The Leaves in Winter (28 page)

Faye sat back on a stool, the pieces coming together. “And now this new information about Oliver Ross in
Kansas
– Riya was trying to pass that?”

“Again, the drop-spot isn’t being monitored. It had to be a desperation move.”

“And it got her killed.”

“It looks that way.”

“Are you saying the accident just averted in
Kansas
was planned at NovoSenectus?”

“How would you connect the dots?”

“Why would NovoSenectus want to do such a thing?”

“We’ve checked the drop-spot. The information there lines up with what the French told us. It looks like Riya found something disturbing but could only think of one way to pass it along and remain anonymous. After she got shot, it fell into the hands of Malcolm Stowe. He turned up dead but now Janis has been found with it.”

“NovoSenectus wants it back. They call it intellectual capital.”

“The problem is, we can’t be sure what’s on the laptop. There may be more than what we found at the drop-spot.”

“The French won’t let you see it?”

“Not so far. They’re debating what’s proper. Last I heard they’re inclined to give the laptop back to NovoSenectus as rightful owners. We have only one bit of leverage over them.”

“What’s that?”

“Riya must have been rushed when she accessed the drop-spot. She wasn’t careful about where she copied her new material. She put it in an old project directory for RIDIS research. Parts of the research had unique names. Riya worked on a section called UDIF/TZ.”

“How does that help?”

“If the laptop contains any UDIF/TZ files, then French authorities can’t simply return it to NovoSenectus. Those are classified files – most people even in the
U.S.
government don’t know those files exist.”

“Tell the French to erase them before giving the laptop back.”

“We’d still have a problem. If classified files are really there, that makes the laptop evidence of a crime. Homeland Security will want to prosecute and will need to enter the laptop into evidence at trial.”

“You just said hardly anyone knows these files exist.”

“All anyone needs to know is that the content is classified.”

“Why would Homeland Security even be aware enough to prosecute?”

“Because The Project wants it that way. Because you need Janis back.”

“You’re prosecuting Janis?” Colin’s silence was confirmation. “You’ve got to be kidding! What are the charges?”

“Espionage, trafficking in state secrets, aiding and abetting a terrorist organization, interference with an ongoing investigation…”

“What investigation?”

“What the fuck was Oliver Ross doing and who gave him the order? Janis has been sitting on this information. You know how close we came to a BSL4 accident? Riya was trying to pass this information to us – what the hell was Janis doing in Marseille with it? The French think she was shopping it around to people who want to find dirt on Eugene Mass.”

“Is this about Eugene Mass? Are you covering for him or something?”

“What planet are you on? It’s about Janis and the insanity of what she’s been doing the past couple of weeks.”

“I can’t believe you’re going to prosecute.”

“We needed an excuse, something to trump the Indian request for extradition.”

“You’ve acted on this already?”

“We have Janis in D.C., secured at Andrews incognito. We intercepted her in
Munich
; she was on her way to police custody in
Hyderabad
. If we’d been an hour later, we would have missed our chance.”

“Have you talked with her? Is she on The Project now?”

“No. Disposition of her case hasn’t been decided.”

“Disposition….what do you mean? She’s still being charged?”

“That’s entirely up to you.”

“Me?”

Colin was pointblank and forceful. “You wanted her on The Project. I talked my bosses into getting her. But now you need to convince her. She’s going to be valuable to us one way or another.”

“What other way?”

“The fallout from this is going to hit everyone. Congressional hearings are a certainty along with a media circus. Senators will want to know how a lone nut almost used a secured BSL4 lab to cause a major biological crisis. What was the scheme, was it part of a larger plan, and how do we make sure this doesn’t happen again? Congress knows the public likes seeing a perp walk. Someone has to be held responsible, even if a token offender is trotted out and sent to jail. If Janis won’t join The Project, they’ll make sure she gets prosecuted.”

“You bastard!”

“Are you telling me she didn’t do these crimes? She’s lucky we need her.”

“I can’t believe this.”

“All you have to do is convince her.”

“You’re nothing but a goddamn coward! You don’t want to be the one to have to tell her about Alyssa. That’s it, isn’t it?”

