by Don Viecelli
The doctors had selected ten participants for the trial, each with a genetic profile, background information and medical history, but their identities were coded for privacy purposes. The participants were of both sexes and different races. The only thing they had in common was their age. They were all very old, some in poor health. Each individual took the drug and the results were shown.
Jack continued to watch the video file for a few more minutes. Then he selected another file. It was very similar to the first one. Jack figured each file contained the results of each participant during the trial. Viewing all the files was going to take more time than he had. He was looking for something very specific.
Jack quickly looked at contents of the remaining three memcards. Two of them, cards 3 and 2 contained test data from the lab and animal trials. Card 1 appeared to be research data and earlier production records. Jack checked again, but he could not find any files that described or listed the drug’s formula. It simply wasn’t on any of these memcards.
Jack was puzzled. Something didn’t make sense. The formula should have been on the stolen memcards from the lab. But why break into the doctor’s home? Then Jack remembered something Ingrid had mentioned during questioning. Maybe the killer wasn’t looking for the original formula; he was looking for the latest version of the formula. That would mean the killer already knew what the doctors were working on.
It also meant that the latest version of the drug formula might still be missing. Jack needed to find the missing formula before the killer did. Jack began to wonder if Ingrid had told him the whole truth. Maybe she knew where the latest formula was? If so, than whoever was involved in murdering her father, would be looking for her next.
There was nothing more Jack could do with the cards. He put them in his desk and locked the drawer. He needed to get some sleep. He was very tired. He wrote up a brief report and sent it to Captain Black and copied Tom. He left out a few things because he wasn’t sure what they meant just yet. And he didn’t send the captain a copy of the video recording when he questioned Ingrid. He had too many unanswered questions and needed more time to work the case. Tiredness overcame him. He set his alarm for 2:00 p.m. Then he fell asleep on the couch, totally exhausted.
Chapter 11
Captain Black reviewed the report Jack sent him on the case. It did not contain much that he didn’t already know. The most important item was still missing. Did Ingrid know where the formula was? She says no according to Jack. Was she lying? He decided to call Ivan and tell him what he knew so far. He dialed the number. When Ivan answered he muttered “I have some news on Ingrid.”
“What did she say?”
“One of my detectives questioned her…” Captain Black began.
“Does she have the latest version of the formula?” Ivan interrupted.
“She says no—it was on the memcard in the lab.”
“She’s lying! Her father deleted the information,” Ivan replied coldly. “She must have a copy of the formula somewhere, or she knows where it is. I need to talk to her, before it’s too late.”
“That won’t be easy.” Captain Black told Ivan where Ingrid was staying.
“I don’t care how hard it is, Captain! You know how valuable that formula is. We must get it from her. There’s no other way.”
“I understand. By the way, Detective Helms is planning to give you a visit this afternoon. He wants to ask you some questions,” Captain Black smiled. Let him sweat for a while.
“How much does he know?”
“He knows about your partnership with the doctors. He doesn’t suspect anything else—but you better watch out. He’s smart, and he can surprise you if you’re not careful.”
“I’m always careful, Captain. Just find a way for me to talk to Ingrid soon, or everything will be in jeopardy. I didn’t come this far to fail now. Goodbye.” Ivan terminated the call.
Captain Black hung up the deskcom. He pulled out a clean tissue from the box on his desk and wiped his forehead. He was sweating. He calmed himself down. This might not be so hard after all, he thought after a moment. He had a plan.
*****
Jack woke up when the alarm sounded. It was 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. He had been in a deep sleep, so it took a few seconds to clear his mind and realize where he was. He sat up on the couch and rubbed his eyes with both hands. He felt the stubble on his chin. He needed a shave and a shower. He decided to go to the health club and use the facilities. He grabbed his gym bag and a clean shirt in the closet and headed downstairs. He figured he could freshen up in 30 minutes and grab something to eat before he left the office.
