Page 95 of Airborne
He handed Javier the flash drive. “Even a medical geek like me saw the issues between him and Powell. Here’s another tidbit to chew on—I met with Trey at Lawrence Labs three times before I hired him. I bet Powell found out.”
Javier inserted the flash drive into his computer. “You’ve uncovered a few details the FBI can use.”
“Wish I had the lab owner’s name, and I assume it’s a woman overseas.” Chad reached for pen and paper between them and jotted the address where Trey had once worked. “It’s closed but you might need this.”
“The woman could be fictitious.” Javier nodded his thanks and scooted the pad back to him. “I’ll send the flash drive’s content to our tech people to decipher Trey’s handwriting. What else?”
“Trey had a girlfriend, but Powell insisted he break it off with her last November because she distracted him. I have her name, Leigh Masterson. This February he told Trey to move out of his parents’ home because they interfered with his life pursuits, and he again complied. According to the journal, Powell demanded Trey abandon his social life until he finished the project. I do see how Powell’s financial investment could dictate how Trey spent his off hours.”
Javier looked beyond Chad at the wall. “You’re saying the journal indicates Trey discovered a new virus and then developed an antiviral. If he and Powell are responsible for H9N15, we need to examine the research notes.” He toyed with the pen. “What have you left out?”
“If I had all the answers, I’d no longer be a person of interest. Trey had confidence in Powell’s financial support until the relationship took a possessive and maybe dangerous turn. Powell, a man with a deadly virus and in possession of an antiviral, standsto be one of the most powerful and wealthy men in the world. Wouldn’t be the first time someone killed for either one. From his actions on Adam’s Island, he’s already achieved leadership status, and bringing an antiviral to the table raises him to sainthood.”
“Paper thin.”
Chad frowned. “Why?”
“If your conclusions are right, he’s tossed a lot of money to cover criminal activities. No one goes to that much effort unless there’s significant motivation.”
“I gave you two, and over thirty people are dead!” Chad fought to calm his temper.
“None of those on the flight are linked to Powell.”
“We both know a psychopath often chooses random victims,” Chad said. “The truth is if I were an agent and presented this to you, we’d be mapping out an investigative strategy. And you’d have called in the big guns.”
Javier dragged his hand over his face. “The FBI will want to talk to the Alvinsons and Leigh Masterson. Trust me, we are investigating this case in ways you can’t imagine.”
“So am I. Someone infected those people on the plane, and I will find who is behind it. One positive for my side is I’m convinced Powell is worried Trey gave me his findings, so I’m a significant target. Explains why I’ve been framed.” He fought for composure. “That means my wife is in a precarious situation. I’m not ready to accept Trey’s drowning was an accident and just anyone could have wrecked my apartment.”
Javier made notes. He lifted his gaze to meet Chad’s scrutiny. “What else?”
“I assume the FBI will look into Peale’s lawyer and the origin of who paid for Trey Alvinson’s lab and equipment. Where’s the equipment now? Where was it purchased?”
“We’ll find out. You claim Powell funded the lab to have Alvinson spend hours researching the dengue virus. He’s successfulwith his results, but he doesn’t want to work for Powell and takes a job at Lawrence Labs. Powell arranges an accidental death. Then you propose the virus was released at a calculated time on flight3879. Huge risk and doesn’t seem probable. What if the pilots were infected?”
“I looked into the plane’s air ventilation system. The airflow in the cockpit would be the last affected by the virus,” Chad said.
“So did Powell plan to parachute out?”
“Haven’t put together his whole strategy yet. Which is why I came to you.”
“The journal wouldn’t hold up in a court of law.”
“Admit it, Javier, every word I’ve said has nailed its mark. I’ve spent hours deliberating this. Parker Karey and his wife are suspects, but I have no idea why. He’s not my favorite person with his lawsuit, but he could see an opportunity to make some money. Who knows? The Kareys could be working with Powell. But I’m going to find the evidence to show Powell masterminded H9N15.”
“What if you’re wrong?”
“I’d rather be wrong than do nothing, and here’s my plan...”
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
HEATHER PICKED HER WAYalong the shore to a favorite spot where she liked to sit, think, and pray. She smiled at the thought of the smooth rounded boulders resembling baby bottoms. Nature’s beauty soothed her while she longed to be on the case from a different location than Adam’s Island. Renewed strength energized her. Dr. Francisca and the surgeon had given her instructions to rest. She’d obey for Levi’s sake. He was a strong little guy to weather the attacks against him.
Chad hadn’t contacted her, which said her contingency to put their relationship back together had met with resistance. She shouldn’t be disappointed, although a seed for a better future had taken root. Had her request to seek God exceeded his limit? Or had he viewed it as nagging?
The sandbox of her mind sifted through old memories allowing good times to build castles of hope.
A good outcome of the quarantine came with Catherine’s and Tatum’s friendship. Once they were all home again, they plannedto meet regularly. She held her breath. Tatum’s health dwindled. Not fair. Not right.
