this is, in fact, the most probable scenario.” George spoke firmly. “Due to the seriousness of what we are dealing with, we must be frank.”
“Certainly,” said Dr. Chen, her blank facial expression unchanged, but Mark noticed light moisture forming above her upper lip.
Suzy said, “Perhaps you should discuss this with Dr. Adams. He will return from lunch soon.”
Mark was staring at her and said, “We would like to speak with him when he returns. In the meantime, give us some background on what goes on here at Edgewood, and if there is any likelihood that a toxic agent could have been stolen from this facility and used in such an attack?” He waited.
Dr. Chen was adamant. “Absolutely not. No materials of such dangerous nature have been removed from our secure containment center. We are a military facility and a leading research campus. Our renowned staff have impeccable reputations. There has been no breech in our security. Our chemists, along with those from the CDC are currently working jointly on specimens possibly relating to the ‘incident’ in New York City. As soon as we have information, we will notify Dr. Ambrose and Homeland Security Director Bennett, as has been requested.”
She stood up. “Now, if you have any further questions, I suggest you speak to Dr. Adams or check with the CDC.”
Mark and George stood, realizing that this meeting had just come to a screeching halt.
“Thank you, Dr. Chen,” George said.
Chen said, dismissively, “I must check on the progress of the testing. Please excuse me.”
Mark’s eyes followed her as she walked out.
George looked at Mark and said, “I guess the meeting is over.”
George said, “Find out everything you can about Chen.”
Mark nodded agreement, but something wasn’t right with this chick.
As Suzy walked back to her office, Beth intercepted her. “The lab just called. They tried to reach Dr. Adams, but he is still not back from lunch.”
“I will handle this, Beth, thank you.”
Suzy sat down behind her desk and called Adams on his private cell phone number. “I am not covering for him,” she thought. “Let the Director handle it.” Bitterness swept through her as she listened to the unanswered rings.
.
36
After Dr. Chen’s sudden departure, Georgiana and Mark remained in the conference room, deciding their next move. George began to speak, and Mark motioned that they should step outside, not wanting to risk being overheard. As they left, George thanked the receptionist, mentioning they would return shortly. They asked her to have Dr. Adams call them as soon as he returned. Stacy jotted down George’s cell phone number. Lieutenant Randall followed them outside and got into her car. They were getting used to their “shadow.”
“Let’s go over this place thoroughly,” said George. “Call Wally and ask him to come here ASAP and request that he bring a forensics investigative team. I want computers, all videos of deliveries, the lab inventoried, everything.”
George was convinced something wasn’t quite right.
She said, “Dr. Chen was a little defensive. I want background checks on everyone, starting with Chen. I am going to check in with Fran and get an update. Maybe she knows something about the virus or whatever the hell we are dealing with.”
Mark got on his cell phone and started things rolling with Wally. George was still talking to FBI Manhattan Field Office Director Fran Jacobs, when Mark got in the car and started the AC. It was steaming hot in the Mustang. George completed her call and then opened the door, took her jacket off, and laid it on the backseat.
Mark noticed that her blouse was damp, clinging to the curves of her breasts. Damn, she was beautiful. And smart. What a turn-on.
George said, “The meeting hasn’t started yet. As soon as it does, Jacobs will call. Dr. Ambrose from the CDC will be conferencing in, as well, and we’re going to coordinate operations. Director Bennett is there, as well as the police commissioner, a FEMA representative, the MTA, and perhaps some others. We’ll know soon what’s going on.”
George continued, lifting her long hair off her neck, “Get this. Fran told me that the Century flight that made the emergency stop at BWI has another sick crew member. She was admitted to Miami University Medical Center. She has the same symptoms as the other flight attendant, Mrs. Ryan, who is being treated at Johns Hopkins.”
Mark looked at George and said, “Not good. Maybe Homeland Security should hold that plane on the tarmac for a while?” Mark said, more as a statement than a question.
“Makes