The Beekeeper's Secret

by Sally Fernandez

  “You really think it’s smart? Slater is about as close to the lion’s den as you’d want to get. If you’re right about him, he’s certainly on to us—or maybe he craves your charming company.”

  “Perish the thought, but I need to be sure.” Max shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe, I’ve got this guy all wrong. I’ll be back in a while.”

  “Give yourself time for a shower afterwards.”

  Chapter 29

  Standing Ground

  Max headed back to her office to collect her bag and her thoughts, in that order, until she was interrupted by the sound of her phone ringing.

  Max saw the name of the caller and immediately loosened her emotional armor. “Stanton, what a pleasant surprise.”

  “Hey, doll, where are you?”

  “I’m in my office, but I’m heading out for an appointment. Why?”

  “Cancel it. POTUS wants to see you alone ASAP. Meet me out front in five.”

  “Stanton. Stanton. Damn.” She had only four minutes to sulk before grabbing her bag and leaving to meet her self-appointed chauffeur. “See ya, Sam,” she shouted as she dashed out the front door.

  Stanton stood beside the passenger door, holding it open waiting for her. “You’re lookin’ beautiful as usual.”

  “Thanks,” she said with a hint of a smile, and then crawled into the back seat.

  Stanton sat in the driver’s seat and quickly asked, “Why would POTUS want to see you?”

  “Except to help him solve world problems, I don’t know why the president wants to spend time with me.”

  “I can think of a reason.”

  “Be careful—you guys are getting into a whole lot of exposé heartache these days.”

  “Does that mean I can’t call you doll anymore?”

  “Handsome, you can call me anything you want.” She caught him smiling at her in the rearview mirror and flashed a wink back. She knew he was only messing with her, but fun time was over.

  “Stanton, be serious. POTUS and I don’t chit-chat on a regular basis, so I have no clue what he wants. But when you asked him about Solum the other night, you left my name out of it, right?”

  “I’d protect the president with my life. But you, doll, will always come first. And no, your name did not enter the conversation.”

  Max remained quiet as she stared into his eyes reflecting from the mirror. Her thoughts questioned whether she had rattled the lion’s cage with her inquiry.

  Stanton broke the silence. “You were right, though. Solum was CIA. In fact, he became the gold standard for their trained assassins. From the grapevine, he went rogue years ago and ended up on the CIA hitlist. Then there were reports that a CIA operative was credited with his kill. And the case was closed. About two years ago, however, rumors began to swirl that Solum was still alive. But the upper echelon think the recent assassinations attributed to him are only copycats.”

  “So, they’re not looking for him anymore.”

  Stanton heard a strange calm in her voice, something he found incongruous. But there was no time to inquire as he turned off Pennsylvania Avenue and headed up the drive to 1600. There was no delay as they sailed through the front gate. And Max received her visitor’s pass, with no questions asked. Being escorted by the head of the president’s secret service detail was a definite plus. Within seconds, Stanton pulled up to the main entrance of the White House and got out of the car to open her door. “Don’t sweat it! I’ll wait for you here.”

  Max turned and headed into the official oval-shaped lion’s den.

  “Hello, Max,” the president greeted as he stood up from behind his desk. “It’s nice to see you again.”

  “Mr. President, it’s always my pleasure to spend time with you.”

  “Please be seated, Max. I understand you’re involved in an investigation that could have you in a continuing combat with the director of the Consortium. I have to ask you to back away.”

  “With all due respect, sir, this concerns the death of a US Senator.”

  “It’s a petty squabble between Big PhRMA and a beekeeper. The senator should not have been involved. It was beyond his realm.”

  Max was stunned at first by how much the president was aware of; both of the issue and the players. Then again, he was the president.

  “But, sir…”

  “I’m trying to keep the Consortium under control. I’m working deals, but Max, you keep getting in the way. I don’t need any impediments. It’s complicated enough.”

  “Mr. President, considering they have threatened my life twice, do you mind explaining their precise roles? What does the Consortium have to do with Jeff’s death exactly?” She had her own suspicions, but wanted to hear from the man himself.

  “Just because Maurice Strong died doesn’t mean Agenda 21 is also dead. The UN’s goal is still to promote its tenets, but there’s another, even more powerful surviving group pulling the strings. They’re worse than terrorists. They have the power to restructure the world. You’ve witnessed their wizardry of misdeeds. In comparison, Strong’s original strategy is akin to a pea shooter.”

  “Are you speaking of global governance, Mr. President?” She knew he was, but nevertheless she prodded.

  “All you need to know is that the director is the conductor, and the Consortium is the orchestra. Granted your last case helped to expose their climate-change hoax. And need I remind you at what cost?” The president moved beyond the rhetorical question and cautioned, “Now you’re treading in the dangerous waters of population control.”

  “Where do they get their unlimited power?”

  “Their power comes from their unlimited resources.”

  “How is that possible?”

  “Many ways—black budget, binary options market, crypto-currency tracking.”

