She's an Easy Target, page 20
part #2 of Quinton Target Series
“It may not be in NSA’s charter, but it doesn’t mean somebody connected to the NSA hasn’t gone rogue.”
“... It’s possible.”
“I’ll be home after I talk with Dr. Bit. Are you going to be alright until then?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t let anyone inside the townhouse until I get there and that includes the police officers assigned to protect you.”
“Believe me, I won’t. Go talk with Dr. Bit to see if he can provide any useful information.”
“OK ... Love you.”
“Love you back.”
Chapter 41
Quinton parked his SUV in the hospital parking garage and walked to the lobby. Stephanie was waiting there for him as she’d promised. They didn’t exchange pleasantries because they both knew they would be insincere.
“Has Dr. Bit been moved into a private room?” Quinton asked.
“Yes, and I have a guard posted at his door. Let’s go talk to him together.”
“I thought you told me he won’t talk to you. Did you turn on your usual anticharm while attempting to get answers?”
“I’ll have you know I was sympathetic and agreeable ... until he refused to cooperate with me. He was seriously injured, and his girlfriend is near death. You’d think he’d be anxious to help the police find the person who’s responsible. His silence makes me think he’s hiding something. I pointed that out to him in a calm and professional manner and he clammed up.”
“Let’s go see him. If he won’t speak with me while you’re in the room, you’ll have to leave us alone. I’ll fill you in after I talk with him.”
Stephanie looked at him with a disgusted look on her face. “I’d rather hear his story firsthand than filtered by you.”
“You may not have a choice.”
When they entered Dr. Bit’s hospital room, the nurse was adjusting his IV. She turned toward QT and Stephanie and said, “Who are you? Our patient is in no condition for visitors yet.”
“We’re with law enforcement,” Stephanie said. “We need to ask him a few questions.”
The nurse gave them a look that indicated she didn’t like the idea, but she acquiesced and left the room.
“I want to talk with QT alone,” Dr. Bit said.
“Anything you have to say to him, you can tell me,” Stephanie said.
“Then I have nothing to say.”
Stephanie took in a deep breath and let it out in disgust. “Have it your way for now. But sooner or later you’ll need to talk to me about the shooting. I’m the lead investigator.”
“I’ll see what my lawyer says about that,” Dr. Bit said.
“We can do it the easy way or the hard way. It’s up to you,” Stephanie said and exited.
“Thanks for coming, QT. That detective is a pain in the ass. That’s why I asked for you.”
“She’s not very tactful sometimes but she’s an honest detective.”
“Well, I don’t like her, and I don’t trust her.”
“Believe me, I understand totally. I used to date the woman and she was just as obnoxious then as she is now.”
“She won’t tell me anything about Chloe’s condition and neither will the nurse ... Is Chloe dead?”
“No, she isn’t dead. She got out of surgery a short while ago and is in critical condition.”
“Oh my God! I want to see her.”
“You can’t right now. She’s in a coma in intensive care.”
“He tried to kill us,” Dr. Bit said, almost in disbelief. “We were going to Little John’s to get sandwiches and he shot us for no reason.”
“Who tried to kill you? Did you recognize the shooter?”
“Yes, it was Mike Carpenter, Chloe’s boss at the Social Security Administration. It’s funny though because she called him Lawrence before he shot her.”
“Are you certain?”
“Yes, I met him this morning at Chloe’s apartment.”
“Do you have any idea why he’d want to hurt you? Are Chloe and he in a romantic relationship?”
“Mike told me this morning that he was at her apartment to drop off work-related papers and made a point to tell me he wasn’t there for personal reasons.”
“Did you see the car he was driving?”
“I saw a man in a Toyota, looking up at Chloe’s living room window when I parked my car. I couldn’t see his face. It could have been Mike stalking her.”
“Did you see him get out of the Toyota before he shot you?”
“He came from that direction. I can’t say for sure he got out of the Toyota because my attention was focused on the gun that he was pointing at us. It all happened so quickly.”
“Did you notice the Toyota’s license plate number?”
“No.”
“Did Mike act like he was in a jealous rage?”
“He didn’t say anything. He acted very cold and methodical.”
I’m surprised he didn’t make sure you and Chloe were dead before he left.”
“He started toward us. A couple of students must’ve been nearby and seen the shootings. They screamed and the shooter hurried away. I passed out after that. I can’t remember anything else until the rescue team was taking me out of the ambulance at the hospital.”
“It should be easy to find Mike or Lawrence Carpenter if he really does work for the SSA. If not, do you think you could work with a police artist to come up with a sketch?”
“I’ll try as long as that woman detective isn’t involved.”
“Can you think of anything else that might help us understand the motive for shooting you?”
“I’ve told you everything I know about him which isn’t very much.”
“It’s possible this is connected to Blaire’s kidnapping and the break-in at your house.”
“The lieutenant thinks Chloe works for the NSA.”
“Do you?”
“... I didn’t at first. I thought the lieutenant was being her usual paranoid self. But, now I’m not so sure.”
