by Craig Hurren
“Alright, just let me know. I can’t see us getting a warrant at this point but I can always call in a favor from the State’s Attorney to push it through, if it comes down to that.”
“I appreciate it boss. I’d better get back to it - unless there’s anything else?”
“Actually there is.” Walker’s face turned stern. “Collier’s on the warpath. He came and found me yesterday just after you left the office. Said he heard I was looking for him - any idea where he’d get that notion from?”
Alan explained what he had said to Collier and why.
“I’m sorry boss but we were alone together in the stairwell. I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to deal with his crap so I thought I would head him off at the pass. It was stupid and I shouldn’t have done it.”
“Damn right you shouldn’t have done it! I got enough trouble trying to keep these dipshits off your back as it is. I know this thing has been tough on you Beach but don’t go kicking the hornets’ nest, will ya! Ah hell; I’ll talk to Collier but you gotta be the grownup here. You know you can’t change these guys but you can minimize the problem if you just keep your head down.”
“I know boss, you’re right. It won’t happen again.”
“Damn right it won’t or you’ll find my size twelve boots stuck in your ass! Now get outta here and keep me updated.”
“I will… and thanks.”
Alan went to his desk, found the number for Blue Sky and dialed. A sultry but businesslike voice answered.
“Blue Sky Biotech; making medicine of the future, today. How may I direct your call?”
“This is Detective Beach of Homicide Investigation, Columbus Division of Police. I would like to arrange meetings with Dr. Helen Benson’s former colleagues please.”
The voice hesitated for a moment then replied in a less formal tone, “Homicide Investigation? We’re all distraught at Dr. Benson’s death but we were told it was suicide.”
“I understand ma’am but I can’t discuss the case. We just need to tie up some loose ends.”
“Alright Mr. Beach, I’ll connect you with Mr. Thomas Finch, the head of our Legal Department.”
“Thank you.”
Alan waited patiently as the classical sounds of Mozart flowed through the receiver for the next two minutes until a voice came on the other end.
“Good morning detective, this is Tom Finch. How can I help you?”
“Good morning. I’m doing some follow up on Helen Benson’s death and I need to interview her direct work colleagues. Can we arrange a visit for tomorrow?”
“That should be fine but I’m not sure what you hope to achieve detective. These are all highly specialized scientists and both their individual and team success depends heavily on each other. They are all well paid but their potential bonuses for milestone achievements are enormous so they would have absolutely no motive to harm each other; quite the contrary. Besides, didn’t Helen take her own life?”
“I’m sure you understand I can’t discuss an ongoing case but let’s just say I need to tie up loose ends before we can close the matter. How many people did she work with directly and what are their names and positions please?”
“Helen worked under Professor Linus Gelling, who is the team leader and head of our research department. He is a highly respected neurologist and board certified neuro-surgeon, but also a prominent endocrinologist and professor of clinical pharmacology. Then there is Eric Rothstein, famous computer game designer and programmer; Dr. Ellis McDonald, Nobel Prize winning chemical engineer; and finally the world-leading developer of specialized delivery mechanisms, Dr. Brian Sanders, so a total of four other specialists. Dr. Benson herself was a renowned neuropsychiatrist, behavioral neurologist and clinical pharmacology research fellow focusing on psychiatric pharmaceuticals”
“That’s very informative – thank you. So she was only involved with four other people in the whole company?”
“Well, of course there is the standard interaction with human resources and security staff but aside from that, Helen worked only with her research team. Their work is on the cutting edge of technology and therefore very sensitive and well guarded so it’s very much a closed circle. Industrial espionage can be a major problem in our business.”
“I see. Well then, just her team will be fine – unless she had any friends outside that group.”
“As far as I know, Helen was pleasant and courteous to everyone she encountered but she was extremely dedicated to her work and aside from getting her lunch from the cafeteria, she was always in her secure laboratory. In fact, her keycard records show that quite clearly. I can make those available for you if you like?”
“I would appreciate that Mr. Finch. Will I be able to access Dr. Benson’s laboratory?”
“Certainly. We have removed all sensitive materials so that will not be a problem but I will need you to sign a strict confidentiality agreement to cover us in case you inadvertently see anything you shouldn’t in the labs.”
“You flatter me Mr. Finch. I’m quite sure I wouldn’t have a clue what I was looking at even if I did see something of that nature. Anyway, I will have to ask my lieutenant if I am permitted to sign such a document. Can you please email me a copy for him to examine?”
Finch took Alan’s email address and the meeting was set to start at noon the next day to minimize disruption of the team’s work. Alan began to jot down some details about the investigation in pencil so he could reference them when he wrote his final report. Fifteen minutes later, Richard Collier came into the office and made a beeline for Beach’s desk. His face was red with anger and Alan steeled himself for the coming onslaught. Just as Collier reached the desk, Lieutenant Walker’s voice bellowed from his office doorway.
“Collier! Get in here – now!”
Collier looked at his boss and hissed at the interruption. “I’ll be there in a minute - just need to deal with something first.”
“What part of ‘now’ don’t you understand detective. Get your ass in here!”
