Option to Kill (Nathan McBride 3)

by Andrew Peterson

  “Nathan, nothing you just said goes any further than me. Tell me what you saw when you kicked in the door.”

  He glanced into the backseat. Lauren was asleep, but Abrille wasn’t. He lowered his voice and described how Abrille had been naked, bound, and gagged with a greasy slob sitting next to her with a beer in his hand. “Something snapped. My safety catch didn’t engage.”

  “I wasn’t there,” said Holly. “I didn’t see the girl. As a law enforcement officer, I wouldn’t have shot them, but I’m damned sure I would’ve wanted to. I’m not going to condemn you, and you shouldn’t either. You’re the most honest and honorable man I’ve ever known. I’m glad you told me.”

  “There’s something I haven’t told you, and I don’t feel good about it. I confiscated a cell phone from Voda’s gunman after the grocery store shooting. I didn’t tell you because I wanted it for myself.”

  “Does it have any useful information?”

  “To me, not really. To your people and their resources, almost certainly. The gunman hadn’t deleted the call logs within the last hour of its use. There’s also a text string, probably to Voda’s cell. All I can do is apologize and offer no excuses.”

  “Thank you for telling me.”

  “You deserve the truth.”

  “Will you turn it over to us?”

  “Yes, right away, but we need to talk about something you touched on when we last spoke. I need to handle Voda in my own way, and you know I don’t always work within the strict confines of the law. I don’t want to compromise your position within the Bureau. If you feel obligated to relay everything I report to you, then I don’t know where that leaves us. I can’t have Big Brother looking over my shoulder I don’t operate that way.”

  “I understand what you’re telling me. Here’s what I suggest. From now on, you’ll have to decide what you do and don’t tell me. This won’t work any other way. If you don’t want Director Lansing to know what you’re doing, then don’t tell me.”

  “That doesn’t sound like you. You’ve always had some discretion. Something’s changed.”

  “I wanted to tell you in person.”

  “Tell me what?”

  “I’ve been offered a job in Washington. It’s not official yet, but it would be a significant promotion.”

  “Holly, that’s terrific news! Congratulations. I’m not happy about you being farther away, but we’ve talked about this. We both knew it could happen. When?”

  “Next month. I haven’t decided to accept it yet. I wanted to talk to you first.”

  “Holly, your career’s important. You’ve earned this.”

  “What about us?”

  Nathan knew he needed to chose his words carefully. “Nothing needs to change. We can still be together. Military couples make it through deployments. We can too. I don’t see a difference.”

  “Thanks. I didn’t know how you’d feel about it.”

  “We both have careers, separate lives. It doesn’t have to be complicated.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that. I feel the same way, but let’s talk about this later. What’s your next move?”

  “I’m taking Abrille to Dr. Reavie.”

  “The same doctor from last year?”

  “Yes.”

  “Have you thought about aftercare for Abrille? It sounds like she’s going to need it.”

  “I haven’t figured that out yet.”

  “What about Special Agent Grangeland? I know you don’t want our direct help, but I started her in your direction a few hours ago. I figured it couldn’t hurt to have her standing by, you know, just in case.”

  “Holly, I don’t want to put you in an awkward situation again. Involving Grangeland does that.”

  “Abrille’s a material witness in a rapidly expanding federal case, and you’ve already got your hands full with Lauren.”

  Holly was right he couldn’t take care of both Abrille and Lauren. Abrille needed more than he could provide, especially the counseling.

  “Okay. Tell Grangeland she’s in. Again, you’ll be obligated to share everything we’ve discussed with Director Lansing, but I have one request. I’d like Dr. Reavie’s involvement with Abrille to remain as anonymous as possible. I spoke with Dr. Reavie a few minutes ago, and he pointed out there are significant legal and moral issues involved because she’s a minor. Even if he doesn’t treat Abrille, he’s obligated to inform CPS of her assault. To make matters worse, Abrille doesn’t have a legal guardian for consent purposes. It’s a can of worms. Do you think there’s anything the Bureau can do?”

