Not Zach. He was her protector, and he’d saved her life more than once. She owed him her gratitude and appreciation. But what about Ian? What motive would he have?
She thought of Quin’s files. Was there something hidden that needed to be revealed? After she got home tomorrow, she’d unpack his office records and work her way through each scrap of information, looking for some clue as to why she was under attack. Until then, she needed to keep up her guard.
Zach took her arm and escorted her out of the room. Did she need to be on guard even around him?
* * *
“You need to eat,” Zach insisted, as they left the symposium.
“I’m not hungry.”
“Maybe not, but your body needs fuel, Ella. I would think a doctor would understand the importance of good nutrition. What would you tell a patient who refused to eat?”
“I’d tell them they wouldn’t get well without nourishment, but I’m not sick.”
“You’re running on empty, and you’ve been through a lot. Stress can wear a person down as much as illness.”
She sighed. “You’re right, of course.”
Stepping outside, Zach spied a sandwich shop on the next block. “Let’s head across the street. It won’t take long. Then we can catch a cab back to the hotel.”
“You don’t want to chance MARTA?”
“Do you?”
She shook her head. “A MARTA station is the last place I want to go.”
“Then we’ll take a taxi.”
They both ordered a pastrami on rye and sweet tea.
“I never thought a Yankee would like sweet tea,” Zach said with a laugh as she sipped from the chilled glass.
“And I wouldn’t think a guy who lives in the South would order pastrami.” Ella took another drink of tea and then asked, “So where’s home for you?”
“Wherever Uncle Sam sends me. But I grew up in Mobile, so you’re right about me being a Southern boy.”
“Without an accent.”
“I’ve moved around a lot in the military. Along the way, I dropped the drawl.”
They lingered over lunch, as if neither of them wanted to go back to the hotel. Tonight would be difficult for Ella, Zach felt sure. He’d noticed her tension during the medical address this afternoon. Something was bothering her, although she had yet to share what it could be.
Ella glanced at her watch. “It’s almost three o’clock. We need to head to the hotel. The director invited us to a gathering of the research team in her suite, starting at 5:00 p.m. I’m not overly enthused about going, but I appreciate Nancy’s thoughtfulness, and I need to attend.” She looked at Zach. “You’ll go with me?”
“Of course.” He smiled and grabbed her hand, which was resting on the table. He’d intended the gesture to be a source of comfort, assuring her of his support and willingness to stand by her no matter where she needed to go.
But something happened as their palms touched. He felt it as surely as he felt the chair he was sitting on. A spark, an electric current, a jolt of power passed between them.
From the way Ella raised her gaze and inhaled sharply, it seemed she noticed it, as well. They sat, fingers entwined, as if time had stopped to give them this brief moment of connection.
Then their waitress interrupted them with the check. Ella hastily withdrew her hand while Zach paid the bill. He asked the server for the number of a local taxi service and made the call as soon as she provided it.
“Thanks for a delicious lunch,” Ella said as they walked outside.
The serenity of their leisurely meal quickly evaporated as cars whizzed past them on the busy street. Zach moved protectively in front of Ella and kept his eyes peeled for anything that might look suspicious. A late model sports car carrying three older teens with long hair, tattoos and body piercings drove past. The bass on the vehicle’s sound system thumped in the afternoon air.
Zach watched them pass and turn the corner. When they circled by again, he told Ella to step inside the restaurant, while he walked to the curb and stared at the driver.
The kid behind the wheel glared back before stomping on the accelerator and laying a black streak of rubber on the asphalt. Zach watched the car disappear from sight.
Relieved to see the punks drive off, he searched the block and focused on a man leaning against a storefront on the opposite side of the street. He had a folded newspaper under his arm, but made no attempt to read it. Instead, he pursed his lips and eyed Zach until the cab pulled to the curb.
Ella hurried from the sandwich shop and crawled into the rear seat. Before Zach slipped in next to her, he glanced again at the man across the street, who continued to stare at them.
“Do you know that guy?” Ella asked as Zach entered the cab.
“I’ve never seen him before. How about you?”
“No clue who he is or why he was watching us.”
Watching you, Zach wanted to say, but he didn’t need to alarm Ella any more.
The guy was midfifties, five-eleven, give or take an inch, probably 180 pounds, dressed in a flannel shirt and jeans. No reason to consider him a threat to Ella, except after what had happened, Zach didn’t trust anyone. Not when her life was at stake. Everyone was suspicious, and everyone was a potential killer out to do her harm.
SIXTEEN
Ella hadn’t expect Zach to look so handsome in his dress blue uniform. At some point, he had told her that CID special agents wore civilian clothes when working an investigation so that rank wouldn’t interfere with any interrogations or questioning. She had thought the uniform rule would apply to their time in Atlanta, as well.
Instead he stood at her hotel room door looking bigger than life and twice as handsome as she remembered, even though they’d parted less than two hours ago.
“Blue becomes you,” she said, struggling to find something to say that wouldn’t give away the explosive emotions playing havoc with her heart.
