Page 88 of Airborne
“Who paid Peale’s attorney?”
“An overseas account.”
“Seems to be a pattern.”
“A detailed one and a major concern. Lots of agents are on this,Heather. Your role is vital. Contact me after your next encounter with any of our suspects.” Mitchell concluded the call.
She logged onto a secure site and searched for updates on the investigation. Of the 267 passengers, occupations varied from retired to some aspect of business. Family vacations, music teachers, a pastor, two nurses but no one to raise additional concern to the FBI. None shared the same elementary school. A man and a woman attended a Houston middle and high school, and three were grads of A&M University. Zip codes past or present shared no commonality. Frequent medical clinics, restaurants, and entertainment spots hadn’t been reported yet. Religious affiliations had no bearing. All appeared as dead ends, but Heather wasn’t ready to discard everything that appeared irrelevant. The virus arrived on the flight with someone, and the person couldn’t have done it alone.
Heather texted Thomas.Back at Adam’s Island. Want to chat later?
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
HEATHER SAT WITH THOMASon the bench she referred to as her remote office. The western sun was a huge fireball over New York City casting an amber glow over the water and tugging at the horizon. Breathtaking. The longer summer daylight offered more hours to enjoy the day. She valued light in the literal and metaphorical sense. The waves rolled in, a timeless reminder of stability when the world went awry.
“I hope I never lose sight of nature’s beauty. It roots me in the good of our world.”
“We take the blessings of our lives for granted.” Thomas kept his distance on the other end of the bench. Gossip came with what she was doing, but his demonstration of respect for her as a married woman gave him extra points. For now anyway.
“Were you able to rest this afternoon?” Thomas said.
“Two-hour nap. I’m more tired than I care to admit. Between the surgery and my husband’s visit, I’m exhausted.” She yawned, and it wasn’t for show.
“I’m surprised the FBI didn’t stop him.”
“An agent in Houston gave him permission. If the FBI had detained him, he’d have avoided the beating.” Weariness tugged on her mind and body. “Arguing with me about our differences wasn’t worth a concussion.”
“I’m sorry for all you’ve been through.” Thomas had a way of adding compassion into his words. Commendable if authentic.
“Everyone here has a story. If my husband is guilty of participating in the development of the virus, he needs to face a judge and jury.” She shook her head. “Please accept my apologies for discussing a personal matter.”
“No problem. One of the women from your room told several of us you’re pregnant. Hope that’s okay.”
“You heard correctly.” She hadn’t asked to keep her pregnancy private.
“Mothers are special,” he said. “They make sacrifices for their kids. Sleepless nights and long days. My mother always put me first.”
“Mine raised me with lots of love and strong values.”
“My mother passed twenty years ago. She’s often in my thoughts. Is yours still living?”
“Very active and healthy.” She drew in a long breath. “She’s excited about being a grandmother. So’s Dad.”
“Never knew my father.” His face hardened.
“Do you mind if I change the topic?”
“Go ahead.”
She smiled. “Tell me about yourself. Did you always want to work with computers, develop software?”
“No, but I enjoyed math. Numbers make sense while other disciplines have variables. What interests you?”
“I enjoy behavioral science. Psychology fascinates me.”
“What’s your role at the FBI?”
“Behavior analyst.”