  “Sir…”

  “Max, I enjoyed our philosophical conversation, but there’s nothing more you need to know—other than they’re untouchable. And certainly, beyond the reach of an individual sleuth wandering around a mine field. No reflection on your character or your competence.”

  “Mr. President…”

  “Max! I am only one world leader. I’m utilizing every capability I have to keep them at bay—but you’re not helping.”

  “Slater came to you?” She looked for a reaction. Come on, confirm he’s the middleman.

  The president offered a stern warning rather than an answer. “You’re trying my patience, Max. Trust me, I’ll handle this—my way—and for the US population I swore to protect.”

  Max stood her ground, but resorted to a less confrontational approach. “Sir, we are talking about the murder of Senator Jeffrey Lance. You delivered his eulogy. You were his friend.”

  “That’s true, but irrelevant. I’m ordering you to walk away from your investigation, however problematic it may be for you.”

  Oddly enough, the president’s calm response put Max even more ill at ease. She began to wonder whether he was actually aware that Daniel was her brother. Treading cautiously, she asked if he had any idea who assassinated Jeff.

  “We believe a man that goes by the codename Solum was hired by the Consortium. You do not want to tangle with this guy. Trust me.”

  He doesn’t know, she thought, trying not to show her great relief.

  “Max, thank you for coming.” The president held her hand between his and looked directly into her eye. “Please, I don’t want you to become another casualty.”

  Max took her cue. Any further questioning would be unproductive. “Good day, Mr. President.”

  When she left the White House, Stanton was standing by, waiting as promised. He noticed her discomfort. Whether out of fear or anger, he could not tell.

  “C’mon, doll. Let’s get you out of here.”

  Max mumbled, “So that’s why he threatened me. He’s trying to save me.” The
haunting vision of Daniel returned.

  “Who threatened you? You forgot to mention that minor detail.”

  “Home, Stanton.”

  He followed orders and gave her time to recover from whatever conversation she had with POTUS. It had a visible affect. She was mute the entire ride back to her Victorian, but he monitored her from the mirror. She did not seem to notice.

  “Here you are, home, safe and sound.”

  “Thanks, Stanton.” Max grabbed the door handle.

  “Max, wait a minute. I don’t know what’s going on, but let’s go in and talk about it.” Stanton started to exit the car.

  “No! Let’s stay here in the car.”

  He turned around and reached for her hand. She resisted.

  “Solum was the hired assassin who killed Noble. He also killed Spark and Jeff. He also was…” Max paused.

  Stanton gave her the time needed, as she was apparently taking him into her confidence.

  “He was the one who tried to kill you. Thank God he missed your heart.”

  It was Stanton’s time to back away into silence.

  Max just stared at him.

  “So, you’re tracking him?” Stanton asked in disbelief. “No offense, but I think this is above your pay grade.”

  “I’ve been told to walk away from the case, but I have to bring him in for reasons I can never explain.”

  “I suggest you listen to whomever is giving you advice, especially if it’s coming from POTUS. He has the bigger picture. It truly is time to back off.”

  “Why does everyone tell me to back off?! You’ve learned firsthand what that means.”

  “Yes, you’ll dig your stilettos in deeper. Seriously, Max, what are you thinking?!”

  “The case has metastasized into much more. Slater keeps popping up in the background, which drags Big PhRMA into the picture. I’m trying to figure out Solum’s role. All fingers point to him. But a man with a scar on his left cheek killed the beekeeper. Solum doesn’t have one.”

  “How do you know? And I thought this was about finding Jeff’s killer?”

  Max reached for the handle again. This time opening the door. Stanton began to follow suit and get out of the car.

  “Stop, I’ll call you later.”

  “Promise me you’ll consider the warnings and set your obstinate pride aside. I want you in one piece. You know doll, I never stopped loving you.” He pledged to himself he would not push to restore their broken relationship, but she needed to be certain he would be there for her.

  “Thanks for the ride, Stanton.”

  He let her get out of the car, but he stared intently as she ascended the steps to her home.

  Chapter 30

  The Ultimatum

  Slater’s other cellphone rang. He knew the caller. He knew the question.

  “Yes, Director, he’s dead. It was a plane crash that will be deemed pilot error.”

  “How can you be sure he was the one?”

  “He had to have been the leaker. We had him on surveillance, in and out of the apiary, and at the hotel in Manaus. Sir…” Slater hesitated.

  “What is it?”

  “Max Ford scheduled a meeting with me today.”

  “She what?!”

  “Sir, she’s only on a fishing expedition. I figured what’s the harm to placate her.” Slater knew this was not going to end well, but he sucked it up and blurted it out. “Then she cancelled. A few minutes later, the head of POTUS’s secret service picked her up and took her to the White House.”

  “Enough of this madness! Take care of her and her sidekick once and for all!”

  The sound of the phone receiver hitting its cradle reverberated in his ear. Slater knew it was never healthy to alienate the director, though he seemed to be a large contributor to the director’s aggravation in recent days. Once again, Slater was forced to pick up the cudgel and placed another undesirable call.

