by J. D. Robb
She'd been kept in dirty rooms, often in the dark. Denied food. Denied companionship.
But a silk-lined cage, she thought, was still a cage.
She eyed one of the vending machines. She needed a hit, but there was no one around to run interference between her and the evil machine. She studied it, jingling loose credits in her pocket.
She'd nearly cracked when she heard footsteps. Instead, she settled at one of the colorful tables and waited.
The kid was a beauty. Gleaming dark hair, deep, dark eyes. Her facc would fine down more, Eve supposed, lose some of the roundness of youth. She wasn't quite gangly, but was closing in on that stage.
«Diana, this is Lieutenant Dallas.»
«Good afternoon, Lieutenant.»
Eve dug out the credits. «Hey, kid, why don't you get us something to drink. Whatever you want. I'll have a Pepsi. Doctor?»
«I'm fine, thank you.»
At least someone else had a foreign entity up her butt, Eve thought.
«I have academic and athletic credit,» Diana said as she approached Vending. «I'm happy to use them for our drinks. Diana Rodriguez,» she said to the machine. «Blue Level 505. One Pepsi and one orange fizzy please. I have a guest.»
Good afternoon, Diana. Request granted. Your credits will be deducted.
«Would you like a glass and ice, Lieutenant Dallas?»
«No, just the tube, thanks.»
Diana brought both tubes to the table, sat, her movements neat and efficient. «Dr. Mira said you needed to speak to me about what happened to Ms. Samuels.»
«That's right. Do you know what happened to Ms. Samuels?»
«She was killed.» Her voice remained polite, without a single tremor of upset or excitement. «Her personal assistant, Abigail, found her dead in her private quarters at about eleven-thirty this morning. Abigail was very upset, and she screamed. I was on the stairs, and I saw her run out and scream. Everything was very confused for a while, then the police came.»
«What were you doing on the stairs?»
«We'd made soufflés earlier today in culinary science. I had a question I wanted to ask my instructor.»
«You were nearby earlier that morning, and spoke with Ms. Samuels.»
«Yes, that was when I was leaving culinary science for my next class, Philosophy. Ms. Samuels was greeting a guest in the great hall.»
«Did you know the guest?»
«I'd never met her before.» Diana paused, took a small, tidy sip of her drink. «Ms. Samuels introduced her as Mrs. Frost, and said that Mrs. Frost was interested in sending her daughter to Brookhollow.»
«Did Mrs. Frost speak to you?»
«Yes, Lieutenant. I said that I was sure her daughter would enjoy attending Brookhollow. She said thank you.»
«That's it?»
«Yes, ma'am.»
«I was looking at the security discs, and it seemed to me that there was more. Both you and Ms. Frost looked back at each other as you walked away.»
«Yes, ma'am,» Diana said without hesitation, her dark eyes level and clear. «I was a little embarrassed that she caught me looking. It isn't polite. But I thought she was pretty, and I liked her hair.»
«Did you know her?»
«I'd never met her before today.»
«That's not what I asked. Did you know her, Diana?»
«I don't know Mrs. Frost.»
Eve sat back. «You're smart.»
«I have an intelligence quotient of one hundred eighty-eight, with a nine point six on the practical application scale and a ten-point comprehension. My problem-solving scale rate is also ten.»
«I just bet. If I told you I know this school isn't what it pretends to be, what would you say?»
«What is it pretending to be?»
«Innocent.»
Something flickered over Diana's face. «When a human trait or emotion is applied to an inanimate object, it poses an interesting query. Is it the human element that expresses that trait or emotion, or can an object itself hold that trait or emotion?»
«Yeah, you're smart. Has anyone hurt you?»
«No, Lieutenant.»
«Do you know of anyone else here at Brookhollow who's been hurt: »
There was the slightest sparkle in those careful eyes. «Ms. Samuels. She was killed, and I assume it hurt.»
«How do you feel about that? About Ms. Samuels being murdered.»
«Murder is illegal and immoral. And I wonder who will run Brookhollow now.»
«Where are your parents?»
«They live in Argentina.»
«Do you want to call them?»
«No, ma'am. If it's necessary, someone from the school will contact them.»
«Do you want to leave Brookhollow?»
For the first time, Diana hesitated. «I think my… mother will decide if I'm to stay or go.»
«Do you want to leave?»
«I'd like to be with her, when she thinks it's right.»
Eve leaned forward. «Do you understand I'm here to help you?»
«I believe you're here to do your sworn duty.»
«I'll help you get out.»
«Eve,» Mira interrupted.
«I will help her get out. Look at me, Diana. Look at me. You're smart, and you know if I say I'll do it, I'll find a way. If you're straight with me, you'll walk out of here with me today, and never have to come back.»
There were tears, just a glimmer of them, but they never fell. Then her eyes were dry. «My mother will tell me when it's time for me to leave.»
«Do you know Deena Flavia?»
