by Randy Dutton
“Art, was this their intention?” Ed gritted his teeth.
“Anyone who planned for this would have to be pretty evil, but maybe. The Malthusians want to reduce population by 75 to 95%, so the ratios work out pretty well. Ultimately, they want to be in control when everything settles down. They’ll watch the wars break out and humanity fight over resources. They’ve squirreled away their nuts and will observe from the tree branch...so to speak.”
“Which brings up the issue with greenhouses and large acreage contained farming. How do we protect tens of millions of acres?”
“With private security, technology, cooperation with the community, and law enforcement, but it has to be equal justice, not social justice, that prevails,” Art stressed. “Otherwise, you’ll lose the buy-in from the very people who will make this work. They already feel cheated by a government that violated Constitutional protections once. They won’t tolerate it a second time. Remember what happened when the Israelis turned over huge greenhouses to the Palestinians?”
“No. What happened?”
“Instead of building upon the thousands of jobs the greenhouses provided, they tore up the framing and made rocket launching tubes to attack Israel.”
The group talked for several more hours about contingencies and research.
Chapter 93
June 5, 1700 hours
Heyward House
Like a blanket, coastal fog shrouded the western Olympic Peninsula. The dampness would keep the real summer away for another month.
“Honey, I’m home,” Pete called out while walking to Anna, sitting in a rocking chair.
“How was your day, Dear?” Her greeting was as much out of habit as from affection, but today her voice had an extra lilt.
Pete paused to draw in a scent of Chanel, then kissed Anna and gave her a sideways hug, careful not to squish a breastfeeding Connor.
“Pretty good, Babe. How’s Connor?”
Both dogs happily trotted to him, with Talos nudging Shade to the side to get the best positioning.
Anna snapped her fingers and pointed to the rug. Obediently, the dogs returned to the rug and laid down.
“Always hungry. But I keep him on schedule – too often and he doesn’t get as much nourishment.... Any news?” she asked hopefully.
With a fresh glass of iced tea, he sat opposite her. “Well, we’ve been running the telomere tests on the phytoplankton, aerial bacteria, and Fuzz. We think a suicide gene was incorporated into each that dramatically shortens the telomeres.”
“That’s great, Honey! What sets it off?”
“That’s the bad news. It isn’t triggered until CO2 concentrations drop to about 180 ppm.”
She frowned. “But everything’s nearly dead by then!”
“We really don’t know because 172 is the lowest CO2 level scientist calculate Earth’s atmosphere has ever experienced, and that was during an ice age. Most plants may recover if the CO2 levels don’t stay that low too long. And I mean for a year or so.”
“When’s plant death guaranteed?”
“About 150 ppm. Most of the CO2 is emitted by nature and will raise the levels if the scourge dies.”
Anna bit her lip and looked at the baby in her arms before returning her gaze to Pete. “What if Sven’s not done?”
“Presuming he’s still alive?”
“And eager to take it to a lower level. Remember, he’s a narcissist,” she said.
“Everyone is to some extent, I suppose.”
“Yeah, but before I hired him, he took an anonymous survey and ranked himself with the highest score.”
Pete’s brow furrowed. “If it was anon...” He stopped midsentence when her lashes fluttered. His eyes rolled and his lips pressed tight for a moment. “Never mind...I know the answer. Remind me never to take another anonymous personal survey.”
Her cheeks puffed as she let out a small chuckle. “People can be such dupes.”
“Before now, you’ve always thought he was holed up somewhere faraway, waiting for his plagues to fully envelope the world so he could emerge and grab the laurels. Today you think Sven’s planning to release another wave?”
“Uh huh.” She let out a deep breath. “And what if the next wave is worse than the first?” Her now sad eyes shifted from Pete to their son.
Pete hesitated. “Then we’re facing global starvation. I mean the global strife already has cost the world hundreds of millions of people this past year.”
“Part of the Malthusian plan.”
“But remember, when people riot or die, it’s not because of you.”
“Trying to cheer me?” She stood with Connor in her arms, and kissed Pete on the cheek. “Not working!” Her slight smile betrayed the facetious comment.
Anna laid a satiated Connor into the bassinette, then straightened her blouse. “I have to say, your idea about investing in a greenhouse franchise is brilliant. It helps solve a local problem and it’ll keep me busy”—a brow lifted—“maybe more than you’ll like.”
“Babe, a very high-tech, computerized food growing operation is perfect for you.” He took her hand and led her to the sofa. They sat down and his arm wrapped around her.
“Just so you’re clear. I’m the silent partner who’ll run it, but the public sees your face.”
“I’m sure the university won’t have a problem with it.” His head cocked. “By the way, do you have a green thumb? In France, you had a beautiful yard and planters full of flowers.”
Anna laughed. “I really don’t know. I always told Maulana what to plant and where.”
Pete smiled. “Ahhhh, finally, something you’re not an expert at.”
“Well, I’ve got some ideas for the greenhouse.” Turning on her iPad, she brought up a file and scrolled through pictures. “I want to preserve local plants and flowers before Fuzz and lower CO2 suffocate them.”