Collier, seething with anger, directed his glare at Alan. “This ain’t over Beach - not by a long shot.”
He begrudgingly turned and went into Walker’s office. Walker stood as he passed then shut the door heavily. Vigorous argument erupted momentarily until suddenly, one side died down. The voices were severely muffled by Walker’s thick windows and well sealed door but Alan got the distinct impression that things were not going Richard Collier’s way. A moment later, Collier emerged from the office with the look of a caged animal trying to find a way out. He caught Alan’s gaze, gave him a quick snarl and briskly left the office. Alan watched bemused as he disappeared into the hall and turned back to see Walker standing right in front of his desk.
“Have you got the confidentiality agreement from Blue Sky yet?”
“Uh…um…just checking my email.” Alan fumbled, slightly disoriented by what he’d witnessed. “Yes, it’s just come in. Should I forward it to you?”
“Do that. I’ll send it on to the State’s Attorney for his OK before you sign it.”
With that, he turned and went back into his office without a word about Collier. Alan knew full well, his lieutenant’s personal and positional power but had no idea he could have such an effect on Collier. Richard was a long term veteran of the squad and before Walker was promoted to Lieutenant, the two men had been partners. He was known for being somewhat difficult to reign in and the outcome of this interaction had Alan wondering if Walker had something over him aside from the chain of command. Alan shook himself away from these thoughts to forward the agreement to his boss and continued on his notes. Running out of details to record, he retrieved the file he was working on before the Benson case came up and began to type the final report into his computer.
A few hours later, Alan was still tying up loose ends when Walker came out again and said, “The S.A. says you can go ahead and sign the agreement.”
“OK but won’t that restrict me from using anything I find at Blue Sky
?”
“Theoretically, they could bankrupt you and possibly put you in a minimum security prison for a couple of years if you breach the agreement but I wouldn’t worry too much.” Walker smiled knowingly.
“No, I don’t suppose that you would worry but I certainly do!”
“Payback’s a bitch isn’t it? That was for the times you’ve been a smartass.” he laughed. “The S.A. is waiting to talk you through the details on line four.”
Walker returned to his office still chuckling at the look on his subordinate’s face. Alan shook his head then picked up the phone and pressed line four.
“Mr. State’s Attorney? It’s Alan Beach, sir.”
“Hello Mr. Beach. I’m pressed for time so let me get straight to the point. I’ve reviewed the agreement and it is legally binding and very thorough. If you reveal any intellectual property such as technological or scientific information discovered during your visit, thus causing financial loss or potential loss to Blue Sky Biotech, you may be sued in civil court and they could also press for criminal charges to be brought against you.
“That doesn’t sound good. How am I supposed to…”
“Please don’t interrupt detective; I haven’t got time. What I can tell you is that state and federal laws supersede any restrictions placed on you by this agreement. In other words, you are not obliged to maintain confidentiality if any information covered by the agreement directly relates to a felony or a threat to national security. Basically, you can’t talk to anyone outside Blue Sky about any intellectual property you see or hear of during your visit, unless it can be proven that it directly relates to your case. As a police detective, you are an officer of the court so if you find anything of that nature, it immediately becomes property of the court. Got it?”
“Yes, I understand sir.”
“Good luck detective.”
With that, the State’s Attorney hung up the phone and Alan was left to ponder the situation.
“Clear as mud?” Walker asked, leaning out his office door.
“Thereabouts.”
“Like I said; nothing to worry about. Just go and check the place out then take it from there. We’ll have your back if the shit hits the fan.”
“I hope so!”
Blue Sky Biotech was about ten miles out of the city so he would need to leave at eleven fifteen the next morning to allow for traffic. Alan finished up his report and found himself thinking about food. He had skipped lunch to do his notes and finish the report for his previous case and now found himself quite hungry. Tired of TV dinners at home, he decided to treat himself to a decent meal. He knew a comfortable place uptown with great char-grilled steaks so he grabbed his things and headed out the door. It was a short drive to the bistro style restaurant where Alan pulled into the small car park to the side, got out and locked his car. The aroma of beef on the grill wafted from the building and for the first time in a long time, the detective found himself savoring the thought of a good meal instead of just filling his stomach. It had been several weeks since he’d eaten at this restaurant so walking into the pleasant, inviting interior and breathing in the mouth watering aromas made him wonder why he’d waited so long to return.
“Good evening sir. Do you have a reservation?” enquired the assistant manager.
Alan looked around and saw they were doing a good trade but there were still some empty tables.
“I’m sorry but it was a last minute decision.”
“No problem sir. Are you dining alone or meeting someone? You can wait at the bar if you’d like.”
“No thanks. Just a quiet table for one please.”
“Right this way sir.”
The pleasant young man led Alan to a small table in the corner beside the window overlooking the main street.
“Is this alright for you?”
“Perfect.”
“Very well sir, your server will be with you shortly.”
Alan nodded thanks and sat looking out the window while he waited. A moment later, a smooth and soothing voice spoke from beside him.
“Welcome back. Would you like a drink while you look at the menu?”