  “I’ll look into this right away and give it top priority. Since Abrille’s a material witness against Voda and his operation, I’m sure we’ll be able to solve the legal-guardian issue and protect her.”

  “Depending on what Dr. Reavie finds, he might have to transfer Abrille to a local hospital’s ER, which means the legal-guardian and consent issue becomes immediate. Can Grangeland assume that role on a temporary basis if needed?”

  “I honestly don’t know. We’re talking about signing legal documents, hospital admission forms. There’s no way to explain Grangeland’s role without tracing her involvement back to Dr. Reavie, and ultimately to you. All roads lead to Nathan McBride.”

  “Isn’t that the truth. Well, if Abrille needs to be hospitalized, I’ll step up and sign her admission papers and act as her legal guardian. It could be the only way to make sure she doesn’t end up in foster care today. She needs counseling, not day care. I’m already facing jail time for my actions tonight what’s a little fraud and forgery added into the fray? Holly, there’s something else I haven’t told you.”

  “Okay…”

  “Jin is my sister.”

  There was a pause on the other end. “Your sister? You don’t have any sisters.”

  Nathan told her about the call from Jin and the note stapled to Grant’s collar along with his father’s dog tag and the dried drop of blood.

  “Nathan, this whole thing could be some sort of elaborate ruse to flush you out.”

  “I’ve thought about that, but Jin already knows who we are, Harv and me. If she wanted to expose us or damage the US, she could’ve done it already. She could’ve created a scandal with my dad or given us to the Iranians. They’d love to parade our heads through the streets of Tehran. There are countless ways she could’ve ruined our lives, but she hasn’t.”

  “If Jin’s truly your sister, then it changes everything. I sensed you were holding something back, but I didn’t want to say anything. I figured you had enough on your plate without worrying about me. This has to be tearing you up, not knowing what Jin’s role is in all of this.”

  “It’s extremely unsettling, to say the least.”

  “No wonder you’re reluctant to involve us. Do you think your dad knows about Jin?”

  “I’ve been debating it all night, but my gut says no. Jin’s note says he doesn’t. When I get time, I’ll send you everything in my iPhone. I took photos of all the text strings and call logs. I also recorded the verbal messages with my dictation app.”

  “Send that to me as soon as you can. Of course, I won’t tell a soul about Jin being your sister.”

  “The only thing I’m certain about at this point is that Jin isn’t involved in some elaborate sting designed to expose Harv and me. I’m also fairly certain Jin is more than just a stay-at-home mom. She’s been teaching Lauren basic survival and tactical skills, and she speaks fluent French. Now, get this: So does Abrille. And they both learned French around the same age. And they were both raised in orphanages.”

  “I seriously doubt any of this is a coincidence.”

  “My thoughts exactly. I tried calling the number Jin used, but it rings without being answered. It’s probably a pay phone. A pay phone…” he said slowly. “Hang on, I’m going to check my cell’s call log and see if the number Jin used appears in the gunman’s cell. I’m driving, so I can’t do this quickly. Hang on…”

  Being careful n
ot to take his eyes off the road for more than two seconds at a time, he located the call from Jin in his own phone and looked for the same phone number in the gunman’s call log. It wasn’t there. “The number Jin used isn’t logged in the gunman’s cell. I was hoping to catch a break.”

  “It’s possible she can’t call because of her situation. I know you don’t want to think about it, but Harv could be right. Jin may be integrally involved in Voda’s operation, but she’s being torn in opposite directions because of Lauren.”

  “If that’s true, it’s inconsistent with her note. She said she was taking Voda down at all costs.”

  “And now that she’s gone silent, you have to consider that she might have failed, right?”

  Nathan glanced at Lauren, who seemed genuinely asleep. “Right. Look, I won’t ask you to withhold anything permanently from Lansing, but I might ask for a delay in passing certain information along.”

  “Based on everything you just told me, I think that’s a fair compromise, but any delays need to be a few hours, no more than that. Agreed?”

  “That’s more than reasonable. Thanks, Holly. Can you track down the phone number Jin used?”

