that. The fault lies with whoever did this. If the Circle committed this crime—and we don’t know that for certain—they need to be disbanded forever. This isn’t some kind of religion. It’s a very dangerous cult.”
“I agree,” Alex said. Another long sigh escaped her lips.
At that moment, Harrison came into the room. Logan told him about Willow and Nettie.
“I want to go back there,” Alex said before Harrison could respond. “We might be able to find something to help us locate Walker.”
“Our agents at the RA can do that. The local police will be involved too,” Harrison said, frowning. “I think you can do more good here.”
Alex stood. “You don’t understand, sir. They don’t know anything about the Circle or The Book. I do. This attack has to be connected to Walker. I know we’re focusing on the virus and you have other people investigating the murders here, but they’re all connected. I’m certain of it. Besides, we can share techniques to help investigators ask the right questions of neighbors and others who might have seen something around my aunt’s house during the time of the assault.”
Harrison still looked skeptical. Logan wasn’t sure who was right, but he had to admit Alex had made a good point.
“All right,” Harrison finally said. “But I need you to keep working on this assessment. Do what you need to do in Wichita and come right back.” He looked at Logan. “Go with her. I’ll contact Keith and let you know when to meet him.”
Alex and Logan arrived at the airport just as Keith got there, barely back from Quantico. Logan could tell he was tired. Hopefully he could sleep on the plane while they were in Wichita.
Alex was quiet, and Logan didn't try to start a conversation. He sensed that she was dealing with emotions he probably wouldn't understand. All he could do was make himself available if she needed him.
When they landed in Wichita, Mike was waiting for them.
“I’m so sorry, Alex,” Mike said when she slid into the front seat next to him. “I was certain you’d want to know right away. One of our agents picked up the report and called me. He knew we were friends. I hated making that call. You don’t have to go to the house, you know. We can go somewhere else. Get some coffee. Talk.”
“No, I want to go. I need to see.”
“Do you think this is the guy you’re looking for?” Mike asked as he started driving away from the plane. “Would he do this?”
“No,” Alex said without any hesitation. “Walker has an agenda. A calling. He has to kill two more people, but he has to do it big. Leave a message behind. Killing a couple of helpless old women doesn’t fit his signature. He wouldn’t do anything to contaminate his last sacrifices. They’re the only thing keeping him from releasing a deadly virus that will finish out his destiny.”
“How dangerous is this virus?” Mike asked. “Kansas City’s keeping a lot of this on the down-low.”
“We don’t know. It’s possible . . . Well, it could be catastrophic.”
Mike turned his head to stare at her. “We need to warn people, Alex.”
She reached over and put her hand on his shoulder. “Listen, we don’t have all the facts yet. We’re not sure what we’re dealing with. Going public now would be a big mistake. We could lose him and the virus. If it comes to it, I’m sure the right decision will be made. But for now, we can’t make assumptions.”
Mike was quiet, then said, “All right. Just do everything you can to help us find this guy, Alex.”
“We will. I promise.”
Logan couldn’t help but worry. Would they be able to offer anything that would help investigators find Walker? He hoped so. But would it be in time? Was Mike right? Should the public be warned? Frankly, he was grateful that decision would come from someone with a higher pay grade than his.
He didn’t have friends or family in this area of the country. He was thankful for that. But Adam Walker’s actions could devastate other families. Logan was trying not to think about the actual results from releasing such a deadly virus. It was overwhelming, and he needed to stay focused.
He could see Alex’s face reflected in the windshield. She looked tired. It would be hours before they would get some sleep. They’d been booked into an extended stay hotel in Kansas City with no idea when they’d actually get there.
They finally