Page 98 of Airborne
“Why would I care? I’m not a medical researcher.”
“You don’t mind if I take them to the FBI? I’m sure they can sort them out.”
“I’m confused. What are you referring to?”
“Let’s toss out your story and get to the truth. My guess is the overseas investor is a sham, and you funded Trey Alvinson’s research. He stumbled onto a potential virus, and you encouraged him to develop it and create an antiviral. You demanded he break off all social and family ties to concentrate on his work. Your attempt to rule his life caused him to leave your employment and work for me. You arranged an accident and disposed of the lab’s equipment. Obviously you injected the antiviral to protect yourself. What I don’t understand is why did you infect all those people on flight3879?”
Powell laughed. “You, Dr. Lawrence, are suspected of releasing one of the deadliest viruses in the history of known medicine. According to the media, your reputation is destroyed, and I heard from a person here in quarantine that you’re being sued for $10million. Trey died in an unfortunate accident. Your attempt to coerce money from me is a plea from a desperate man who’s destined to spend the rest of his life behind bars... or die by lethal injection.”
“Those means are for the guilty. I’m innocent, and Trey provided the truth. But I commend you on covering your tracks. Clever. Well done.”
“Why contact me now?” Powell said. “You’ve had plenty of time to give your alleged proof to the FBI and exonerate yourself.”
“I’d like to work out a deal.”
“For what? Do you and your beautiful pregnant wife need a little extra cash?”
Chad hadn’t expected that response. “We’re not speaking except through our lawyers. This conversation and potential business arrangement are between you and me.”
“The media want ways to keep the story alive, and reporters will state and print whatever it takes. Dr. Sheehan lives alone, right?”
Chad cringed. “I have the evidence to put you away permanently.”
“You’re delusional, Dr. Lawrence. I am a victim in this tragedy. Your wife, on the other hand, could be involved.”
“Heather is an FBI agent, and if the bureau had any reservations, she’d be wearing cuffs. The issue is my evidence proves you’re responsible for funding the development of H9N15 and an antiviral. The transfer of notes will cost $10million, same as Parker Karey’s lawsuit. The question is, how important is Trey’s research to you?” Chad hung up and ended the recording.
He transferred the conversation to a new laptop and placed the file in Dropbox. What had he accomplished? What if Chad had made a terrible mistake by contacting Powell without solid evidence of his involvement?
Heather brushed her teeth and slipped into pajamas. She slid her toothbrush and toothpaste into a plastic bag and sealed it. Weariness rolled through her like slow-moving clouds, but she would not close her eyes before calling Chad. The other women finished in the bathroom. She turned on the water to mask her voice and pressed in his burner number.
“This is Heather.”
“Good to hear your voice. Are you healthy?”
“Yes. ASAC Mitchell told me your apartment had been broken into. I’d have offered the condo, but it would derail our separated status.”
“My place will be suitable for habitation soon. No reason to jeopardize our story.”
“I have four things to say if you can spare the time.” Her voice trembled.
“Should I take notes?” His light laughter met her ears.
“I’m serious.” Why did confessions have painful attributes? “First, I’m sorry for trying to fix things between us. My choices led me straight into codependency. Never again. No matter where our relationship leads, we are accountable for our own behavior.”
“I used your codependent tendencies against you to stretch the boundaries of my own agenda. I’m sorry.”
Heather closed her eyes.Don’t stop now.“Second thing, I’m convinced you aren’t responsible for H9N15. No doubts. If I’m wrong, I’ll resign from the FBI.”
“What?”
“You heard correctly. Third, I apologize for shoving faith down your throat. I preached at you, and my self-righteousness alienated you from any thought of a relationship with God. That decision is between you and Him.”
“I’ve read the book of John and started Luke. By using archeological proof to confirm the Bible’s validity, my mind’s open. Non-biblical sources show Jesus Christ existed. It’s the whole God knows all and is in control that I’m struggling with. If questions come to mind, I’ll call you. Remember when we were first married and discussed the reality of God?”
Heather shivered. “Sure. If I don’t have the answers, I’ll find someone who does.”
“Would you rather I talk to Jordan?”