“I hope you don’t mind me wearing my uniform.”
“I think it’s the perfect attire.”
He smiled and then dropped his gaze, as if taking in the little black cocktail dress she wore.
“I should have brought a bouquet of flowers to present to the beautiful woman who graced me with her presence tonight. As we often say around the office, you’ve made my day.”
She laughed. “Is that a compliment?”
“Why, yes, ma’am, that’s definitely a compliment, but if you have any doubts, let me rephrase my statement.”
His eyes twinkled, making him look even more alluring.
“Dr. Jacobsen, you look stunning, and I’m humbled and honored to be escorting you this evening. If you’re ready, ma’am?” He extended his arm.
She locked hers with his and laughed, feeling a burst of excitement that displaced her apprehension. Earlier she had fretted about what the night would bring, but Zach made her feel special and attractive. Something she hadn’t felt for a very long time.
They walked arm in arm to the elevator and rode to the penthouse. “I’m more relaxed,” she admitted. “The danger has passed, at least for tonight.”
Zach nodded, although his eyes told a different story. He was still on guard and worried about her safety. He squeezed her hand as the elevator doors opened and they headed to the director’s suite.
“Stay close.” He tapped on the door. “If you feel threatened in any way, just tell me you’re tired. That will be our code, and we’ll leave immediately.” He stared into her eyes. “Understand?”
She nodded as the door opened. The director glanced at Ella and then Zach, and hesitated for an instant before she invited them in. “Welcome. I’m so glad you both could join us this evening.”
They followed her into the living room of the massive suite, where a n
umber of people were gathered around a large table covered with trays of hors d’oeuvres.
“Tell the bartender what you and Ella would like to drink,” Nancy said to Zach.
“Club soda with a twist of lime for me,” Ella said.
“Make that two,” he told the bartender.
Ross Underwood approached. “So glad you and Zach could be with us.”
“I’m grateful Nancy included us.” Ella accepted the drink Zach handed her. “You know Special Agent Swain.”
Ross stuck out his hand. “The director said the general at Fort Rickman is interested in the health of the Amish children near your military post.”
“General Cameron is interested in fostering good relations with all our civilian neighbors.”
“Which I didn’t expect from the military.” The researcher turned abruptly back to Ella. “I hope you found the director’s announcements today to be encouraging. She said you’d had twin patients with the same symptoms.”
Ella nodded. “I called some months ago, when the children first came in for an evaluation. I wanted to ensure that Quin’s treatment protocol, the one he established, was still the treatment of choice. Nancy said it was.”
“How are the girls faring?”
“The results have been quite startling and so encouraging. With proper management, they should have a normal childhood and productive lives. Nancy said you’re leading the team. Congratulations.” The position Quin had held, although Ella didn’t need to state what they both knew.
“Nancy encouraged me to take over after Quin’s untimely death,” Ross explained. “You know how upset I was. His were big shoes to fill, and of course, the work is never the result of any one person, but rather the efforts of the entire group.”
A tap-tap-tap sounded at the door, and Ian Webb entered. He waved to the director, patted Ross on the back and then extended his hand to Ella and Zach. “Good to see you both again.”
“We were just discussing Quin’s contribution to the team.” Ross brought the newcomer into the conversation.
“Your husband was a dedicated researcher,” Ian told Ella.
“He loved his work, although something has troubled me.” She stepped closer to both men and lowered her voice. “Quin had been upset shortly before his death because of some results he’d received. He said three sets of twins were involved.”
Ross frowned thoughtfully. “We only had one set of twins as I recall, the Zook children.” He looked with questioning eyes at Ella. “Are you referring to this study or to something earlier?”
“The last study Quin worked on. Surely you remember the twins. Quin kept pictures of the children in his office.”
She turned to Ian. “Do you remember them?”
“I’d have to check my notes.”
“Ross?” Nancy motioned to him from across the table.
“Excuse me for a minute.”
Ian reached for a cracker from a tray, scooped up a large dollop of dip and popped it into his mouth. Soon afterward, his eyes widened and he reached for a second cracker.
“The dip’s fantastic,” he said. “A cream cheese base, garlic, onion, a dash or two of Tabasco and something else that I can’t identify.”
“It looks good.” Zach grabbed a cracker. “I’ll give it a try.”
“The chef calls it a seafood spread,” the bartender said as he handed Ian the glass of wine he had requested.
Ian turned to Ella. “Aren’t you allergic to some type of seafood? Was it shrimp?”
She nodded. “Crab, but I stay away from shellfish of any kind.”
“Then don’t follow my lead,” he insisted. “Nancy left the menu details to her secretary, who probably didn’t know about your allergy.”
Zach dropped the cracker he’d loaded with dip onto a cocktail napkin and reached for a piece of cheddar cheese instead.
Ella noticed the switch. “You don’t like seafood?” she asked.
“My mother was allergic to shrimp. The doctor told me I could inherit her sensitivity. I’ve never been tested, so I just stay away from anything that comes from the sea.”