  “Solum, it’s time. She’s getting too deep into our business. And now she’s put us back on POTUS’s radar. It’s time to take care of her, along with her spook partner, Casper.

  “Slater, I’m tired of cleaning up your messes. I’m out!”

  “Solum—you don’t seem to understand—there is no exit door you’ll ever be able to walk through. Now take care of them!”

  “I’ll threaten her. I’ll get her to back away. But I’m not killing her.”

  “You have a thing for this PI? She’s nothing but trouble. She’s like a magnet always attaching herself to our business.”

  “If Max Ford disappears, all hell will break loose. She’s developed extremely powerful friendships in high places. And before they go after the director—they’re going to come after you. Who knows, they might even hire me to do it.” Solum enjoyed the moment.

  “This is a firm order from the director.”

  “Well, the director is not thinking straight. But you are—aren’t you Slater? Look, I’ll convince her to walk away. It will be over for now.”

  “Just do it!”

  Chapter 31

  Shattered Fate

  The room appeared to be spinning out of control as she attempted to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. She figured out the who, the what, the why, the where and even the how—but there was no solid evidence to prove it—there was nothing watertight. That sinking wave of doubt was moving in fast and she could not stop it. Is it really over? she questioned. But she dismissed the thought immediately and opted for another recount.

  It was obvious that many of the doctors’ deaths were suspect. That for Big PhRMA the stakes were high. That the FDA worked closely with this pharmaceutical behemoth. That the beekeeper and Jeff were killed by the same assassin. Max hesitated with her outpouring of thoughts, but she could not evade the most troubling conclusion. And Solum was involved and by way of extension, the Consortium. Both an intrinsic part of the strategy.

  All the facts without the hard evidence left her in a state of despair. She arched back in her chair and then at once bolted forward, startled by the doorbell. “Can I help you,” she asked curtly, annoyed at the intrusive face staring at her from the other side of the security monitor.

  “FedEx delivery ma’am,” he responded, waving an envelope in the air.

  “One minute.” Unnerved for more reasons than she understood, she looked inside her desk drawer and eyed her Sig Sauer. Snap out it, Max. It’s just a delivery guy. When she opened the door the guy was gone, but the envelope was lying on the doormat. “Aren’t we impatient,” she uttered as she walked back to her desk with the package. “Now what!”

  Inside the envelope was a plane ticket.

  “Odd.”

  Even odder was the note enclosed. It read: Help us finish what Senator Lance started. The note was unsigned, but she recognized the logo, the one for the American Beekeeping Federation. Renewed hoped suddenly replaced her despair, shining a new light on the possibility of a positive outcome. She stared at the ticket and the arrival city.

  Buzzzzz!

  “What is it now!” She looked at the monitor again. This time a sharp pang hit her chest as she viewed the visitor. On impulse, she looked inside her desk drawer for a second time. But this time she pulled out the Sig Sauer and tucked it inside the back of her waistband. She felt a chill go up her spine, but it was not the cold metal pressed against her skin that caused the sensation. Max steadied her hand and hit the buzzer, releasing the lock at the front door.

  Daniel stepped inside.

  Max was thunderstruck as she stared at the mutilation on his left cheek.

  Daniel noticed and ran his hand along the discolored ridge. “A great disguise, don’t you think?” Little by little he peeled off the prosthetic scar.

  She did not respond. He killed Jeff was her foremost numbing thought. Then she moved her attention from his cheek to study hi
s eyes. “Why are you here? To settle an old score? Or run an errand for the Consortium?”

  “Dear sister, you made a horrible mistake thinking Erog was the messenger. Instead, your interference forced the director to the brink and to take his own life.”

  Max shot him a questioning look, but said nothing. She wondered why he would bring up the subject.

  “The director was never to be revealed. You’ll find the next director to be more formidable.”

  “Daniel, what do want from me?”

  “You simply have to stop snooping around. I warned you before to get lost! Trust me; there’s no way you can win this one.”

  She had contemplated those same words, but hearing them again only made her more determined. As Stanton said, dig her stilettos in deeper. “What are you talking about?”

  “You can’t bring down Big PhRMA.”

  “Who says I’m trying to bring down PhRMA? I’m investigating the senator’s death.”

  “Back down! Or I can’t promise you’ll get out of this one alive.”

  “Daniel, piss off!”

  “I’m trying to save your life, dammit!”

  “I still can’t believe you’re their hired killer. You’re the one who needs to walk away. Make this right.”

  “You don’t walk away from the director or the director’s loyal followers.”

  Once again, the horrible visions of their father lying dead on the sofa, the senator lying on the park bench in the same fashion, both with a gun at their fingertips, spun in her head like a carousel out of control. The sickening reality hit her. “That’s why you had me meet you in the park. At the same place where you killed Senator Spark.” The thought fate had brought them together in such a horrible twisted fashion left her detached for the moment.

  “It was my job to take out Spark. L was to take care of the rest.” Daniel paused. “But he blew it when he failed to kill you—and that scientist you were protecting—so I was ordered to take him out.” An out-of-place smile crossed his face. “You have to admire the irony.”