Thankfully, the gym was not busy. He took a quick shower, shaved, dressed and was ready to go in the allotted time. He stopped by the cafeteria and picked up a sandwich and a beverage to go. He carried everything back to his office and ate at his desk. He looked up the address to Ivan Hellstrom’s office building and decided to call first to make an appointment. He had learned that important men don’t like surprises. Luckily, the man was in, but his administrative assistant answered the call and said he was busy. Jack told her it was important and he would be over in one hour to meet with Mr. Hellstrom. He hung up before she could check with her boss. He hoped he didn’t sound too rude.
Jack took the underground train to the SpaceMed building. It was the tallest building in the city and only two miles from police headquarters. Jack had never visited the place before. He wondered why. It had a beautiful lobby with a water fountain in the middle. Water was a precious resource on Mars. It must cost a fortune to operate, he thought.
Jack showed his badge and ID card to the security guard at the front desk. The guard made a call and showed Jack the way to the elevators. Jack got on one and punched the button for the top floor. It was ten stories up. He got off the elevator and looked around. At the end of the hallway, there was a sign on a big glass door that said ‘President’s Office’. He walked through the door and stopped at the receptionist’s desk. A pretty young girl looked up and inquired, “Can I help you?”
“I have an appointment to see Mister Hellstrom.” Sure enough, his name was in the computer. She called a number, said a few words, hung up and then escorted him next door to the President’s office where a stern-looking female administrative assistant was waiting.
The assistant was not as pleasant. “Wait here, Detective Helms. I’ll see if Mister Hellstrom is ready to see you.” She left him before he could say a word. She entered another room and returned in a minute. “Mister Hellstrom will see you now. Please follow me.”
Jack followed the assistant into the office. The room was expansive and well appointed. Ivan was sitting at his desk with a large window in the background. It was light outside, so Jack could see the Martian landscape in the distance. The wind was blowing hard. It looked cold and harsh outside, but the view was spectacular. Jack had to pull his eyes back to Ivan who stood up to shake his hand. He had a big smile on his face. “Why, Detective Helms. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Ivan said pleasantly.
“Thank you for seeing me, Mister Hellstrom. I apologize for the short notice,” Jack said, smiling back. They shook hands. Ivan looked older than Jack imagined, maybe in his nineties, but his handshake was firm. Obviously, the man took very good care of himself. Jack sat down in the chair Ivan pointed to.
“Please have a seat. My assistant says you have something important to discuss with me.” Ivan was still smiling, but Jack saw something else in his eyes, a coldness or maybe just irritation at the intrusion on his busy schedule.
“This shouldn’t take too long, Mister Hellstrom. I know you’re busy. I’m working on a homicide investigation and I need to ask you a few questions. I would like to record our conversation if you don’t mind.” Jack pulled out his smartcom and set it on the desk.
“Of course. Please, ask me anything you like.” The smile disappeared.
“I’m investigating a homicide that occurred on Ares last night. A doctor named Leif Johanson w
as found dead in his lab after an explosion. He was murdered. I believe you knew him.”
“Yes I did. I saw it on the news this morning. A terrible tragedy, and a great loss. I knew Doctor Johanson very well, and I know his daughter, Ingrid. I helped sponsor their medical research project. Is Ingrid all right?” Ivan sounded concerned.
“Yes, she’s fine, although greatly saddened by her father’s death. How long have you known them?”
“I met them about a year ago at a medical symposium here on Mars. They were working on cell regeneration drugs. Their work looked promising. I offered to fund some of their research. I even helped them find a lab to use on Ares.”
“According to Ingrid, you were helping them prepare a patent for a new drug that can reverse the aging process. Is that true?” Jack asked, watching him closely.
“Yes, that is the claim. We must be careful here, Detective Helms. I am under a legal confidentiality agreement with the Johanson’s not to discuss the drug or its intended properties. I will say the drug has immense potential, but more testing is needed. I did offer to help process the patent for them, and I plan to produce, sell and market the drug after the medical authorities approve it, of course. That is what my company does for business. SpaceMed produces all types of space medicines, human enhancement drugs and treatments. We are the largest pharmaceutical company of its kind in space,” Ivan added for emphasis.
