Quantum Touch (Book 3): Shadow Storm

by Michael R. Stern

  “Scratches, Fritz. Were you just watching TV by chance?”

  “Yes. We just saw the secret weapon story.”

  “Listen carefully, and let me talk to Jane when we're done. A well-known blogger leaked that report without a source and forwarded it to all the networks and cable stations. None of them checked anything beyond asking for our comment, but they're all running with it. That is itself unusual. Abnormal, even. Fritz, James and Mel are on the way to you, and Tony's bringing all his stuff. I know I promised, but this is about getting Linda out of there, at least until Wednesday night. They appear to be tying you to the assassination attempt.”

  “That's crazy,” Fritz shouted.

  “Listen to me. You need to stay and do your regular activities. Linda will be perfectly safe. Safer than safe. Let me talk to Jane.” Fritz, stared at the floor, handed the phone to Jane, and reached for Linda's hand.

  “Yes, Mr. President.” She listened to his instructions. “Yes sir, I'll tell them.”

  Her eyes squarely on Linda, Jane said, “The story is a setup. The president is tracking the sources. He thinks you're in danger, though, and that they'll come after you to get to Fritz.”

  “Then you should come to our house,” said Lois.

  “Lois, he's sent James and Mel Zack here. And Tony. Linda, he wants you to use the portal and go to the White House. You'll stay there. James, Mel, and I will keep an eye on Fritz. George and Lois, he suggested you get some stuff and go to a motel. Lois, if you'd like, you can go to the White House.”

  When Jane stopped, no one spoke. Linda broke the trance. She started to say, “I'm not going.” But facing Fritz, she said, “If they're after you, I can't go.”

  “You have to, Lin. If you stay, they'll come for you to get me. You have to go for my safety as well as your own. How did they find me?”

  “The president has people looking right now, Fritz. We'll figure out who knew and find them.” Jane said. “Linda, when James gets here, he'll have a plan. With Thanksgiving and your parents coming, we want this to be a nice holiday, don't you?”

  “Of course I do. But I want to spend it with my family and friends. The turkey isn't defrosted.” Everyone laughed. At first, their reaction surprised Linda. Then she laughed too.

  “I'll take it out in the morning, Lin. Or we can cook Ash on Thursday.” Fritz looked around. “Anyone want a drink? I'm visiting with Jack, myself.”

  While they waited for James, Linda packed. Fritz delivered the drinks and then went to help Linda. Both tried to hide how unhappy they were and said nothing of the fear they shared. But twice they hugged silently. Meanwhile, George made reservations at a large motel often used for conferences. At Jane's suggestion, he requested a room at the far end of a hallway.

  At nine thirty, the agents arrived with Tony Almeida, and although offered refreshments, they all declined. “Linda, Fritz,” said James, “we have a plan and need to get done as soon as we can. We go to the school first. Linda, once you're safe, we'll take care of the rest. Bring a suitcase, your laptop, and phone. And don't forget the chargers. George, ma'am, I'll take you home so you can gather your things. You'll take your car to the Claret, but you're not staying there. We've booked a very uncomfortable suite elsewhere.” He smiled. “I'll take you there.”

  “Where is it?” asked George.

  “You'll see. I'd rather not say right now.” The school folks frowned. There had been bugs before. Were there more? Again? They shared glances.

  “Tony and Mel will spend the night here. Jane, you'll be with Mr. Gilbert. We will take you both to school in the morning. If people are after you, they'll see our Suburbans and, most likely, won't bother you. One of us will be in your office, George, and one in the corridor by Fritz's and Ashley's rooms. Jim Shaw said he will see to it there's a police car in the school parking lot. And there will be plain cars around, too.”

  “What about me?” Lois asked. “Did you forget? I have a business to run. Am I just supposed to go shopping?”

  “If you would like, ma'am. But you'll have company. Any questions?” James sniffed, smelling the fear that had taken them hostage.

