Security Administration Building. He pulled into the space alongside the staff car, and Lieutenant Randall, wearing her dress blues, got out, introduced herself to Mark and George, and requested that they follow her. They were shown into a small lobby of drab military décor and signed in at the desk. Lieutenant Randall said she would be their escort and gave them some background on the Edgewood Laboratory.
George and Mark followed Randall as she drove to the main lab offices, not far from where they were. Lt. Randall parked in front of the building, and after Mark parked the Mustang, Randall led them through double glass doors into the reception area. The lieutenant stepped aside as George showed her ID to the receptionist and asked to speak with Dr. Adams. The receptionist said that Dr. Adams was out at the moment, but he should be return shortly if they wanted to wait.
“Yes, we’ll wait,” said George, with some irritation. George noticed the armed military guards standing at attention near the entrance. The Edgewood lab had a high level of security presence, understandably so. The receptionist, Stacy, offered them coffee or a cool beverage, and both opted for the second.
“What time does Dr. Adams normally return from lunch?” asked Georgiana, as she was handed the tall glass of iced tea.
“It varies,” said Stacy. “I think he had an errand today, so he might be late.”
George continued, “Is there anyone else we could speak with regarding your facility’s procedures and functions?”
Stacy said, “Dr. Chen is the assistant director. Perhaps she is here and could speak to you, if that would be helpful.”
“Yes, please,” Georgiana said.
From Georgiana’s experience, assistants often shared more information, having less at stake.
Stacy said, “She just got back from lunch. Let me check.”
After a few minutes, Stacy hung up her phone and said, “Dr. Chen will be with you shortly.”
“Thanks very much,” said George.
While waiting for Dr. Chen, Mark and George went over their list of questions. Lieutenant Randall was staying close by, but out of hearing range. George asked Mark how they should start the interview.
He kept his voice low, saying, “Let’s start by asking if she has heard of the patient admitted to the Edgewood Medical facility. We can go from there.” George nodded in agreement.
Stacy ushered them to the conference room, not far from the reception area. Randall followed but stood outside the doorway. The conference room was well furnished, with a lamp table, telephone, a tall fluted corner lamp, and a large conference table, with seating for twelve. A large framed aerial photograph of the APG was hanging on one wall.
“Please have a seat. It should only be a few minutes.”
When Stacy returned, accompanied by Dr. Chen, she made introductions, asked if they cared for more refreshments, and then left, closing the door behind her.
George and Mark were caught off guard by Dr. Chen’s beauty and elegant appearance. Mark was clearly intrigued by her knockout good looks. The white lab coat over Dr. Chen’s black linen sheath dress couldn’t hide her spectacular figure. The spiked open-toed black patent leather heels revealed turquoise nail polish. The shoes highlighted her sexy legs, as well. But her tone was serious, and she seemed somewhat stand offish. But why not? It isn’t often that the FBI would want an interview, but from the morning’s news reports, she should have expected an investigation.
They stood and shook her hand. “It is a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for seeing us on such short notice,” said George.
“Please have a seat.” Suzy motioned toward the chairs as she sat at the head of the table, closest to the door. Dr. Chen then asked, “How can I be of assistance, Agent Reilly and Agent Strickland?”
“I guess you’ve heard of the recent admission to the medical facility here at the Proving Grounds of the New York City subway maintenance worker with a possible exposure to a poisonous toxin or biological agent?” asked Mark.
“Yes, of course,” she said. “He is in serious condition.” She paused. “At this time, our chemists are working on the specimens. We expect a preliminary analysis soon.”
Georgiana said, “We have reason to believe that there was a terrorist attack at an Express Subway Station, with one worker in question, and possibly others, exposed to a toxin or possible weapons grade agent of an unknown nature. Our agency received a possible warning that such an attack would take place. Evidence found at the scene, currently at the Quantico lab, leads us to conclude that