“Did the lieutenant talk to you about tracing a bank account that Blaire’s kidnapper wants ransom money deposited into?”
“Yes, I checked it out. The account is in the name of Blaire Saunders Enterprises, Inc. It has a $9,000 balance. I told the lieutenant I’d try to track the identity of the person who owns the account when funds are deposited into it or withdrawn from it, but I can’t do it from here. I’ll call L. Ron and bring him up to speed. He can use my network to do the trace I was planning to do. The lieutenant can arrange for you to coordinate with L. Ron.”
“Thanks for your help. You get some rest.”
“Are you going to tell the detective what we discussed?”
“Only the specifics of the shooting. Nothing pertaining to our suspicions about Chloe, the break-in at your house, or Blaire’s kidnapping.”
It was obvious that Dr. Bit was struggling to stay awake. His eyelids drooped shut. He forced them open long enough to say, “Can you tell the nurse to keep me informed about any changes in Chloe’s condition.”
“Of course, I will.”
“Thanks,” Dr. Bit said and dozed off.
***
When QT swung the door open, it almost hit Stephanie in the head.
“I thought a private room meant there was an expectation of privacy,” he said.
“What made you think that? It only means there are no other patients sharing the space.”
“Were you able to hear our conversation?”
“Unfortunately, no.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t bug the room.”
“How do you know I didn’t?”
QT looked into her eyes. “I don’t think you’d risk illegally recording Dr. Bit.”
“I suppose you’re right. So, what did he say?”
“He recognized the shooter.”
“Really? Have you got a name for me?”
“His last name is Carpenter and his first name is either Mike or Lawrence”
“How is Dr. Bit acquainted with him?”
“He met him this morning. The man was with Chloe Ripen in her apartment and she introduced him to Dr. Bit as her boss at the Social Security Office.”
“What was his motive for attacking them? A ménage a trois gone bad?”
“Dr. Bit didn’t know why he tried to kill them. Supposedly, the man’s relationship with Chloe was business only.”
“How many times have we heard suspects tell us that before?”
“Plenty.”
“Once I confirm his identity, I’ll issue an APB.”
“I’ll check the FBI databases to see if a man with last name Carpenter shows up in any of them. Let me know if the SSA stonewalls you. They might be more open with a federal agency like the FBI than they will be with local law enforcement.”
“What can you tell me about Dr. Bit and Chloe? Why would he insist on speaking only to you?”
“Do you recall that an FBI Agent named Jeremy Glover was killed at the JUIAF last year?”
“I heard about it.”
“I was the FBI’s lead on the case and Dr. Bit provided me with IT assistance.”
“He’s on the FBI payroll?”
“Nothing like that. He’s just a computer geek who was able to provide us with access to some sensitive information. I can’t go into the details. The entire investigation is classified.”
“What kind of doctor is he?”
“He has a doctorate in computer science.”
“What can you tell me about his girlfriend, Chloe?”
“They met a couple of weeks ago at the downtown mall and started dating. I happen to run into Dr. Bit on Friday, and he invited me to have drinks with his girlfriend and him. All I know about her is what she told me, which is that she works at the SSA.
“That’s the same night Blaire was kidnapped, and Thomas Thomson was killed. By any chance is last night’s shooting connected to the Thomas Thomson murder or Blaire’s kidnapping?”
“Not that I’m aware of. You’re the lead detective on the Thomas Thomson case. You tell me. Is there a connection?”
She looked at him suspiciously and said, “I’ll find the link, if there is one.”
“Where were they headed when the shooting occurred?”
“They were on their way to a restaurant near the UVA corner.”
“I suppose it could just be a case of jealous rage.”
“Sometimes the simplest solution is the correct one. Isn’t that a physics principle?”
“I don’t know, Einstein. Is it?”
“If you don’t need me for anything else, I’m going to check on Chloe’s condition and then leave.”
“I don’t need you for anything,” she said sharply and then added reluctantly, “Thanks for coming.”
“Don’t mention it,” he said, not that she’d ever mention to anyone that he’d actually helped her.
He shook his head while walking up the hall, wondering what he ever saw in Stephanie Winters. He turned around and glanced at her while she was talking on her cell phone. He nodded and smiled to himself. Now, he remembered. She was great to look at from a distance and she was good in bed. It was when she opened her mouth to talk that their problems began.
When he reached Chloe’s room, he showed his FBI badge to the police officer posted at the intensive care unit before going inside. Chloe was hooked up to a life support system. The beep, which was in sync with her heartbeats, was a clear reminder that all of us are one heartbeat away from death.
“Chloe,” he said even though he knew, barring an unforeseen miracle, there would be no response.
He took Chloe’s hand in his, turned it palm up, and snapped a picture to be used for fingerprint analysis. Gently, he returned her hand to its original position. It twitched a little when he let go of it. He stared at her face. Looking at her lying there helpless and innocent, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for her.
“What have you gotten yourself into, Chloe?” he said and left.