  THE NEWSPAPER rustled as he turned the page, scanning for specific stories. “Interesting,” he said to himself. The phone rang. He listened to the report. “They're all gone? Well, for now that's fine. The only one I'm interested in is Russell. The others don't matter, but do let me know where they end up for the night. Then back off. Tell your men to get some sleep.” He leaned back in his desk chair and put his feet on the desk. He could see the lights of Georgetown. Rubbing the stubble on his cheek, he looked out the window, a grin showing. Things were going well.

  LINDA KISSED Fritz and hugged him for a long time. With a quick yank, the Oval Office came into view, as did the president and First Lady. Ashley grabbed the door. Fritz took Linda's hand, and they walked through. He could feel her shaking on her first trip through the portal. The president waved to the others, who watched from the hallway. He reached out and hugged Linda, then shook Fritz's hand.

  “I'm sorry about this. But it's the safest and quickest way. I hope we'll have this taken care of quickly. Fritz, Tony is staying in New Jersey until then. If you want to visit, just call me.”

  “Thanks, sir. I'll talk to you later, Lin. I'll be better knowing you're here.” He hugged her, kissed her, and took her hand. “I love you,” he said and walked back to the school corridor.

  Fritz returned home with Mel and Tony. The generator and accessories had been double-locked in a supply closet at school. A Suburban with two agents Fritz didn't know parked behind his car.

  “THE WIFE IS GONE, he's home with guards, but we're not picking up any noise,” said the voice on the phone. “The team has its assignments. No one knows what the others are doing.”

  The man said, “Good. Talk tomorrow,” and hung up. He picked up the phone again. “Write this down. 'A highly placed source has reported that the president's attackers were informed of his location by an electronic device found in the destroyed vehicle. The device has been traced to the White House communications room. Indications are that the unidentified attackers are working with a senior Secret Service agent.' Got all that? Good. Post it now. We may get some late-night coverage.” He sipped from the martini glass. Wait until Wednesday.

  MEL FOUND listening devices and buried them on the far side of the backyard garden. The three spoke only briefly before Fritz turned in. Sleep didn't come quickly. He missed Linda's calming presence and warmth and wondered who was after him. As to why, there could be no doubt. In the morning, his mood matched the overcast November day. Sad and tired, he rode to school in the back seat of Mel's Suburban.

  JANE JOINED Ashley in his classroom. George and James were already there, and Fritz walked through the door a minute later, but Mel and Tony stayed in the hall.

  “Fritz, did you see the news?” asked George.

  “No.”

  Ashley nodded, his worry ruts pronounced.

  “A report said the person who stole the weapon worked with a senior Secret Service agent. Fritz, I think they're implying that you're the thief.”

  Fritz looked at Ashley, fear now reaching the surface of both men's faces. “Of course it's me, George. Where did the story come from?”

  Jane said, “All the channels carried it without a quoted source. I spoke to the president. After the report was broadcast, they found a bug under the car we were riding in. Someone knew we would find it there. They're sending us a message.”

  “And what about Tom's desk?” Ashley asked.

  “We'll hear more later,” she said. “The president is checking with the communications people. I didn't ask about Tom's desk.”

  “You need to remind him, Jane. I know something is there.” She told him she would. Jane had a second sense about the importance of information that came to her. She marveled not only that Ashley could analyze information as well as she could but that he also seemed able to do it subconsciously.

 
; “So do we just teach today?” asked Fritz. How that could happen persisted as a huge question mark.

  James said, “Fritz, let's stick to the plan. We'll all be here. You three will be fine. As hard as it may be, that's what we're going to do. Draw your shades, though.”

  “Where will you be?” asked George. “I really don't like the idea of guns in the school.”

  Fritz glanced at Ashley. Well, he's consistent, anyway. “George, they're protecting us. Lois is safe. Linda is safe. There's just us, so be glad they're here.”

  Jane said, “George, we'll be in the hallway and the office. If anyone asks, we're observers from the Department of Education. How's that?”

  “Well, I guess that will work,” said George, red rising. “I have to go to work.” His sense of order disturbed once again, he snorted and left. James went with him.

  “The kids will be here shortly. Where will you guys be?” asked Fritz.