“I can tell her. I’ll look her in the eye and say I took Alyssa. I’ll say pointblank I made it look like terrorist kidnapping. I planted evidence to keep
Stockholm
police and Indian authorities looking the other way. It wouldn’t matter to me – except for one thing. If I walk in and tell her the truth – she’ll never join The Project.”

Incensed as she was, Faye could say nothing. She knew Colin was right. Janis and he had too much history, more than enough reason to repel each other. Having Colin tell her about Alyssa would cement Janis’ heart against anything he wanted.

Faye tried to reason with him. “You don’t need to go after Janis. You have Oliver Ross. Isn’t that enough justice done?”

“This is too big. Ross might not be enough.”

“I don’t believe Janis was working with Ross.”

“Which Janis are we talking about? The one I have in D.C. or the one you knew in a different time and place? The fact is, Janis had news of the plot and kept it secret; she didn’t bring it to the authorities. Why did she have all this material in her possession if she wasn’t involved? The Indians already suspect her in the murder of Malcolm Stowe.” Colin sampled one of the tapas. “Between commercials, the public doesn’t think that deep; implicating her will be easy.”

Pinned in, Faye was stoic but compliant. She lifted her knife and started dicing again. “What exactly do you want me to do?”

“Come to
Washington
and talk to her. I’ll tell you when.”

Faye stared him down. “Why do you think I’ll have any better luck? The last time Janis and I spoke, we argued about dual-use issues. She quit USAMRIID because she didn’t trust what was going on. Now you leave me with this.”

“You’re the only one that can do it. You’re on The Project, you know what’s at stake, and once upon a time, the two of you were friends.”

“None of that matters now. What am I supposed to tell her?”

“Tell her the truth – and anything else that gets the job done.”

“I can tell her everything? Sterility, RIDIS,
Granite Peak
?”

“Why not? If you’re going to work together, she should know what you know.”

“Knowing what I know may set her mind against this.”

“Just keep focused on what’s at stake. Just tell her the truth.”

Faye paused to let implications and complications swirl together in her mind. When everything had coalesced, she saw her dilemma clearly.

“I know what’s true. I don’t trust The Project. But you expect me to convince her I do. Worse yet, you want me to lie to her – and tell her she should.”

Colin finished chewing and swallowed. He licked his lips and raised his coat collar in preparation to leave. “Great food. It’s going to be a great party.”

Faye stood flatfooted and watched him stuff hands in coat pockets.

She said nothing. She wanted him to leave.

He waited until sure she was done with him, then nodded and turned to go.

“I’ll let myself out. Happy New Year.”

Chapter 27

Minutes before midnight

Brussels
Airport

A frigid rain beat down on an isolated stretch of tarmac near a perimeter fence. Rolling to a stop, the nose gear of an unmarked Gulfstream G650 came to rest in a puddle. The whine of twin jet engines subsided as Eugene Mass hustled down the steps from his private jet and ducked into a waiting limousine. Before the driver shut the door, Mass settled back, turning to the man he knew would be there.

“Anything new?”

“Nothing good.” Javier Francisco’s Latin accent was distinct.

Javier was a slumped shadow pressed back in folds of black leather. Mass gave him only a glance, anxious for the car to be in motion.

Javier asked, “Is Leah coming?” The limo sped for the exit.

“She got back yesterday; doctor’s appointment.”

“Something new?”

“Same thing – chronic fatigue.”

“The one thing she never tires of…” From the shadow, a chuckle in the dark.

“Perversely consistent, don’t you think?” Mass considered the city lights with no interest. After a series of quick turns, the limo accelerated into traffic.

Checking directions, Javier startled. “Where are we going?”

“I decided against
Marie-Louise Square
. Not tonight. We’ll talk while driving.”

“A change in our pattern might draw attention.”

“I don’t want to be predictable right now.”

“What happened?”

“A man with a gun. By luck he missed me.”

“Jesus! Where was this?”

“Outside NovoSenectus.”

“The guards take him down?”

“Unfortunately. I would have preferred him alive, at least until interrogated.”

