Once Bitten, Twice Dead - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,86

stepped back from the door and ushered them inside the small house. Xavier looked around as he sent his men off to clear each room. Oddly, she didn’t object.

She must’ve sensed his surprise, for she explained. “I worked for the navy on top-secret projects for more than a few years, Captain. I’m familiar with the need for security and the way you soldiers go about assuring it.” She sat on a flowered chair that had a matching sofa.

When the guys returned, reporting the house was clear, they took up protective positions around the room. Only the woman sat.

Xavier started with a question. “You know why I’m here?”

“I can guess. I know Dr. Sellars got a job in Stony Brook. He tried to get me to meet him for dinner, but I’ve declined. He always gave me the creeps. What’s he been doing to get your attention?”

Xavier did his best to read her. So far, she seemed on the level.

“He’s up to his old tricks. Doing experiments on coeds.” He was satisfied when she went pale. Nobody could fake that kind of shock. She truly hadn’t known. “So far we’ve had over a dozen killed. No bodies to show to their parents or loved ones, if you understand my meaning.”

She nodded tightly. “I do.” The small woman started to shake, but Xavier had no mercy. Sarah was missing and he needed to find her. Every moment lost was a moment when she could be undergoing torture. A moment when she might be killed.

“Then you understand my urgency. One of the first to be attacked was a Suffolk County cop. She survived. About an hour ago, Sellars abducted her. We know he wanted to run tests on her to figure out why she was immune. Dr. McCormick, he’s going to sell the technology to the highest bidder.”

“Dear Lord.” The woman looked stricken.

“I need to know anything you know about Sellars and where he might have taken Sarah.” Xavier had slipped and used her name.

“Sarah,” McCormick repeated. “Is that the police officer’s name?”

“Yes. Sarah’s in grave danger, Dr. McCormick. Do you have any idea where Sellars might have taken her?”

“No.” She seemed to rethink her answer. “Not really. Maybe.” She stood and reached for a black bag that had been propped up next to the armchair. It was a computer bag. She quickly unzipped it and pulled out a slim laptop, opening it and powering it up. She looked up at Xavier as the machine whirred to life. “He invited me to dinner. I accepted at first and he sent me directions to a place nearby. I looked it up online and realized it was a private residence in a very exclusive neighborhood. I thought he was trying to impress me.” She rolled her eyes in a mocking expression. “I didn’t want to be alone with him, so I cancelled and haven’t rescheduled. I thought a nice public place like a restaurant would be ideal to tell him I want nothing to do with him. I didn’t want to be stuck someplace alone with him.” She placed the computer on the coffee table and began to open software and connect to her files.

“I don’t blame you at all.” Xavier crouched nearby. She had an advanced system but one he was very familiar with. He was almost vibrating with the need to get to Sarah. He watched impatiently as Dr. McCormick opened one last file and sent it to the wireless printer across the room.

Reno grabbed the paper before it even had time to hit the tray. He nodded to Xavier, who interpreted that to mean it had an address printed on it that Reno could find.

“Thank you, Doctor. Now, I need you to come with us. Sellars could come after you.” He stood, expecting her to follow.

“Where do you propose I go?”

Damn, she was going to balk. He could feel it. Xavier didn’t have time for this crap.

Sam came over, clandestinely pushing Xavier aside and extending a hand to the woman in the chair. She took it hesitantly but stood, looking up into Sam’s smiling face. The man could turn on the charm when he had to, and Xavier was never more thankful for that than now. He didn’t have the time or patience to deal with the doctor’s fears. Thank goodness Sam had his back, as usual.

“We’re going to take you to the local police station. We have some friends there who will keep you safe until we have the situation under