  Jane told Fritz that Mel would patrol the hallway pretending to be reading bulletin boards or writing up notes, she would stay in Ashley's classroom, and although the kids would recognize her, none of them knew she didn't work for the DOE. It made a good story for how she and Ashley had met, too. And it would be good cover down the line. Tony would do a return engagement as Fritz's guest. “At least, that's how we'll start. Can we get clipboards and pads for everyone?”

  “I have pads,” said Fritz.

  The day proceeded normally, one period after another. Nothing unusual happened, except word went out that Ashley had a super pretty guest visiting his class. Lunch provided their first chance to talk. Mel stayed in Fritz's room, where Tony and Jane joined them. When Rachel and Nicole learned that Jane was at school, they stopped to visit. Nicole mentioned that her dad had met Fritz. “He said you almost got hit, Mr. R. But you did some fancy moves to miss him. Cool.”

  “Tell him I said hello, will you, Nicole?” Ashley had disappeared when he saw them coming.

  Chapter 30

  “HEY, WHAT are you doing?”

  “Fixing the car,” said the mechanic.

  Steve Sullivan had walked up the Russells' driveway when he saw legs under the car. “What's wrong with it?”

  “That's what I'm trying to find out. He called this morning.” He had noticed the police car when it stopped, but he hadn't finished, so he kept working, grease covering his hands. “Officer, would you hand me the rag by your foot?”

  Steve kneeled down. A quiet pop was the last thing he heard. The mechanic finished his job, adjusted his baseball hat, and with tool box in hand, walked past the police car and drove away in a Camry.

  IN THE MIDDLE of eighth period, Fritz's phone rattled the coins in his pocket. Jim Shaw's name flashed on the screen. He excused himself and stepped into the hall.

  “Hi, Jim.” Before Fritz could say more, Jim told him that Steve Sullivan had been found dead next to Fritz's car, the police cruiser nearby still running.

  “Jim, hold a second.” He opened the door, waved for Tony, and said “Kids, I'll be right back. Start your homework reading.” Tony joined him, and Fritz waved to Mel, who was standing by the trophy case down the hall.

  “Someone killed Steve Sullivan at my house,” he said, and returned to the call. “Sorry Jim. What happened?”

  “I don't know. Someone driving by saw Steve's car, sitting empty, and got curious. He looked up your driveway, saw a body, and called us right away.” Fritz heard him begin to choke up. “They shot Steve in the face. I only found out a couple of minutes ago. Police will be at the school in a minute, Mr. R. Don't argue with them. They're pissed.”

  “I didn't do it, Jim. I've been here all day.”

  “I know, Mr. R, but they don't. We'll sort it out. Gotta go.”

  Fritz stepped back into his room. He instructed his class to read until the end of the period. “I've been asked to talk to our school guests. Mr. McAllister will probably stop in to check on you.” He found George, James, and three police officers walking toward him. Fritz stepped backward toward the exit as Mel stepped in front of him.

  “Don't move, Mr. Russell,” said one policeman, his hand on his pistol. Fritz stood like a statue.

  “Hold on,” Mel said. “I've been with him all day.” Instantly, three guns were pointed. “I'm a federal officer. I'm taking out my identification.” The guns were lowered, but not holstered. “James, didn't you tell them?”

  “Haven't had a chance.”

  At that moment, Jane and Ashley entered the hall. The pistols were raised again. Reacting to the situation, Jane said, “Put down your guns. We're here at the order of the President of the United States. My name is Jane Barclay. I work for the president. Put your guns away. NOW.”

  The police officers looked at each other. The one clearly their leader said, “Ma'am, one of my officers was murdered this afternoon at Mr. Russell's house. We're taking him for questioning.”

  “One more time,” Jane said, “put … your … guns … away. School is almost over, and this hall will be filled with kids. I am going to reach for my ID, and when there's an open room, we'll all go in, and I'll tell you what's happening. This is a serious matter, and we will have no use of force. Do I make myself clear?” Three confused policeman stared at her. “Now, put your guns in your holsters. And we'll stay here until the period ends. If any kids ask why you're here, tell them you came to talk to the observers here from the Department of Education. I'll explain that, too. I need to make a call,” she said, lowering her voice. “I'm going back in that room to get my phone. Okay?”