Alan turned to the voice and saw a woman perhaps five years younger than he, with a very attractive face and soft, flowing brown hair to her shoulders. Her hazel eyes sparkled despite the low light and her full red lips formed an entrancing smile. He found her pleasing looks and easy manner disarming and looked at her quizzically.
“I’m sorry but do I know you?”
“No but I’ve seen you in here a couple of times before so I assume you’re a local. This is the first time you’ve sat in my section.” she smiled warmly.
Alan felt a wave of shyness come over him. “I haven’t been here for a while; you must have quite a memory for faces.”
“Only the ones I like. Oh, I’m sorry! That must have sounded very forward. I just meant that you have a kind face but your eyes seem somehow sad. Besides, you don’t see many well dressed, good looking men eating alone here. It’s more of a couples place.”
Now Alan was definitely disarmed. Never before had he just met a woman who spoke to him like this – especially not one so attractive. It was both disconcerting and charming at once, and he found himself floundering and lost for words.
“I’m flattered miss but… I’m sorry; what’s your name?”
“I’m Holly. What’s yours?”
“It’s Alan… Alan Beach.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you.” She held her hand out to shake and Alan felt the softness of a woman’s touch for the first real time since he lost his wife. “So, about that drink…”
“Uh yes, sorry. Do you have anything good on tap?”
“Leave it to me Alan… Alan Beach.” she said playfully.
“Just plain old ‘Alan’ will do fine Holly.”
“OK Alan. I’ll bring you one of our best microbrews.”
Holly handed Alan a menu, backed away one step smiling then turned and walked to the bar casting him a glance over her shoulder as she went. Alan was affected by her attractive appearance and delicate fragrance but mostly bewildered by her flirtatious behavior. His confidence with women had long ago faded and he couldn’t even be sure of his interpretations, let alone understand why a woman like her would show interest in him. He began to look at the menu but couldn’t help stealing glances at her as she moved around the room. On one occasion, Holly looked up from a table she was clearing to catch him staring at her and smiled knowingly as he jerked his gaze back to the menu. A few moments passed and he saw her approaching with his beer in a frosty mug.
“Here it is Alan; our finest house ale - enjoy. Are you ready to order?”
“Yes please. I’ll have a Caesar Salad and an Alberta rib eye, medium, with a baked potato.”
“Good choice; we’ve got the best steaks in town but I guess you already knew that.”
“I can’t argue with you there.”
Alan watched her leave again, almost hypnotically, until she disappeared into the kitchen. He took a long draw from his icy cold mug and enjoyed the complex flavors of the artfully crafted beer. The recent proliferation of microbreweries in the area was a welcome change to the usual mass produced bottled and canned beers and Alan enjoyed sampling the variety when time would allow. Sipping his beer and watching traffic and pedestrians pass by the window, he began to relax and feel some contentment creeping in for the first time in years.
“One Caesar Salad and one Canadian rib eye, medium, with a baked potato.” Holly’s silken voice brought him back. “Would you like to try a different beer Alan?”
“Thanks. I’ll trust your expertise again.”
“Oh, I’m no expert but I do know what I like. Back in a minute.”
Alan pressed his knife into the thick, meaty steak and it yielded to the blade almost like butter. Holly came back with a Pilsener style beer and set it down in front of him with that disarming smile before breezing off to tend to other customers. Alan couldn’t rememb
er such a flavorful and satisfying meal. He had enjoyed the food at this restaurant on his previous visits but realized that Holly’s presence enhanced the experience to a new level. Scolding himself for not noticing her before, he finished the last bit of salad and drained his beer as she approached again.
“You’ve got time for a piece of pecan pie before we start closing up, if you’d like.”
“Is it that late already?”
“It’s not late but we’re closing at nine tonight. The young guy that greeted you when you came in is the owner’s son. It’s his twenty first birthday party tonight at a friend’s bar up the road so the boss is letting everyone go early to celebrate.”
“Well that’s good of him but no thanks on the pie.” Alan said patting his belly.
“No problem detective.”
Alan looked down and realized his detective’s shield was still hanging from his belt.
“Sorry about that, I usually carry it in my pocket – must have forgotten to put it away.”
“That’s quite alright, makes me feel safe to have one of Columbus’ finest around. So it’s Detective Alan… Alan Beach then.” she teased.
Alan just smiled back at her. She looked into his expressive grey eyes and raised her left brow slightly.
“Why don’t you join us as my ‘plus one’?”
“Me? But you don’t even know me.”
“Like I said before, I know what I like.”
“What about the birthday boy?”
“He can get his own date.” she joked. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”
Alan felt like he was being carried away on a carnival ride – and he didn’t want it to stop. Before he could think, he had agreed to another beer while he waited for her to finish up and get ready. His head was swimming with thoughts. Sadness and guilt were supplanted by euphoria and excitement at the possibilities in front of him. This woman was so different; she had a very endearing sense of fun, she was bold yet demure, strong yet tender, and attractive yet modest. Alan had heard stories of instant attraction and whirlwind relationships but he’d never believed them to be true - Holly was beginning to change his mind. She returned in her street clothes, which showed off her firm but feminine form, and sat down opposite Alan. Her deep brown, hazel flecked eyes seemed to be sizing him up.