“I am aware of your company’s business, Mister Hellstrom. How will Doctor Johanson’s death affect your partnership with the project?”
“It should have no effect whatsoever, Detective Helms. I have worked closely with both doctors on this project, and I’m sure Ingrid will continue to seek my help in bringing this new drug to market.” Ivan sounded confident.
“I’m sure she will. Just for the record, I need to know where you were last night between the hours of nine p.m. and twelve a.m.?” Jack looked directly into Ivan’s eyes. Whenever he asked this question he could never be 100 percent sure of the answer, even though he watched for all the telltale signs of lying.
Ivan didn’t miss a beat. “I was in my study upstairs. I live in the apartment on the top two floor of this building. I was here all night, and I never left the building. The night watchman can confirm my presence.” Ivan looked hurt. “Is there anything else, Detective Helms?”
“Just a couple more questions, if you don’t mind. Was anyone else aware of what the doctors were working on in the lab?”
“Just my patent lawyer. I can give you his name if you wish.”
“I would appreciate that, Mister Hellstrom.” Jack wrote the name down.
“Do you know anyone who might want to harm the doctors, or steal the drugs in the lab?”
“No, detective. I’m sorry, but I don’t know anyone who would want to harm Doctor Johanson or his daughter.” Ivan looked directly at Jack as he said it.
“That’s all for now, Mister Hellstrom. You’ve been very helpful. I may need to ask you some more questions in the future. If I do, I’ll try to call you first.” Jack got up to leave. He picked up his smartcom, turned if off and put it in his pocket.
“Please give my regards to Ingrid. I have been trying to reach her all morning. Let her know that I will help her in any way I can. She just has to ask,” Ivan said, pleasantly.
“I’ll certainly pass that on to her. Thank you for your time, Mister Hellstrom. Here’s my card. Call me if you think of anything else that might help.” Jack shook Ivan’s hand and left the office. The assistant didn’t offer to show him the door. He found his own way out.
Jack paused in the lobby waiting for the elevator. He thought about that last comment. Ingrid never mentioned that Ivan was trying to reach her. He wondered if it were true. Ivan seemed so sure of himself. That should be expected. He was rich and powerful. He was used to getting his own way. But there was something in the man’s behavior that made Jack uneasy. Ivan seemed cold and calculating. Jack knew he would have to be careful dealing with him.
Jack reviewed what he knew. So far, there was nothing connecting Ivan to the murder. He could be just what he said he was, a helpful partner. However, Jack still had an uneasy feeling the man wasn’t telling the whole truth. He just couldn’t prove it yet. He needed to verify everything Ivan said. Of course, Ivan wouldn’t be the one to do the dirty work. It would have to be somebody else, someone who probably worked for him. Jack decided he would check Ivan’s associates. Maybe he would find a lead. Just then Jack’s smartcom buzzed. It was Tom.
“Hello, Jack. I just wanted to let you know that Captain Black called and told me to escort Doctor Johanson back to her home. The captain says we can’t hold her and she would be just as well off at her place.”
Jack was surprised. He thought he made it clear to the captain in his report that Ingrid might be in danger. He was not happy. “I don’t believe it. Is he putting anyone on surveillance to watch her house?”
“Yeah, two police officers will meet me at her place. They’ll watch her around the clock until we catch the killer. Captain’s orders.”
Jack sighed. At least she would have some protection. Maybe the captain knew what he was doing, but Jack wasn’t entirely convinced. “Okay. Thanks for the heads-up. I’ll see you later.”
Jack put the smartcom in his pocket. The elevator doors opened and he stepped inside. In twenty minutes he would be back in his office. He had more work to do.
