Dead Love - By Wells, Linda Page 0,17

“Weapons of Mass Destruction” were discovered in Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, but the knowledge of the recovery operation was top secret. The development of toxins and biological weapons is also a role of the Edgewood Laboratories, but this is highly classified. Due to all of its functions, the Edgewood Lab would be a perfect target. Therefore, the highest levels of security are mandatory.

Dr. Suzy Chen, as assistant director of research and development, in charge of Edgewood testing procedures, had often been present to receive the transfers from Detrick to the Edgewood lab facility. She would, as required by safety standard operating procedures, wear proper full hooded protection during these transfers. Several months earlier she had formulated her plan, so she knew which specimens were being delivered and when. She had arranged to be on duty the night a certain “item” was being transferred. She had arrived early and went to the storage room where the Level A Protective Suits were kept. The hooded gear was cumbersome, especially with the attached air supply breathing apparatus, but it was necessary. After suiting up, she walked to the loading dock. She waited nervously and heard the exchange of radio messages coordinating the arrival of the truck from Detrick. She heard loud beeping as the delivery truck backed up to the loading ramp and one of the regular armed military guards raised the large door that opened onto the dock. She nodded to the driver and said hello to his partner as he moved the sturdy wheeled cart off the truck ramp and inside the building.

“Thanks,” said Suzy to Bob, one of the regular delivery personnel.

He got back into the unmarked truck, and the guard closed the doors. Easy does it, she said to herself. She had maintained her professional but friendly demeanor, and with great caution, she moved the wheeled cart from the guarded loading dock to the storage facility on the ground floor of the main building, which also housed the extensive secured laboratory. Two military guards accompanied her to the lab and then returned to their post at the delivery site. Armed guards were posted at the entrance doors to the lab as well.

Under the suit, around her waist, was hidden a small Velcro sealed pouch with a duplicate container. The “phonied” vial was ready for exchange with the “hot” vial. All she needed was one vial of the deadly Viral Agent X. All the vials had been safely sealed for transport. As planned, her clandestine work would begin soon. She only needed to work on the delivery system and felt confident that she could manage that easily. Her lab at home was small but well equipped, and she could handle the process.

She followed normal procedure, unlocking the cooled containment room, and she quickly placed the vials in their prepared and marked chemical biohazard storage unit. No one had seen her slip one vial of Agent X under her suit and replace it with the phony. She was aware of the hidden cameras and knew the angle necessary to camouflage the exchange.

“Done,” she exclaimed to herself, with a self-satisfied exhalation.

Agent X had been transported, chilled in the -78.5 degrees C with dry ice. Her plan for getting the vial out of Edgewood involved secreting it in an ordinary thermos until she could get it into cold storage in the small laboratory in the locked closet of her condominium basement.

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18

Suzy had invited Max for dinner that Friday night in March, and it was understood that they would spend the weekend together. That is how it had been since they had started dating several months ago. She delighted in preparing meals for him, such as the one she was serving tonight. The candlelight dinner would include his favorites: filet mignon with Béarnaise sauce, au gratin potatoes, grilled asparagus tips, and a fresh garden salad with homemade blue cheese dressing. There were soft rolls with butter, and for dessert, assorted pastries and miniature cheesecakes with fresh strawberries. He was bringing a Chilean merlot, and of course, their favorite aperitif, Grand Marnier.

She timed the meal perfectly and had most everything ready except for the steaks and asparagus. Those would be grilled at the last minute. The potatoes were warming in the oven, the salad was in the refrigerator, and her table was set beautifully, with a lovely mixed floral bouquet and sparkling crystal candleholders with white tapers that matched the damask tablecloth and napkins.

After a warm shower, Suzy dressed in her sexiest