  “Yes.”

  Nathan gave her the number.

  “Let me know what you find, but please keep it between us for now.”

  “No problem. I’ll send you a text, then delete it from my phone.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Jin or the gunman’s cell phone. I wish I had a good excuse, but I don’t.”

  “You know I’ll never betray your confidence. Ever.”

  “Thanks, Holly. I’ve been feeling terrible about it.”

  “For now, I’ll just say I haven’t heard anything more from you. If push comes to shove, Lansing could find out we’ve talked from my cell phone records, but I don’t think he’ll go that far, and even if he does, he won’t know what we talked about.”

  “Could this compromise your new job? I can’t live with that.”

  “Nathan, we’re talking about your sister, Senator Stone McBride’s daughter. My new job doesn’t take precedence over that. When are you going to tell him?”

  “I could’ve called already. I guess I’m stalling.”

  “Nathan, he’s chairman of the Senate Committee on Domestic Terrorism. He’s one of the most powerful political figures in Washington, not to mention he’s friends with Director Lansing and the president. Remember those other friends in high places CIA Director Cantrell said you have? Need I say more?”

  “I don’t know why I didn’t think of all this sooner.”

  “You’re too close to it.”

  “I’ll call him.”

  “What you’re doing protecting Lauren and Abrille I think it’s extremely selfless and honorable. Don’t ever forget you’re a good guy through all of this, okay?”

  “Thanks, Holly. I needed to hear that.”

  “You have an unbelievable ability to handle stressful situations it’s one of your most valuable assets but it takes a toll. You don’t show it, but I know this Jin business is tearing you up. I’ve heard this tone in your voice before. You need sleep. Can you drop off for a spell at Dr. Reavie’s office?”

  “I think so.”

  “I’ll update Grangeland on Abrille’s situation. You’ve got enough on your plate. And, Nathan? You aren’t doing any jail time that’s a promise.”

  “Thanks. I needed to hear that too.”

  “Get some sleep. Count on seeing Grangeland arrive at Dr. Reavie’s office around 0500 or so. Give her that cell phone, and she’ll get it to us.”

  “Thanks, Holly. You’re the best.”

  Half an hour later, Nathan arrived on the outskirts of Rancho Bernardo. Despite Lauren’s comment about being wide-awake, she’d managed to doze off. Slumped in the backseat, she and Abrille looked innocent and peaceful.

  Nathan pulled into the parking lot of a small retail center and stopped in front of Dr. Reavie’s office. It looked as though Dr. Reavie’s workplace shared a wall with a small restaurant. At this early-morning hour, few cars were present. A few seconds later, Dr. Reavie stepped through his front door and approached the Explorer. Nathan couldn’t recall ever having actually met him. In his mid-fifties, he was tall and lean and appeared to be in great physical shape. Despite the circumstances of having been called in the middle of the night, Dr. Reavie wore a friendly expression. Nathan believed it to be genuine, but he knew it was for Abrille’s sake as well.

  Nathan asked Lauren to sit tight. He climbed out, made eye contact, and offered his hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Doctor. Please accept my apology for this.”

  “There’s no need to apologize. It’s nice to meet you too. Let’s check on our patient.”

  Nathan opened the passenger door, and Abrille sat perfectly still. She looked so tiny. In Spanish, Nathan said, “Abrille, this is Dr. Reavie. He’s going to look at your stomach. He’s not going to hurt you, and he won’t do anything without your permission. Okay?”

  Abrille said, “Okay.”

  Also in Spanish, Dr. Reavie said, “Hi, Abrille. How are you feeling?”

  “A little sleepy.”

  “You were asleep. You woke up just now?”

  Abrille nodded.

  “Do you think you can walk okay?”

  Another nod.

  Dr. Reavie offered his hand, and, surprisingly, she took it. Nathan had fully expected her to cringe away from him or act apprehensive, but Abrille did neither.