“You think flowers are essential if the world is running out of food?” Pete’s brow furrowed.
Her hand waved to the numerous vases of flowers in the great room. “Absolutely! They’re necessary for the spirit.”
“Okay then. It’s your decision. What else have you been up to today, or dare I ask?”
Her pitch lowered as she leaned forward. “I’ve been going over Sven’s old file and have wracked my brain for conversational snippets, trying to figure out where he might have holed up, adjusted to locations that would allow him to prepare for another attack.” Her smile widened.
His brow lifted at her sudden intensity. “You found something?”
“Maybe, but it’s a long shot. Eleven years ago when he was totally frustrated with his first employer, he had a brochure on his desk for a vacation...and, Pete, he never took vacations! I overhead him talking about a once-in-a-lifetime trip. He even considered moving there someday.”
“Where was it?”
“Chile. More specifically, he was enthralled with a place called Chiloé Island.”
Pete pondered the name. “Sounds familiar. There’s a big whale project there, called—”
“The Alfaguara Project.”
“How in the world did you remember that?”
“Easy. It reminds me of the car...I used to have.” She made a pouty look. “Now I drive a mommy-van.”
“With all-wheel-drive, I might add!”
“Right...still handles like a truck.... Anyway, it’s named after the blue whale and is run by the Cetacean Conservation Center.”
“I remember now.... It’s working on developing innovative marine conservation proposals to protect the area’s biodiversity and guarantee sustainable development.... There’s also a seaweed growing project for biofuel.... How would we know he’s there?”
“Research...and possibly sending someone down there.”
Pete recognized that mischievous expression when one corner of her mouth turned up. “But not you!”
Her eyes turned steely. “Someone needs to find him. And only then can we figure out what he did and, perhaps,
what he may be planning.”
He was just as stern. “The authorities can do that!”
“Who, Pete? There are no charges pending. No one’s really looking for him. It’s not as if we can publicly disclose what we know. The government doesn’t even want to acknowledge their complicity in giving companies carte blanche to solve the CO2 increase. Why would they want Sven public? The world enabled him; I enabled him. And it could be a year before they wake up to the disaster. I mean, you and I know what’s likely to happen, but for many others it’s just speculation. And Pete?”
“Yes?” he asked warily.
“You and I both know I have to do this!” Anna’s hands were on her hips – she was determined. “Honey, this is part of the deal you and the committee struck with me last month. To mitigate the damage, I contribute research and help in implementation.”
“That’s not the kind of implementation....” When her arms crossed, he sighed at the futility of argument, and pondered his next move. “As much as I don’t want to admit it, yes. I know you feel you need to even the score.”
Her arms unfolded and her hand touched his arm. “I’m not so naïve that I don’t know you’re worried about me. My melancholy isn’t as bad as before our son was born. And it’s lessened further since I’ve been active with the committee, even if I haven’t had a chance to meet in person. The proposed greenhouse operation is a big help. I’m getting to be part of the solution.”
“Assuming I would even consider such an idea”—he exhaled heavily—“do you have a plan?”
She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss on his pursed lips. “Good. I’m glad you concur I should go!” Her smile contrasted with his grimace. “Yes, I did some cross-checking.” She pulled out notebooks with written lists, currency transactions, notations, line-outs, and swirls.
“You doodle?”
She looked a little embarrassed. “Sometimes when I’m pondering an idea. But that’s off the point. I found credit card expenditures from his former operations manager, Eric Thames. Sven had authorized a $5 million bonus for him just after they had completed their mischief. Eric and his wife went on an extended world trip, but on September 28th, they went off the grid.... Guess where?”
“Chile?” he grimaced.
“Thailand.”
“That’s not Chile.”
“No, but then four weeks later, someone used his wife’s Hyatt Hotel frequent guest card in Valparaiso, Chile.”
“Gotta love the need to keep points.”
She added cheerfully, “I also looked at the Agenda 21 people and where they had their operations. I cross-checked them against the most radical and financially well-off environmentalists who advocate severely reducing human population – the neo-Malthusians. There are a couple of them down there. They’re wealthy and politically powerful. If Sven moved to Chile, I strongly suspect he hooked up with one or more. And if he’s there, I’ll bet Eric is with him.”
“Why?”
“Eric was a true believer and idolized Sven. As another workaholic, Eric may have gotten bored with the traveling.”
“How much money does Sven have?” Pete asked.
“He managed to siphon off a considerable chunk from Snath Genetics before he disappeared.”
“And you know this...how?”
“I...um...logged into the company server.”
“Snath Genetics? You have access?!”
“Only part...financials and administration. The research was wisely kept off the Intranet for security. Being completely disconnected is the only real way to ensure cybersecurity, and that means no connected telephone lines, no wireless, no file swapping. And I heard the memory of the research computers was wiped clean when he left.”
“How did you get into their computer?” Her mischievous look gave him the answer. “Were any of those USB flash drives you brought back also hacker tools?”
She glanced up and to the right. “Maybe...”
“And that explains the stop in Denver,” he added testily.
Now meeting his stare, she flashed her long eyelashes and smiled. “Don’t worry, among my many computers, I have a laptop I use only for...surreptitious activity.”