“Any ideas who’s behind it?”

“Hard to say. It’s gotten to the point I’d have to make a list.” Mass spread his arm across the top of the seat and tapped fingers. “We need to concentrate on damage control. Where’s Oliver Ross now?”

“
Fort Riley
,
Kansas
. In custody. The feds haven’t moved him.”

“We need to find out what happened.”

“If we’re lucky, he got careless.”

“Make sense for chrissakes!” Mass’ temper flared. “Let’s assume for a moment they’re not fucking stupid. They have the laptop. They have to have seen the memo. They’ve got names; Ross, Labon, you, even
my
initials. The exact thing we were trying to avoid has happened. We must manage the shit-spin and find a way to regroup – fast.”

“You’re out ahead of me. You started with that already.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The thing about the poultry virus. All the newswires are saying Ross was about to release a virus that targets poultry.”

“That’s right.”

“But I thought the go-code was for the release of 3rd Protocol.”

“I don’t tell you everything – by design. Some things are better kept to myself.”

“Not now. Not if you want me to keep on top of this. Tell me.”

Mass considered options, then relented. “3rd Protocol is designed to look like a crossover disease, from chickens to humans. The poultry virus was supposed to be the trigger, but only the trigger. 3rd Protocol is the bullet. If Ross had let the poultry virus loose, that was the signal for others around the world to release 3rd Protocol.”

“The two aren’t related?”

“Except in people’s minds. We need to create circumstances that point away from us. While we’re at it, if we make trouble for those likely to come after us, all the better. Now’s the time to put biodefense networks on the defensive.”

“I like it. Make them wonder if someone on the inside caused the plague. Except, Ross didn’t get that far. No virus got released.”

“Yes…well, it may not matter. News of it is out. A seed of doubt is planted. All the Live-at-Five fear mongers will be all over it. The story’s sensational enough to dominate the news cycle. It’s just as well. ”

“How so?”

“They only stopped the trigger but we still have the bullet. They don’t know that and we must keep it that way. At least long enough to release 3P.”

“So, that poultry virus, the trigger in
Kansas
– was it for real?”

“The newswires are correct. It’s a virus that targets poultry. Surprised?”

“Curious, I mean, what’s the point?”

“A real virus creates stronger circumstantial connections to the coming pandemic. Dying chickens makes it easier to believe a deadly crossover flu is from poultry. As a side benefit, disruption of the food supply would only help the population collapse. As expected, some of my friends heavily invested in hedge funds are reacting appropriately to help get the ball rolling.”

“How long will it take us to reset for the release of 3rd Protocol?”

“That’s up to you. How long will it take you to ensure Oliver Ross is dead?”

A huff of startled air escaped from Javier. “Just like that?”

“We need it done. We can’t have him talking. We definitely can’t have him testifying. He doesn’t know much but what he does know must not go on record. One damned thing, no matter how small, pulls on the next. I’m not going down. I won’t have this nonsense get in the way of the plan. I don’t care what it takes.”

“It would be very difficult. They’re sitting on him tight.”

“I don’t care if they have him up their ass. I’ll transfer funds into a special account. Do whatever it takes.”

“It’s not a matter of money.”

“Everything’s negotiable. Surely you can find someone who sees the value of looking the other way for a second.”

“It’s different now. I can’t do it directly. As you said, they have my name. We have to assume they’ll be watching my every move.”

A cell phone rang. Mass checked the call then stuffed the phone back in pocket. “Beguile them with your charm. It’s time to innovate.”

Javier was deadpan serious. “What if I don’t get to him?”

Mass jabbed an intercom button to the driver. “Stop the car!”

The long black limo shot to the curb and halted. Mass reached past Javier and opened the door opposite him. “Get out.”

Javier hesitated.

Mass settled back and prompted with a wave of his hand. “We’ve finished talking. You know what to do.”

Javier gave Mass one last look before bolting from the car. Standing in the street, he shut the door and stared at his warped reflection in the tinted glass.

The rain came down. A moment later the limo accelerated into the night.