«I don't know anyone by that name.»
«Icove.»
«Dr. Wilfred B. Icove was one of the founders of Brookhollow. The Icove family is one of our biggest benefactors.»
«You know what happened to them?»
«Yes, Lieutenant. We had a small service in our chapel yesterday to honor them. It's a terrible tragedy.»
«Do you know why it happened to them?»
«It would be impossible for me to know the reason they were killed.»
«I know why. I want to make it stop. The person who killed the Icoves and Ms. Samuels wants to make it stop, too. But her way is wrong. Killing is wrong.»
«In wartime killing is necessary and encouraged. In some cases it's considered heroic.»
«Don't play games with me,» Eve said impatiently. «Even if she considers it a war, she can't get them all. But I can stop it. I can make it stop. Where do they make you?»
«I don't know. Will you destroy us?»
«No. Jesus.» Eve reached over, gripped Diana's hands. «No. Do they tell you that? Is that one of the ways to keep you here, keep you in line?»
«No one will believe you. No one will believe me. I'm just a little girl.» She smiled when she said it, and looked ageless.
«I believe you. Dr. Mira believes you.»
«Others—higher authorities, or smaller minds—if they believe, they'll destroy or lock away. Life's important; I want to keep mine. I want to go now, back with the other girls. Please.»
«I'll stop the tests, the training.»
«I believe you. But I can't help you. May I be excused?»
«All right. Go on.»
Diana rose. «I don't know where I began,» she said. «I don't remember anything before the age of five.»
«Could it be here?»
«I don't know. I hope she does. Thank you, Lieutenant.»
«I'll take her back.» Mira got to her feet. «Would you like me to bring in another student?»
«No. I want whoever's next in line of authority. Vice president.»
«Ms. Sisler,» Diana told Eve. «Or Ms. Montega.»
Eve nodded, had gestured Mira to take Diana out, when her communicator beeped. «Dallas, what've you got?»
«You alone?» Feeney asked.
«Yeah, for the moment.»
«I got enough of a match on the driver's ear, left hand, profile to just squeak by getting a
warrant on Avril Icove.»
«Son of a bitch. Avril Icove was seen by numerous people, including Louise and Roarke, at the same time. Going to be an interesting interview. Wrap it up, haul it in. We're going to organize a full search, cooperating with the locals. I need you heading that. We'll get droids from our house to maintain the security of the operation. I'll leave you McNab, but I need Peabody. Tag Reo, give her what you've got and have her arrange the warrant. I'm going to pick up our suspect.»
17
It took time, and she chafed at it. Time to requisition, receive, and program a team of search droids that Feeney could oversee. Time to do the diplomacy dance with the locals. Time to wait while Reo argued her way into a warrant.
«Questioning as possible witness to a crime,» Reo said. «That's the best you're going to get with Feeney's partial match. Particularly given that Avril Icove gave a live screen interview at the WBI Center at eleven this morning to Nadine Furst, as part of a three-part series of one-on-ones. Furst sure as hell ropes them in. You can pull Avril Icove in for questioning, but you're not going to get an arrest warrant.»
«I'll take what I can get.»
Peabody came up at a half-jog. «No progress on the suspect or the vehicle. No name match on any of the known names she's used on any transport, public or private. Had a number of privates, and was able to eliminate all but three. None to New York, city or state, but we've got privates to Buenos Aires, Argentina, Chicago, and Rome, Italy. Icove property or facilities in each location.»
«Argentina. Shit.» Eve yanked out her communicator, keyed in her notes, and contacted Whitney. «Sir, I need International Relations. I believe Rodriguez, Hector, and Cruz, Magdalene, listed as Diana Rodriguez's parents, may be in immediate danger. The probability is high that Deena is there, or en route. I need the locals to put them in protective custody.»
«This widens to international, we won't be able to keep our grip on it for long.»
«I don't think I'll need long. I'm bringing Avril Icove in for questioning.»
It was after eight P.M. when Eve approached the Icove residence. The house was dark but for the security lights.
«Maybe she's at the beach house. Or she's grabbed the kids and gone rabbit.»
«I don't think so.» Eve pressed the bell, produced her badge foe the security plate. The same do-not-disturb message relayed, and she countermanded.
The household droid answered. «Lieutenant Dallas, Detective Peabody. Mrs. Icove and the children are in seclusion and don't wish to be disturbed. I'm to ask if your business can wait until morning.»
«It can't. Tell Mrs. Icove to come down.»
«As you wish. Will you step into the living room?»
«Not this time. Just get her.»
The droid started up the stairs, and Avril started down. Household security cameras, Eve thought. She'd watched and heard.
«Lieutenant, Detective. You have some news on the investigation?»
«I have a legal writ requiring you to accompany me to Central for questioning.»
«I don't understand.»
«We have reason to believe you were a witness to a homicide morning at Brookhollow Academy.»
«I've been in New York all day. My father-in-law's memorial.»
