle approaching the man. She texted Thomas to check on him, but he neglected to respond.
How surprising the daily routine in quarantine had become anew normal. Even the time seemed to pass faster. She continued her walks outside and spent hours with Catherine, Jackie, and Ada. Still no progress on the investigation.
On Tuesday morning, the quarantine was officially over. Heather handed a soldier her luggage and stepped onto the ferry transporting the passengers and crew to New York and home. They’d been told to prepare themselves for an awaiting press, a few moments of flashing cameras, and questions. She planned to avoid them. New York’s FBI had an escort ready to drive her to their office before a flight home. A few from Jamaica Hospital would be released today, Mia included. Although Heather’s schedule negated saying goodbye to Mia in person and meeting her family, the two had talked earlier and promised to keep in touch.
Laughter resounded among the quarantined. Hope swirled in a euphoric state of a better tomorrow. Catherine shed tears. Life without Roy meant a time of grief and planning a memorial service. Many of those on the flight faced the same unsteady future.
Tomorrow morning, she’d attend an informal gathering at Mercy Community Church, where Tatum’s father pastored. There she’d talk with Tatum’s family, Kirk Durgin’s widow, Catherine’s family, and Maria’s family about her relationship with the deceased. Other family members and friends might be attending, too.
A helicopter whirled above and landed near the building. Thomas emerged from the compound rolling a suitcase and climbed inside. Her opportunity to establish more of a relationship took flight.
She texted him.Have a safe trip home.
Within moments, he returned a message.Didn’t want the media attention. Can I call in the morning? I’d like to talk about something.
Yes. I’ll be leaving the house at 9a.m.
Thomas sounded like his old self or more like his other self. What did he want to discuss?
Heather met SAC Fielder in his New York office, a formality, but he did thank her for the investigative work conducted on Adam’s Island.
“We’re investigating Sonya Karey’s murder,” he said. “We’ve taken Parker Karey into federal custody. He doesn’t have an alibi during the time of his wife’s death, and we’re also investigating if he had a role in the virus.”
“I intend to file charges against him for threatening a federal officer.”
He nodded. “This morning we received an update on Decker Anslow,” he said.
“And?”
“An assassin got to him in a German cell.”
“Taliban?”
“They’re taking credit. He kept his mouth shut, so whatever he and Taversty knew went to their graves. We are working with the Germans to find answers. We’ll get to the bottom of who masterminded the virus.”
She explained Thomas Powell’s apparent migraine the last few days and his helicopter departure. “I’ll continue my role until arrests are made.”
“ASAC Mitchell tells me Jackson Powell, Thomas’s twin, will be at the Houston office tomorrow afternoon. You’ll be part of that meeting.”
“Is this a result of the FBI’s interview in Salzburg?”
“Yes. Oliver, the father, and Jackson Powell initially refused to discuss Thomas. Oliver hung up on the agent, but Jackson later offered a few words. The brothers haven’t seen each other since they were boys, and Oliver preferred to keep it that way, even to the point of denying Thomas as his son. Two days later Jackson contacted the agent with a willingness to travel to Houston’s FBI,but under the condition Thomas wouldn’t be notified. He assured the agent he’d cooperate once he was here. ASAC Mitchell made the arrangements.”
“Any idea why he wanted an FBI face-to-face?”
Fielder shook his head. “They’ve lived in London all these years. If the boys’ mother had wanted her maternal rights, she could have legally obtained them. We have no record of any communication between the parents. Unusual situation.”
“I’m thinking Jackson Powell has information we can use.”
“Hold on to that thought. For a case against Thomas to hold up in court, we must find evidence pointing to him. In the meantime, we have other viable suspects.”