Mass suffered the rest of the ride in grim silence. A brooding darkness robbed him of concentration. The
forest
of
Soignes
swallowed what should have been his calculated attention on matters at hand. The limo’s advance along familiar roads south of
Brussels
became hypnotic. Giving in to its predictability felt defeatist. Mass tried resisting a shift in mood by imagining the best outcome for an uncertain future.

By the time the long black car had cruised the semi-circle drive and stopped before the front door of the Mass estate,
Eugene
was ripe to believe any suggestion that promised this night wouldn’t go as planned. He walked the entrance hallway shedding a topcoat and musing to himself. A woman would call it intuition; for a man it was just a hunch. One had mystique, yet both were equally potent.

Leah Mass found
Eugene
in the downstairs study minutes later. Her steps about the room were full of nervous energy. “How long have you been home?”

“Just got in.” Drawn to the fireplace, Mass tended the fire, relaxed but studied.

“It’s been quite an eventful couple of days.”

Leah’s leading statement left too much room for sarcasm. Considering what Mass knew was coming, he decided to forgo the opportunity to be clever.

“Yes, it has.”

“I see you barely survived your day in
India
.”

“It’s good of you to be so concerned.”

“Pardon me if I don’t fall apart. I know you’d say it’s to be expected.”

“We don’t need to do this now, you know.”

Leah shouted, “As a matter of fact, we do.”

“As you wish.”

“When were you going to tell me?”

Mass said nothing.

“As long as you are going to ignore my wishes, at least you could have the courtesy of letting me know when you decide to reorder the world.”

“The plan has never been a secret between us. It’s been our plan from the beginning. The exact moment it happens is tactical, not strategic.”

“Didn’t you hear anything I said to you in your office? I made a simple request. Given the fact your grandson’s sterile and I continue to have difficulties, the reasonable thing to do was to order more testing. You completely ignored that and went ahead anyway.”

“I told you what the situation was.”

“Oh, and what was
I
doing? There’s more to this situation than your need to pull the trigger.”

“A decision had to be made. The longer we wait the greater the chance we fail. Look at what happened to Oliver Ross.”

“That’s another thing. What’s this about a poultry virus? Since when was a plague on poultry ever part of the plan?”

“The plan was never static. How it gets executed can be improved. The poultry thing was a minor detail. I didn’t bother you with it.”

“Didn’t bother me! Excuse me but
Kansas
was supposed to be a simple diversion. Why risk the complication of injecting a second virus into the wild?”

“Why waste an opportunity? We need a solid connection, something that connects with what’s going on. A diversion is too easily explained away.”

“This poultry virus…you’re still going to release it, some other way?”

“It may not be necessary now. The world knows it’s real. Everyone will suspect the worst when 3rd Protocol emerges.”

“So you admit it isn’t necessary!”

“I’m suggesting it might work out just the same.”

“What else haven’t you bothered to tell me?”

Mass finished with the fireplace and found the comfort of a nearby chair. “Tonight I told Javier he should eliminate Ross.”

A hand flew to Leah’s temple. She shook her head and paced. “Where does it stop?”

“You know very well this is just the beginning.”

Leah rushed to Mass’ side. “Then let’s do it right! Promise me you’ll do the testing. This thing with Ross has given us a second chance to be sure.”

“We can’t scatter our energies right now. We have to focus. Testing would drag on for weeks.”

“What’s a few weeks when
GenLET’s
given us so many added years?”

“Everything could change in a matter of days. Someone might try to stop us.”

“You showed me a list of all the 3rd Protocol release sites; they would never find all of them in time. Besides, we’d only be testing people who got
GenLET
.”

“Precisely. That’s too many people to contact. Each one a risk.”

“None of them want to be exposed. We told them to look upon extended life as a secret club.”

“But it only takes one to be careless.”

“It’s the same risk we agreed to when we gave them the treatment. You weren’t so worried about it then.”

“Where was Malcolm’s laptop then? Where was Ross? Besides, what will they think? Being tested might make them worry something’s wrong.”

“Then don’t tell them what the test is for. Say it’s a routine follow-up.”