Once Bitten, Twice Dead - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,74
the original research team. I’ve dispatched orders through channels to track down and keep an eye on the rest of them. The FBI is helping with surveillance, though the individual agents haven’t been read into the mission. Their orders are to track and identify the scientists, then observe them from a safe distance. Ideally, there will be physical observations of the scientists’ daily activities and especially electronic surveillance of their computer and phone communications. Since you’re already in position and there’s a potential tie-in with Sellars and your ongoing investigation, I want you to stay with McCormick.”
Sam and Xavier both nodded in agreement.
“I think it would also be wise for you to meet with Dr. McCormick, Sam,” Sykes surprised them by saying. “Let her know we’re aware of her and see what she does. If she’s on the level, she may turn into a valuable resource for us. If she’s dirty, she could panic and lead us to Sellars.”
“I’ll arrange an intercept for tomorrow,” Sam agreed.
The rest of the meeting went as expected. Sarah was asked detailed questions about her experiences with the creatures, and Xavier reported on their activities since the last time they’d all been together, going over the initial scene in that abandoned building. Was that only a day or two ago? It felt like a lifetime. So much had happened since then. And her internal clock was all turned around. They’d switched to night shift, and now everything was blending together into a mélange of too little sleep and too much action. She rarely registered what time it was anymore.
When the meeting finally ended right before dusk, Sykes cornered Sarah, making small talk about her experiences as a police officer. Sykes was an interesting man, and he didn’t have the superior attitude she’d half-expected from such a highly ranked officer. He was a couple of years older than Xavier. Maybe in his late thirties or possibly early forties. She had no doubt he was a career navy man who’d earned his rank over time. Xavier had wandered off to talk with his men, and she was comfortable enough with the group that she didn’t mind being left to her own devices for a few minutes.
Xavier and she had been nearly inseparable from the moment he’d sprung her from the hospital. It was nice to have a little breathing room, though he stood only a few yards away, across the room. She liked being with him, but the level of intensity was not what she was used to in a relationship. Never mind that it had been a really long time since she’d been in one of those.
“How are you getting along with Captain Beauvoir?” Sykes asked.
Had he somehow read her mind?
She realized belatedly he might have been reading her expression. Her eyes had strayed to Xavier, who was talking with Sam. Neither man looked happy, and she wondered what could have put that look of consternation on both their faces.
“He’s a fine soldier, as I think you know,” she answered finally. She wasn’t really sure what to say, so she settled for commenting on his professional abilities.
“But how is he doing with you? What I mean to say is, I doubt he’s ever been on a combat mission with a woman before. Is he giving you any grief?”
Sykes’s friendly smile invited confidences. Sarah wasn’t going to fall for that. She assumed Sykes had only her best interests at heart, but she’d never say anything that could damage either Xavier’s reputation or his career.
“He’s been the perfect gentleman and the perfect coworker. He gives me space and he’s taught me a lot about how to operate in the field. He says I’ve been able to show him a lot about crime scene investigation, so it seems to be a good match.” It felt a little boastful to say that last bit. Sarah was never one to toot her own horn, but the situation seemed to call for it.
“It goes without saying that most of these men are trained as soldiers, not necessarily as investigators. It’s yet another reason why I’m glad to have you on the team.” Sykes seemed genuine enough, if a bit overly friendly. It seemed like he was trying too hard. For the life of her, she couldn’t figure out why.
Sarah hated beating around the bush. She had the well-earned reputation of being a straight shooter. People were rarely allowed to get away with subterfuge in their relations with her, both in business and