Chapter 42
Quinton sat in his SUV and pulled up the messaging app on his iPhone. He selected Blaire’s name from his contact list and her thumbnail photo appeared along with her name and mobile phone number.
QT: I’m leaving the hospital now.
BS: How are Dr. Bit and Chloe?
QT: Dr. Bit will be OK. Touch and go for Chloe. I’ll fill you in on the details when I get home.
BS: You’re not going to claim FBI confidentiality?
QT: It is confidential, but I’m operating on our new quid pro quo policy.
BS: Quid pro quo, Something for something. I like it. Hurry home. I’m lonely. I’ll have something waiting for you. Of course, I’ll expect something in return from you.
QT: You’ll get as good as you give. I’m on my way!
When QT arrived home, a stone-faced police officer was posted at the townhouse entrance. Quinton flashed his FBI badge and the officer let him enter. Once inside the building, he encountered a female police officer posted at the door of Blaire and his unit.
“Anything out of the ordinary today?” QT said as he showed his badge to her.
“No, it’s been quiet except for a few grumbling neighbors who don’t like the idea of showing their ID to be allowed inside.”
“Hopefully, we can put this case to bed soon and get everything back to normal.”
“Yes, Sir. I’m all for that.”
QT inserted his key and opened the door. He closed the door behind him and looked around. The place appeared to be empty. He said, “Blaire, are you here?”
When there was no answer, he stuck his head into the guestroom and said, “Blaire? Where are you? This isn’t funny.”
He took his gun out of its holster and held it in both hands as he went through the normal protocol to clear the townhouse room by room. After he finished checking all of the downstairs rooms, he walked slowly up the stairs to the master bedroom. Near the top, he planted his foot and a stair creaked. He stopped for a moment to make sure there wasn’t a reaction to his movement. When there was none, he stepped into the upstairs hall. He could see that the master bedroom door was partway open and there was a dim light shining through the opening.
He eased his left hand off the gun but kept a firm grip with his right. When he pushed the door open, he saw that candles were flickering on the nightstands and dressers. Blaire was standing next to the bed, wearing only fishnet stockings, which were attached to a black garter belt. QT froze in place with his gun still pointed at Blaire.
“I love a man with a big gun,” she said in a provocative way.
QT lowered his weapon and placed it on the dresser. “I aim to please,” he said, as he took off his pants and boxers and kicked them aside.
He remove his shirt as he moved toward her. Blaire met him part way, put her hands behind his neck, and pulled his head down so she could press her lips against his. He placed a hand on each of her butt cheeks and lifted her waist high. She wrapped her legs around him. He walked her over to the bed and lay her down. She maintained a strong grip with her legs, forcing him to fall on top of her. She moaned when she felt him thrust forward, joining them together.
In the throes of passion, the events of the past few days faded into the background. Primal instincts took over. All their energy and emotions were focused on one thing — pleasuring each other.
As they made love, time seemed to alternate between moving slowly and quickly. Neither of them knew how long they had been in bed. There was no designated time limit. They stopped when they both felt satisfied.
Blaire was snuggled to his shoulder. He gently stroked her back and arm without saying anything. Gradually, his thoughts began to wonder.
“That should give you something to talk about at your next polygraph,” he said.
“That’s true. However, I’ll give them an abridged version. Even NSA Analysts have the right to some secrets.”
***
QT lay on his back, looking up at the ceiling with a grin on his face. Blaire appeared peaceful, lost in a light sleep until she suddenly gasped and sat straight up.
“Are you alright?” QT asked.
“I’m OK now. I must’ve had a bad dream. What time is it?”
“Around six.”
“In the evening?”
“Yes, you weren’t asleep very long.”
As pleasurable as their afternoon tryst was, it only provided them a temporary reprieve from their predicament. Their thoughts now drifted back to reality.
“What have you decided about the ransom money?” Blaire said. “Are we going to let my father pay it and try to trace the money or we going to withhold it and catch them when they come after me again?”
“I don’t know. I’ll have to make a recommendation to my boss tomorrow and get his approval of our approach before proceeding”
“What’s going to change tomorrow that would affect your decision?”
“You’re still planning to go to the JUIAF aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe Lucas will let down his guard with you and you’ll be able to determine whether he’s behind these attacks or not.”
“By attacks, you mean the ones against me?”
“Also Dr. Bit, Chloe, and the dead guy in the trunk of your car.”
“You think Lucas is responsible for all of them?”
“I don’t know. I believe at least one person from the NSA is involved. Not you, of course.”
“What did Dr. Bit have to say when you talked with him at the hospital?”
“He recognized the shooter as Chloe’s boss, whose last name is Carpenter. Stephanie’s going to check him out and issue an APB. You don’t know him, do you?”
“No, I’ve never heard the name before. Does Dr. Bit know why he shot them?”
“He has no idea.”
“You implied that Chloe might not make it. Is she really in that bad shape?”
“Yeah, it’s bad. She was shot twice in the upper torso. She made it through surgery but she’s on life support. She’s in an artificially induced coma right now.”
