We dont know. But the forensic toxicology conference is a common denominator here. We suspect something may be going down.
Like what?
A deal. An information exchange, maybe. We havent got much time.
But what does a conference like that have to do with biological warfare, anyway?
Rex pushed his plate aside. There is a component on the conference agenda that covers lethal viruses and new research in the field of forensic detection. Its that kind of stuff that draws top scientists from around the world. Ideas are exchanged. Connections made. Deals made. Most of it happens offstage. Bio Can likes to keep on top of these kinds of developments. So do a lot of other agencies.
Hannah looked out through the little window panes at a group of young people gathered in the sun on the patio across the village square. Amy should be with them, laughing, planning her next snowboarding trip, her next surfing expedition. She had been cheated out of her future.
She turned back to face the man in front of her. So youre telling me youre one of the good guys?
Good is a subjective term.
Is that why you dont want the cops involved?
This is beyond small-town cops, Hannah. This is the big league. The global league.
She pushed her uneaten fruit bowl aside. She felt as if all the blood had left her head.
He leaned forward as if to take her hand. Hannah braced for the touch but it never came. He seemed to catch himself, lifting the coffeepot instead. He held it up. Refill?
She shook her head. What happens now?
He poured seconds for himself. Now, you tell me about Ken Mitchell.
Ken Mitchell?
This slices both ways, Hannah.
Rex, I dont know any Ken Mitchell.
You were lunching with him at the Black Diamond yesterday.
Hannah felt something slip in her stomach. You mean Mark Bamfield, the freelance writer?
Try CIA.
I see. Her brain was numb.
So hes calling himself Bamfield. Whats his cover?
She cleared her throat. He said he was a freelance reporter from Washington, that he was here for the toxicology conference and that he was doing a story on Amy Barnes.
See the links now?
She nodded. She didnt like what she was seeing at all.
This time he placed his hand over hers. And, Hannah, if you go to the police now, if you tie me up with bureaucracy, you could end up getting yourself killed.
She looked down at the large hand covering her own. She could feel its warmth, its roughness. It was the hand with the ring, the token of her love, the symbol of her naiveté. She looked back up into his eyes. She couldnt read them. That sounds like a threat, Rex.
No, Hannah. A warning. I dont want you to get hurt. Youve crossed the line. Theres no going back now. Now you play by new rules.
He was right. She didnt see how she could turn back. Her world hadnt only shifted on its axis; shed been thrust into a whole new one where she didnt know the players and she didnt know the rules. And she sure as hell didnt know the man sitting in front of her.
She pulled her hand out from under his. What do you want me to do?
Something flickered through his eyes. Then it was gone. Can you get me into the Gazette office? I need to take a look at Amys work computer, see if she left any trail there.
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