Page 77 of Airborne
Her past decision to give in to Chad and relinquish her faith had tainted her relationship with God. “I can’t. When I substituted you for God, we spiraled downhill.”
“Does your stipulation involve a time frame?”
“No. I’m not going anywhere.”
He lay back on the sofa. “My life is fine without God.”
“I see your great life, hear your positive attitude.”
He moaned. “You’re not being fair under the circumstances.”
“Your circumstances?”
“Right.” He blew out his words. “Some changes will take time and counseling. Jordan will expect a report.”
“Tell him whatever you think is best.”
“You’ve asked me to give up my identity for something that doesn’t exist.”
“I gave you my terms. It’s your task to search for God. No one else can do it for you.” She fought the old habits to rush to his aid, quote Scripture.
“I’ll tell Jordan we don’t have plans to kill each other today, and the divorce is on hold while we work through our issues.”
“We’ve got to be careful, and today reinforced the caution. Tell only Jordan.”
“Makes sense. The news could jeopardize the investigation.”
“Once you walk out of this room, don’t contact me until we have burner phones. Give Jordan your number, and I’ll get it from him.”
“I’ll pick up a phone at the airport. Please, be careful. If the person who spread the virus is on Adam’s Island, he has every step of your life memorized.”
“I can take care of myself.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
CHAD SLEPT IN HEATHER’S HOSPITAL ROOMwhile he waited for his Houston flight. Jordan shook him awake every thirty minutes and asked a few questions before allowing him to close his eyes again. The small sofa didn’t fit his over six-foot frame, but he didn’t care.
He told Jordan with Heather present the divorce might not follow through, but no one dare find out.
“About time,” Jordan had said. “Always wondered what Heather saw in you. Maybe it was your potential. Wise decision to keep this private.”
Chad suspected Jordan had inside info about the Adam’s Island investigation. But he kept his hunches to himself. The secrecy and who had access to secure information was privileged, and Chad didn’t qualify.
Forty minutes before he planned to leave for the airport, Agent McNally arrived with Chad’s laptop and cell phone. The agent closed the door, and Chad introduced Heather and Jordan.
“Dr. Lawrence, do you object to Dr. Radcom and your wife being privy to our conversation?” McNally said.
“Should I?” Chad reached for the Tylenol and a bottle of water. He swallowed three gel-coated capsules. An hour before he’d taken three Aleve. He preferred his head to buzz than pound.
Jordan pulled a chair closer to the bed for McNally. “Agent Lawrence and Dr. Radcom have clearance regarding the virus investigation,” McNally said. “Shall I continue?”
“Go for it. Is my phone bugged?”
“No. But someone has compromised your email. Confirmation of travel plans and a forward to Agent Rivera are there, the source of where they learned about your flight plans and made the threat.”
“Why? Makes no sense.” Chad shifted, and the movement sent bolts of agony through his head. “Isn’t there enough junk stacked against me?”
“We have examined possible motives. None of our speculations are conclusive.”