  Hand in hand, Dr. Reavie and Abrille walked toward the entrance. Abrille was hunched slightly, probably from pain. Nathan motioned with his head to Lauren. She climbed out and took his hand. Just inside the door to the right was a small waiting area. Nathan closed the front door and sat down. Lauren took a seat next to him.

  “Is Abrille going to be okay?” Lauren asked.

  “I think so, but let’s see what Dr. Reavie says.”

  The moment of truth would arrive soon. Nathan’s situation would either become significantly more complicated or remain relatively stable. Everything hinged on whether Abrille needed emergency treatment at a hospital. Nathan leaned his head back and tried to remain optimistic. If Abrille had to be admitted for emergency care, someone would have to assume the legal-guardian role, and it looked as though that someone was him. A horrible crime had been committed against Abrille, and Nathan knew the police would get involved. If an SDPD unit arrived to take a report, would Nathan be recognized? His face had been recorded on video at several different locations tonight. The best images probably came from Nordstrom, where the lighting was brightest. He didn’t know how fast the SDPD ballistics lab processed evidence, but his shell casings and any recovered slugs from the initial crash site at Ulric would match the shell casings from the grocery store shooting, and now the Tecate Palms Motel as well. It was a good bet Nathan’s photo had been circulated to every law enforcement agency in San Diego County.

  Nathan didn’t think Abrille’s condition looked life-threatening, but he wasn’t making the assessment. Dr. Reavie was. Either way, once Special Agent Mary Grangeland arrived, she’d become a tremendous asset. As a material witness and organized-crime victim, Abrille would benefit from the protection and resources of the FBI. She’d likely be placed in the witness security program. Ironically, that was the same program Lauren had thought she was entering when Voda first kidnapped her.

  Dr. Reavie entered the waiting area.

  “Jane and Linda are getting Abrille prepped.”

  “Dr. Reavie, this is Lauren.”

  In a formal manner, Lauren shook hands.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Lauren.”

  “Nice to meet you too. Are you going to operate on Abrille?”

  “I hope we won’t need to, but we better have a look and see.”

  “Thank you again for doing this,” Nathan said. “It’s very generous of you.”

  “I’m just glad to be able to help. Hopefully she’s got a localized infection on the a
bdominal wall or just under the skin that I can treat here.”

  “I hope so too. First names?” Nathan asked.

  “Doug.”

  “Nathan.” They shook hands again. “I forget when, but I think Harv mentioned you work with your wife as a team?”

  “Yes, Jane is a CRNA and does a great job as a nurse anesthetist. We work together well. Jane also participates on our trips to Mexico where we repair cleft lips and palates in children.”

  “You do that pro bono.” It wasn’t a question.

  Doug nodded. “Since I wasn’t sure what we’d be facing, I asked Linda, my surgical nurse, to be present as well.”

  “I’m sorry. I guess I hadn’t realized what was involved.”

  “Again, there’s no need to apologize. Emergencies happen. I’m glad to help. Regarding the ace I mentioned on the phone, I have a good friend in charge of the juvenile division of the district attorney’s office who could help us with reporting this discreetly. I’ve done some free plastic-surgery treatment for some of her victims, and I think she’ll help us.”

  “Report what?” Lauren asked.

  Nathan answered for the doctor. “What happened to Abrille has to be reported to Child Protective Services. She’s a victim of a violent crime, and she needs to be protected. I’m sure Doug needs to do some pre-op work, so let’s allow him to get started.” He looked at Dr. Reavie. “May I tell you something with doctor-patient privilege?”

  “If it’s about tonight’s activities, it’s probably better if you don’t.”

  “Lauren is my niece. I just found out tonight that I have a half-sister I never knew about.”

  Doug’s expression remained somewhat guarded. “That’s got to be quite a shocker.”

  “To put it mildly. Harv’s never actually said it, but I know he thinks of you like family, and Harv’s like a brother to me. I guess that makes our connection like family too.”

  “That’s very kind of you to say.”

  “I never properly thanked you for helping us last year. You were more than generous.”

  “Thank you for sending the flowers.”

  Nathan and Lauren took seats in the waiting room while Doug locked the front door.