  “Yes, ma'am.”

  “Is she always like that?” asked the officer in charge. His answer came when Jane returned, phone to her ear. She looked at him squarely. And smiled.

  “Ms. Evans, I need his help, right now. Thank you.” Jane waited. When she said, “Mr. President,” she got bemused looks. “Sir, Steve Sullivan has been killed. Not long ago. They want Fritz for questioning. Yes, sir. Which of you is in charge?” One nodded. Jane handed him the phone. “The president wants to speak to you.”

  “You're kidding,” he said as he took the phone. “Hello?” He listened to a familiar voice. “Dempsey. Jim Shaw? How do I know I'm talking to the president? Yes, sir. Quick, someone get me the number for the White House switchboard.” One of his officers started tapping on his phone and held up the screen for him.

  “Yes, Chief Dempsey, the president is expecting your call.”

  “Holy cow! Sorry, Mr. President, I had to check. But I didn't tell you I'm the chief.” Heads turned in surprise. “Wow, that fast! What can I do?” When he finished his conversation, he scratched his head.

  “Sorry Mr. Russell. He said he'll have federal investigators at your house within an hour to start the forensics. Ma'am, gentlemen, my apologies. He said I should talk to Jim Shaw about all this.”

  “Chief, why don't you go to Mr. Russell's house and we'll be there shortly,” Jane suggested. “But you should leave now, before the kids hit the halls. This is bad enough without our starting their tongues moving. Fritz, you and Mel leave now. George, stay with Fritz's class and dismiss them at the bell. James, when school ends, take George to Lois. Ash and I will meet you at Fritz's.” Her orders were followed immediately.

  “Fritz, I'll bring your stuff,” Ashley said.

  “HE DID WHAT?” the man shouted. “You know what that means. Did he get it done?” The caller answered in the affirmative. “At least something worked. Tell them to disappear until tomorrow. I'll talk to you later.” He slammed the phone down. Pacing the length of his office, he stopped to look out the window and picked up the phone again. “Write this down. 'An unknown assailant shot and killed a police officer in Riverboro, New Jersey. Details are unclear, but it may be related to the attack on the president. More to come.' Got it? Good. Release it now.”

  “CHIEF DEMPSEY,” said Jane, “I'm not at liberty to brief you fully. I can tell you that we believe a false trail is being laid to distract and distort the investigation into the atta
ck on the president last Friday. Mr. Russell is being used by whoever is behind this story to focus resources away from…” She paused, eyes narrowing, “Washington.”

  “What should I tell Officer Sullivan's family?”

  “He died in the line of duty, Chief. An investigation is underway. That's all you know. But Chief, this stays here. There is no federal involvement as far as anyone knows. We can let people know the truth when it's over. But for now, this is a local murder. And I am so very sorry. You have the condolences of all of us. This is personal for us, too.”

  “Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am.”

  “Call the other officers right away and let them know that they simply cannot say anything other than this official line.”

  Ashley and Tony came in. Fritz's phone buzzed. “Hi, Lin,” he answered, and waved to the others.

  “Fritz, are you okay? Turn on the TV. Channel 6 there.”

  “Hold on.” He turned on the news report. “We just found out, Lin. It happened here.” He heard her inhale.

  “Are you sure you're okay?” Linda asked.

  “Lin, right now, the police chief, other officers, Mel, and Jane are here. The president is sending a team to investigate. Are you okay?”

  “Fritz, I'm afraid. I'm okay here. The president and First Lady have been really nice about having me stay with them. But I want to be with you.”

  “Linda, if you'd been here, you would have been alone when this happened. Just take care. I'll be fine just knowing you're safe. I need to go, but I'll call you later. I love you.”

  “I love you too. Be careful.”

  “THIS IS GETTING fun, no, funner,” the man said to himself, when the TV reporter signed off. He liked the word, had heard it from a writer somewhere. In fact, he liked it even more because the reporter had mentioned chaos, his favorite word.