After Tom called Jack, he woke Ingrid and told her he was taking her home. Tom had spent the morning in the living room of the hotel suite. He tried to get some rest on the sofa while Ingrid slept in the bedroom. They managed to get three or four hours of sleep when Tom’s smartcom buzzed and Captain Black told him to escort Ingrid back to her place. It seemed unusual and Tom protested, but he was overruled. Besides, Captain Black assured him there would be two police officers on duty at her place by the time Tom got there. Surprised, Tom, nevertheless, prepared to leave the apartment with Ingrid.
“Are you ready to go?” Tom asked after a few minutes, growing impatient.
“Yes, I’m ready. It’ll be nice to get back to my place.” Ingrid stepped out of the bedroom. She looked tired around the eyes, but otherwise, she seemed to be in good spirits.
“I’ll escort you back to your place. We’ll keep an eye on you for a few days until we see what happens. You should be fine,” Tom said, trying to sound reassuring.
“Thanks. I appreciate all that you’re doing, but I do have a lot of work to do and it’ll be easier if I’m home. When can I get my memcards back?”
“I’ll check with Jack to see when we can return copies to you. We need to keep the originals for evidence.” Ingrid seemed to understand.
Tom and Ingrid left the hotel room and took the elevator to the lobby. They walked outside the building. It was fairly busy since the workday was almost over. People were crowding the walkway on their way to the train station to return home. Tom looked around. He didn’t notice anything unusual. Tom wasn’t expecting any trouble. He looked forward to dropping Ingrid off at her place, making sure everything was taken care of, then getting back to his place for a nice quiet dinner and some time to relax before bed. It had been a long day.
They were about halfway to the train station when Tom noticed someone following them. He turned to Ingrid as they walked and calmly said, “Don’t turn around. I think we’re being followed.”
“What should we do?” Ingrid grabbed a hold of Tom’s arm.
“We’ll try to make it back to the police station.” They quickly crossed to the other side of the walkway and tried to stay in the crowd. Tom pulled out his smartcom and called for backup. He looked at the man following them, but he couldn’t make out his face. The man knew he had been discovered and hurried his pace to get closer. Then Tom saw the man pull out a gun. Tom wasn’t sure what type of weapon it was, but he wasn’t taking any chances. He pushed Ingrid into a doorway of one of the buildings. He crouched, pulled out his weapon and aimed it at the man foll
owing him. He yelled, “Police, drop your weapon!” Instead, the man fired his weapon and the laser-pulse struck the wall above Tom’s shoulder. The noise from the gunfire frightened the people on the walkway. Everyone scattered. Tom fired his weapon as the man jumped behind a light pole.
“Tom, look out!” someone screamed beside him. It was Ingrid’s voice. He turned to see if she was all right. Her eyes were staring at someone behind him. Tom realized his mistake too late. The man following them wasn’t alone. There was more than one. Tom tried to protect himself. He was too late. A second man fired his weapon and hit Tom squarely in the side and back. Tom felt the shock and numbing pain. He was stunned by a laser-pulse. Tom fell unconscious to the ground completely paralyzed.
Wolfgang quickly walked up to Ingrid and grabbed her arm. “Do as I say and you won’t be harmed,” he said gruffly.
Ingrid recognized him. He worked for Ivan Hellstrom. She looked at Tom lying on the ground, his eyes closed.
“He’ll be all right once the shock wears off. Let’s go.” Wolfgang gripped her arm tightly as they walked. Ingrid did what she was told.
Two other men joined Wolfgang. They walked quickly back to the train station and split up. Wolfgang and Ingrid got on the next passenger train. They got off at the second stop. Wolfgang took her to a rented hangar near the space depot where he had parked a company shuttlecraft for flights outside the city. They entered the hangar and Wolfgang unlocked the shuttle-craft door. He followed Ingrid inside and strapped her in the copilot seat. Wolfgang sat down at the controls, started the engine and taxied out the hangar doors. He took off into a cold, driving windstorm. Visibility was decreasing, but the shuttle-craft’s flight instruments cleared the way. The barely visible sun was setting behind the ridges overlooking the canyon.