Ian’s brow furrowed. “You don’t know whether you’re allergic?”
Zach shrugged. “You don’t miss what you’ve never had.”
“Exactly right, my good man. Plus if you don’t eat the dip, it leaves more for me.” Ian laughed heartily as he fixed another cracker.
Nancy tapped her wineglass with a spoon, getting everyone’s attention. “I just want to say a few words of thanks to this wonderful team that has worked successfully and achieved an amazing breakthrough in medical science.”
She glanced about the room at the twenty or so scientists and guests who crowded around the table. “Your hard work and persistence even when the results weren’t always positive, especially early on, made the difference.” She glanced at Ella. “We lost a strong member of the team, and his death may have encouraged all of us to work harder.”
Ella’s cheeks burned.
“Each life is important, and the children who are being helped would not have survived without Quin’s hard work and the treatment protocol he established.”
The director glanced at the people gathered in the room. Pride was evident in her gaze. “Join me in a toast to the Amish Project. May this lead us to new breakthroughs, so even more children can enjoy healthy, productive lives.” She raised her glass. “To the research center and the successful completion of this project. May we never stop working for the betterment of mankind and the health of children, especially Amish children.”
Everyone raised their glasses. Shouts of “Hear, hear!” echoed around the room.
Ross held his glass up again. “Join me in a toast to Quin Jacobsen and his significant contribution to the Amish Project.”
Touched by Ross’s thoughtfulness, Ella raised her glass. Zach stood next to her and followed suit. “To Quin Jacobsen.”
“And now,” the director said, “we need to proceed to the main ballroom to welcome our guests. As you know, the monies raised at this dinner will help cover the cost of care for many of our patients who lack insurance. The revenue will pay for their treatment and medication. Join me in welcoming the guests and thanking them for their contributions to our Healing Fund.”
As the scientists finished their drinks and headed for the door, Ross approached Ella. “I am glad you’re here today. I’m sure Quin would be honored, as well.”
“Thank you for the toast, Ross. That was gracious and kind.”
“I always admired Quin. He had a great mind and a gift for getting to the heart of a problem and finding a solution in a timely manner.”
“Your words bring me comfort.” Ella smiled with appreciation. “I’m grateful.”
She and Zach took the elevator down to the third floor. They found their names on the seating chart posted outside the ballroom. They had been placed at one of the head tables, with some of the researchers. Ella was glad to see that Ian Webb would be with them.
Looking around the ballroom, she took in the ornate chandeliers and lovely flower arrangements. Many ladies wore flowing dresses, some decorated with sequins that glittered in the candlelight from the tables.
“Everyone looks so beautiful,” she told Zach as guests streamed into the ballroom. The men were handsomely dressed, but no one looked as dashing as he did.
“You’re the most beautiful woman here, Ella.”
Surprised by Zach’s comment, she felt her cheeks flush, although deep down, she was pleased by the compliment. Swept up in the moment as she was, the MARTA incident and break-in at her clinic seemed long ago.
“May I get you something to drink?” he asked.
“I’m fine. Just enjoying the grandeur.”
“And I’m enjoying you. Should we consid
ered this a date, even though you asked me?” His lips twitched with mischief.
She widened her eyes. “You told me you were accompanying me to Atlanta.”
“Should I have stayed in Freemont?”
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m very glad you’re here.”
Catching sight of a familiar face, she poked Zach’s arm and pointed to the door. “Look who just entered the ballroom.”
Zach’s eyes flicked over the guests until he saw someone who made him pause. “The twins’ grandfather, Mr. Landers.”
“What’s he doing here?” she asked.
“I’m ready to find out. Wait here, Ella.”
She shook her head. “No, I’m going with you, Zach.”
The older gentlemen looked surprised when they approached him. “I didn’t expect to see either of you tonight,” he said as a curt greeting.
“Sir.” Ella extended her hand. Mr. Landers shook it and then Zach’s.
“My husband was involved in the research team that first identified CED, the disease your granddaughters have,” Ella explained. “I was invited because of my husband, and I asked Special Agent Swain to join me. How did you learn about the event?”
“Through the organization that raises money for children who can’t pay for their treatments. My wife made reservations some weeks ago to attend tonight’s dinner. Of course, with our daughter in the hospital, Lucy needed to stay with the girls. I’m here to make a contribution and to thank the research team.”
He lowered his gaze. “Seems I need to thank you, Dr. Jacobsen, for diagnosing the girls’ condition and for making me realize that I was wrong about Levi Miller.”
“In what way, Mr. Landers?”
“I’ve always had hard feelings toward the Amish because they didn’t accept me when I wanted to marry Lucy. It broke her heart to leave her family, but she did it because she loved me. Eventually, we moved to Freemont to be close to Amish folks, although I never made an effort to get to know any of them. And I was especially hateful toward Levi. I forbade Mary Kate from seeing him when she was a teen. I might have saved all of us a lot of heartache if I hadn’t been so bullheaded.”
Plain Truth (Military Investigations) Page 16