Page 94 of Airborne
“What are those last two words,” Chad said to Andy and passed the journal to the Alvinsons. No one could decipher them. Two or maybe three words scribbled together. “Andy and I will review this later.”
Andy snapped pics over Chad’s shoulder. Some days Trey doodled, and some days he didn’t complete his thoughts. Chad chose not to comment on the entries where Trey mentioned concern for Mr. P.’s behavior but failed to record an explanation.
February23: Mr. P. insists I keep the test results to myself. He says this will set my career in place.
April5: Mr. P. and I will look at the final test results for the new virus and potential antiviral.
April10: I’ve decided to apply to Lawrence Labs for a position. Medical research is my goal. Not what I fear is happening.
April28: I’m confident in the testing. Nervous, too. To uncover a new virus is frightening, especially in the wrong hands. But the antiviral is there somewhere. How do I handle the issue of Mr. P.’s orders to keep the virus and the cure from the rest of the world? Tomorrow I will take a stand.
May17: I refuse to argue with Mr. P. I’ll begin at Lawrence Labs next week. I no longer want to work for Mr. P. My work is now in his possession, and my notes have disappeared from the lab’s computer. He’s changed the lock on the lab. I can’t get inside without the security code, and he refuses to give it to me. Unless he’s with me, I’m unable to work.
Mr. Alvinson tried twice to talk before the words finally came. “My wife and I aren’t the least bit worried Thomas Powell’sso-called best interests are threatened. He treated us like scum after Trey’s death.”
“Have you told anyone about the journal or the conversations with Trey?” Chad said.
“No. The lawyer knew of our son’s death and our desire for his notes. No reason to share what we couldn’t back up.”
“I urge you not to talk to anyone about this but the FBI.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
THE REST OF THE MORNINGand into the afternoon, Chad and Andy deliberated what they’d learned at the Alvinsons’. Andy refused to eat or drink his normal consumption of coffee. He claimed deadly viruses looked safer than what Thomas Powell might have done. Chad assured him the right people investigated the case. He downloaded the photos of notes from Trey’s journal and copied them onto two flash drives, one for himself and one for Javier.
The unreadable post in the journal remained a mystery. From Trey’s handwriting, anewas a straight line, and Chad and Andy found three of those. Chad deciphered twol’s and possibly ay.
Before Andy left him at the hotel, Chad scheduled an hour with Javier at the FBI building for late afternoon. Now the agent sat across from him in an interview room.
“Did you spend the night at your and Heather’s condo?” Javier said.
“Not wise when we’re in the middle of a divorce. The break-in is none of her concern.”
“Or are you protecting her?”
Chad searched for a clever response. Javier continued. “Never mind. There’s more going on beneath the surface with you two. For a man who wants to be free of his wife, you sure are sticking your neck out.”
“Eight years of habit.”
“Right. Could be love or guilt for the years she supported you. What do you have? Or should I ask what have you been up to?”
Chad summoned a smile. The agent had figured him out when it came to Heather. “First I want to confirm our conversation is videoed and recorded.”
“It is.”
“Did you trace the email I received in New York?”
“Yes. It led to an IP address in Norway, which means the source is an intelligent hacker with an agenda.”
“I’m convinced Thomas Powell is behind the email hacks, and he paid Peale off as well as his fancy lawyer.” Without the FBI or another well-equipped law enforcement agency to locate evidence, his discoveries were mere speculation.
“You’re climbing a ladder. And the rungs are weak.”
“You bet, and all the way to the top of truth. Were you aware Powell was connected to a medical research lab for one of his scholarship recipients?”
Javier studied him. “You have my attention.”
“I’ve introduced new info or you’re playing along.” Chad relayed what he and Andy had learned from the Alvinsons. “Although Trey used the journal for personal reflections, Andy snapped pics of every page of his entries, and I have them. I understand why Powell claimed the research belonged to him and denied the Alvinsons a copy. Here’s why I’m suspicious. Trey tells his parents he’s working on something important. His journal states he’s found a new virusand developed an antivirus. Powell takes control of the lab, and Trey drowns the day before he’s to begin work for me. In some areas, Trey’s handwriting is difficult to read.”