Pete sighed. “I’m afraid to ask what you’re doing when I’m not looking. Okay, so what did he take?”
She grinned. “Including the research files and samples, about $50 million.”
His eyes widened. “Wow, that’ll take care of his lifestyle...forever.”
“It would, and that’s on top of the $2 million annual salary and big bonuses. Figure he has about $80 million. But he actually lived a simpler lifestyle than me. Sure, we got him an expensive apartment, but I could tell it exceeded his tastes. He’s an adrenalin addict—”
“Like you.”
“More so.” She flashed a smile. “Remember, I lived for the game—”
“To manipulate society.”
“Yeah.... Creation’s his passion. He’s more likely to put his money into a project. And if it’s grand, he may need more.”
“So you think some Malthusian bigwig may have adopted him to further plunge the CO2 level and decimate humanity?”
“It would have to be a neo-Malthusian, and yes, it’s possible. It would explain how he’s been able to stay off the grid.”
His eyes narrowed. “There’s a difference in Malthusians?”
“Actually, yes. A traditional Malthusian is concerned about sustainable populations. A neo-Malthusian is more concerned about the environmental degradation too many humans create...it’s a minor point but it did help me categorize prospective sponsors.” She picked up a sheet of paper with nine names, two of which were highlighted. “There are two neos down there.”
She pointed to one of the highlights. “And one is extremely wealthy and outspoken...but he’s been real quiet the past year.”
“What does the number column represent?”
“Net assets rounded to the nearest million.” She partly grinned as he whistled in amazement. “Anyway, it would take someone poking around to uncover Sven. Here’s what I was thinking...”
Half an hour later she had flipped the last document. One manila envelope remained closed.
“That plan’s dangerous,” he cautioned.
“There’s nothing risky about looking around. Sven’s not violent. It would be just a family traveling on vacation, and Pete? It rains...a lot! Even more than here. We’ll probably be wearing raincoats with big floppy hoods everywhere. Look, I know spycraft, you know the science. I’m fluent in Spanish. We find out if he’s there, what he’s doing, build a case, then anonymously get the authorities hyped up about it. Remember, we have that letter from the FBI director. And Pete?”
“Yes?” he asked warily.
“There’s an awards ceremony next week hosted by the Fundación Cultura y Sociedad.
“The Culture and Society Foundation?”
“Yes. Its mission is to promote environmental projects launched by its founder, the former Chilean president. That would make for a good excuse to be there. It’s in Puerto Montt, the main city next to Chiloé Island. It fits your credentials.”
“Have you always been this good at thinking on the fly?” he asked with absolute amazement.
“I landed you, didn’t I?” she said with great affection.
“That you did! Hook, line, and sinker...plus electroshock, zip ties, and mind-numbing drugs.”
“Hey! I thought you were over that!” She made a fake pout.
His hand lovingly held her shoulder. “I was...the very next day. Then I couldn’t get over you!” His index finger traced the long path on the flight map. “You really want to travel twelve hours with a two-month-old infant?”
“Fifteen.... In first class it shouldn’t be so bad. Look, when I go jogging with the off-road stroller, Connor never complains. He loves the movement and vibrations the knobby tires make. I’m up to eight klicks now at a pretty good clip. We listen to music, and sometimes I sing. International trave
ling would be tough, but doable.” She grinned and added, “But I’ve got an idea on that.”
His eyebrow lifted.“There’s that look again.” He sighed. “Okay, let’s hear it.”
She chuckled. “We could use a sidekick.”
His eyes widened. “You want to bring Mac?”
“Sure. Why not?” Her hand rested on his arm. “I bet she’d love to do it. How often has she traveled to South America?” she asked rhetorically. “Besides, we’re friends. She even got me to volunteer at the rape crisis center a couple times.”
“True. She thinks of you as the wild sister she didn’t get with Paula, though I’m not quite sure why.”
“Dealing with rape victims was a little tough for me. I had to hold back.”
“Why?”
“She knew I wanted to teach the girls how to take revenge.”
Pete’s eyes narrowed.
Her smile was mirthful. “But I was a good girl. I kept my opinions private.... I enjoy having her around. She can be the nanny. Think how great the cover would be.” She leaned forward. “And Pete?”
His brow lifted. “Yes, Dear?”
“We’ll need to stop in Santiago first.”
Seeing Anna’s widening grin, Pete’s brow lifted. “Why?”
“So Mac and I can go shopping.”
“You know something...you never seem happier than when you’re in mission mode.”
Her hand gently stroked his arm, and her long eyelashes fluttered in a come-hither look. She purred, “That’s when I’m second happiest.” Her hand slid down to his and she stood. “Come, let me sweeten the deal.”
They were in robes three hours later. Anna sat across Pete’s lap with her arm around him, his large office chair accommodating both.
Pete put the VoIP phone back on the desk. “I’m not surprised Mac screamed with excitement. She loves traveling. She just hadn’t taken the time to do much, and this is on our dime. Being an elementary teacher only gives her the summer off, which coincidentally, just started.... But you knew her schedule, didn’t you?”