Заговор мечей

” What do you have for us, David?”

“Well, I just decided things were getting a little complicated, so I wanted to draw it out. Kinda like you were going to do yesterday.”

“Okay, shoot.”

He looked at her. “Don’t say shoot today, Alex.”

She gri

David pointed to the sheet. “All I did was write down the names of everyone we’ve run across in this investigation, including the newest ones that Ben and Mark came up with. From there, I drew solid lines between those individuals we can definitely link together, and dotted lines between those we think are co

Ben nodded. “Looks good, Dave. I think you got all of ‘em.”

“No, you missed one,” Mark pointed out. “We can co

“Right.” David drew in the line. He looked at Alex. “Alex?”

His partner nodded. “Alright, Dave, try putting a K next to everyone we know is a shareholder in Kittredge.”

David put K’s next to Brogan, White, Gerlach, and Treville.

“Now, put an A next to anybody who’s on the board for Atlantic Properties.”

An A went next to Richmond.

“Mark, would you put a T next to everyone who’s on the Board of Directors for Talcott?”

Mark placed T’s next to Treville, Dawkins, and Radcliffe.

“Good. Last thing. Put CMF in parentheses beside Richmond and Treville.”

Mark frowned, but did it.

Alex nodded. “I think that’s the next angle we look at. Treville is on Richmond’s Board for the Christian Men’s Front. I want to know who else is on that.”

“For one, you can include Jacob Dawkins. He’s an original founding member.”

They all turned at the sound of another voice, and Alex blinked in disbelief. Teren stood there, casually leaning against the doorjamb.

No one spoke for a moment or two, and then, David cleared his throat.

“Um, Ben, Mark, this is Teren Mylos. Teren, Ben Cleaves and Mark Garnett.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Ben. How’s your eye, Mark?”

He nodded. “Fine. What are you doing here?”

“Cliff asked me to join your team. Unofficially, of course.”

Alex finally found her voice. “I take it you agreed?”

Teren nodded, her blues eyes coming to rest on Alex’s green ones. “I did. Is that alright with you, Alex?”

“Great. Welcome aboard.”

Ben nodded. “Good to meet you, Teren. Was it you that got David there all riled up? He was sayin’ last night he thought he was go

Teren chuckled. “Yeah, I guess that was me.”

“You guess? You guess? I didn’t see anybody else there threatening to shoot me.”

Alex stood up. “And I didn’t see anyone else there stopping an axe three inches from your face.”

Teren’s eyebrow rose. She hadn’t expected Alex to defend her actions.

“It was four inches,” David grumbled.

Alex rolled her eyes, and turned back toward Teren. As she did, Cliff appeared behind the tall woman.

Cliff nudged Teren further into the room, motioning for her to take a seat. He followed her in, walking up to the table, and turning to face them all. He leaned back and cleared his throat.

“I have a few a

Alex nodded. Teren gave a ghost of a smile. David covered his eyes.

“Now, as of Monday it will be official. Rick Price, from Philadelphia, will be a part of our team. He’ll be partnered with Ken Thomas, and since we’ve still got a suspect in Philly, that’s where they’ll be staying. They’ve been part of the surveillance team on Brogan, and they think they’ve got him spooked. We were discussing having David and Alex go back up there to try to shake him up a little more, but I’m afraid that’s not going to be possible.”

Alex frowned. Cliff took a deep breath and continued.

“I just got word that A

There was a collective shock that passed through the room. Teren could almost feel the energy as it passed among the gathered agents.

“Teren, since you may not know, A

“I know her name was on the list, Cliff, but are you sure this is related? Couldn’t it be a random shooting?” Mark asked.

“I don’t know, Mark, but it sounds very familiar to me. The guy was on the roof of a nearby building, and used a high powered rifle. He tried to escape down the back stairs, only to be caught by a couple of cops doing a drug bust in the alley. Like I said, it sounds familiar.” He shrugged. “As to whether or not it’s co

David was shaking his head. “She’s go

Cliff turned to Teren. “I wish I could send you out there as well, Teren, but since your position has to be unofficial …”

“I understand. Still, I’d kind of like to go. If you can make the reservation, I’ll pay for the ticket.”

“Done.” Cliff nodded. “Alright. Ben, Mark, I guess you’re going to be my coordinators. The other three teams should be getting back here tonight or tomorrow. I understand there’s news from LA, and it’s not good.”

“Like I always say, ain’t nothin’ good come outta Hell-ay.”

“You may be right, Ben. From what I hear, they found the shooter, or rather his body. Seems to be an epidemic, don’t you think?”

“Well, maybe Alex and I will get lucky, and this guy in Colorado will be alive when we get there.”

Cliff sighed. “Maybe. That would be nice for a change.” He looked at his watch. “Okay, it’s three-fifteen. Alex, David, you’ll need to get moving if you want to make your flight. You’re set up with e-tickets. I’ll give you the flight information before you go. Teren, I’ll call and see if I can get you on the plane.” He looked at all of them. “I guess that’s it. You all know what to do. Let’s get going.”

It was a mostly silent crowd that filed out of the control center. Alex headed to her office to call Sarah. Somebody would have to take care of Appleby.

*******************************************************

Alex and David met by the elevators.

“Did you call Miri?”

“Yeah. She’s not happy, but at least she’s not talking divorce.”

“What did she say?”

“She called Cliff several foul names, and said I was to spend the next few nights on the couch.”

“David, you’ll be in Colorado for the next few nights.”

“I know. Good thing, too, since that couch is really lumpy.”

Alex was glad her partner hadn’t lost his sense of humor.

“Do you want a ride home, Alex?”

“No, I’ll take the Metro. It’ll take you longer if you have to drop me off, then go home, and pick me up again.”

The heard a polite cough behind them, and turned to see Teren.

“Hey, did Cliff get you a seat on the plane?”

“Yes. I was just going to ask if you wanted a ride, Alex.”

“Like I told David, it doesn’t make sense for someone to drive me home, then have to go home, and come back and pick me up.”

The elevator arrived, and the three of them stepped inside.