Page 58 of Airborne
“Just this link. We’re questioning Chad again.”
“Has Anslow made any other statements?”
“Nothing we can use for the current case. Agent Lawrence,” Fielder said, “on July3, Chad wrote you a check for $50K from his Lawrence Laboratories account, and you purchased a car. The balance is in your personal checking account.”
How could the FBI conceive she’d betray her commitment to justice? But they needed to have answers, and she’d ask the same questions if she worked the case. “I’m glad you’re thorough. I purchased a Ford Escape, and I can provide a receipt once in Houston.”
“The dealership confirmed the cash purchase. Why did Chad fund you a new vehicle?”
“He came to see me on July3. He had divorce papers with him. I’d refused to sign previously. He handed me the check to buy a new car and said mine needed replaced.”
“But you didn’t sign?”
“No, sir. If the check was a bribe, he lost.” How much should she reveal? Why hide anything? “Since the quarantine, he’s learned I’m pregnant. I’m sure you have access to my medical records here and are aware. Today I agreed to whatever he wanted if he relinquished parental rights.”
“Appreciate your candid answers, Agent Lawrence. Nothing in your activities implicates you in the case. Are you and your husband communicating?”
“No longer. Our discussion today terminated reconciliation. He accused me of the media leak, and I didn’t handle it well.”
“Do you suspect Chad?”
“I’d be a fool if I didn’t have reservations. I’m in the process of recalling past conversations and behaviors for a clue. Nothing’s surfaced yet.” She’d state the obvious. “Except I haven’t contracted the virus, and my husband is a suspect. Do Chad’s financials show a discrepancy?”
“We’ve found no irregularities. Taversty’s finances are supported from an unknown source out of Europe.”
But for many, the denial of Chad linked to Taversty at least in this context meant zip. “Did Anslow provide names regarding what he and Taversty were doing as part of the Taliban?”
“Authorities in Germany are working with their terrorist informants. The surveillance team on Taversty’s parents hasn’t reported anything unusual. Anslow’s wife is in Pakistan. She’d been in the US illegally. His parents are deceased,” Fielder said. “Two men have been cleared. The man who traveled to China and went dark for five days works underground for a Christian mission organization. And the man who has a cousin in Sudan was there due to a cousin’s illness. A new development prompted this call. I’d like for you and Dr. Radcom to know our findings.”
She glanced at Jordan, who gave a thumbs-up. “We’re ready.”
“The investigation has uncovered evidence from the aircraft that leads to another suspect. A fragment of the breath freshener containing the virus was found beneath the seat of a passenger in economy class, Parker Karey, who was flying with his wife, Sonya, one-way to Frankfurt. For the record, we received an anonymous call soon after the plane landed at JFK with sufficient info to back up our concerns leading to Chad’s interview.”
“A name?”
“Untraceable. The Kareys have our attention. Have you had any dealings with either of them?”
“Parker has been quick to accuse Chad and me of being responsible for the virus. Very verbal. Even a subtle threat. Remindsme of a barking dog.” She ventured on. “Were fragments found throughout the cabin?”
“Only in the business class restroom where the remains were flushed and in the vicinity of Karey’s seat. We understand it could have been transported by someone’s shoes or anyone in the area.”
Heather needed time to analyze the new info. “Dr. Radcom relayed to me about the shattered breath freshener found in the business class sewage tank. I told him the flight attendant wouldn’t have permitted anyone from economy to use the restroom. However, someone could have slipped by.”
“Exactly what we’re thinking,” Fielder said. “Or a coincidence.”
“Have any traces of the virus been found in Chad’s lab?” Heather said.
“So far the sweep of the lab, office, apartment, and vehicle are free of H9N15, and a surveillance team remains in place. He won’t be exonerated until investigators are assured his lab is clean. We’re waiting the minimum of seventy-two hours, but authorities may recommend the lab’s closure for a longer period. Are Parker Karey and your husband friends or associates?”
“Chad’s never mentioned him. Why?”
SAC Mitchell interjected. “Heather, look beyond the man you’re married to. Karey and Chad live in the same city, and both may be involved in a heinous crime that has killed several people and placed many in the hospital. H9N15 has the potential to spread across the globe. Online buyers are digging for means to purchase it. Your husband has the ability to develop the virus and present a vaccine to the masses and gain worldwide acclaim. Can you imagine the monetary returns? What are the chances the two men are connected?”
“Higher than I’d like to think.”
SAC Fielder stepped back into the conversation. “Neither Parker nor Sonya Karey has been infected. Are they lucky or vaccinated?”
Heather stated the obvious. “I haven’t either. That fact decreases my credibility.”