«Yeah, interesting how that works. We've identified Deena Flavia. I spoke with Diana Rodriguez personally. Yeah, that gives you a little jolt,» Eve observed when Avril visibly jerked back. «I've got enough to start blowing the schools, the Center, and several other facilities wide open. And when I do, I'm going to find more, enough to arrest you and Flavia on multiple counts of conspiracy to murder. But for now, Mrs. Icove, you're a witness. We're going downtown to talk about it.»
«My children. They're resting. It's been a hideous day for them.»
«I bet it has. If you're not comfortable leaving them with their care droid, I can arrange for a representative from Child Protection—«
«No! No,» she said more calmly. «I'll leave instructions with the household. I'm entitled to contact someone, aren't I?»
«You're entitled to ask for and receive a lawyer or representative or to contact the representative of your choosing. That party can demand to verify the writ, and be present during interview.»
«I'll need a moment to contact someone, to see to my children's welfare.»
She went to the 'link first, ordered privacy mode, turned her back. Her voice remained at a murmur throughout. When she clicked off, turned, the fear on her face was gone.
She brought all three droids in, giving specific and detailed instructions on what to do should either or both of the children wake, what they were to be told. The do-not-disturb was to go on and remain on until she countermanded.
«It's important that my representatives meet me here, and that we all go in together. Can you indulge me an hour?»
«Why is that?»
«I'll answer your questions. You have my word.» Avril linked her fingers together, seemed to dig for calm. «You think you know, but you don't. An hour isn't so long to wait, and it may be less than that. In any case, I'd very much like to change, then to look in on the children before we go.»
«All right. Peabody.»
«I'll go with you, Mrs. Icove.»
Alone, Eve used the time to check in with Feeney.
«In a lab now, attached to a kind of clinic. They're billing it as an in-house treatment, evaluation, and teaching center. How they monitor the kids' health, well-being, nutritional index, and give instruction on medical shit. Treat minor injuries here, have sims for students. Got six medical staff, rotating, and two med-droids on, twenty-four/seven. Place is equipped with all the latest. So much latest I've never seen, some of it before. I'm working on the data centers and scanners. It's early yet, but it's looking like students are required to have weekly exams.»
«Extreme, but not illegal.»
«Give me time,» Feeney promised.
She moved from him to Roarke, who had made it home. «I'm going to be really late.»
«I suspected as much. With my absolute confidence in you, I'm wagering you'll close this by morning, then be entitled to—and willing to—take at least a few hours personal.»
«For what?»
«Mad sex would be nice, but as some of my relations will be here tomorrow afternoon—«
«Tomorrow. It's not Thanksgiving tomorrow.» Was it?
«No, but it's the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and they'll be staying a few days. As we discussed.»
«Yeah, but we didn't discuss Wednesday, specifically, right?»
«You didn't even know tomorrow was Wednesday.»
«Beside the point. I'll shake some time loose if I can. Right now, I've got a big, fat mess waiting to crap all over me.»
«You've had the shittiest imagery going lately. Still, it might perk you up to know I've got a line on more of the money.»
«Why didn't you say so in the first place? Where—«
«Darling, of course, you're welcome. Don't think a thing about the fact I've been wracking my brain over this little chore.»
«Jeez. Okay, thanks. Kiss, kiss. Gimme.»
«I adore you. There are times I don't comprehend why, but still, I adore you. There's what you could call a funnel leading out of Brookhollow, and—«
«Out of the school? They used the schools to disburse funds? Forget kiss, kiss. This plays out, I'll screw you blind and deaf, first op.»
«That sounds lovely, I'll check my schedule. Meanwhile, yes, they've used the school to wash the funds, then funnel it out to various accounts, under various nonprofit organizations—including Unilab— set up—«
«Nonprofit?» She did a little victory dance. «I'll wear costumes, your choice.»
«Well now, that is interesting. I've always had a little yen for—«
«We'll talk about it later. Document it, get me every little detail you can manage. If I can show they used the school for laundering unreported income, channeling it into nonpr
ofits, I can use RICO, tax fraud, all manner of juicy stuff, and have those schools shut down whether or not we find anything wonky on premises.»
«You'll have to hand it to Federal.»
«I won't give a rat's ass. You know how long it would take to ferret out every facility where they might be doing this work, aspects of this work, moving girls out? But you cut off the funding, you cut off the work. I gotta go, somebody's coming to the door. Might be Avril's rep. I'll get back to you.»
She started toward the door with a little spring in her step. She could see how it could work, nearly all the way through.
Then she heard the security green light go on. She drew her weapon as the front door opened.
And held it steady even as her heart gave a little thud.
Two women stood just beyond the threshold. They were identical— face, hair, body. Even down to clothes and jewelry.
Both gave her a slow, sober smile. «Lieutenant Dallas, we're Avril Icove,» they said together.
«Hands behind your heads, turn and face the wall.»
«We're unarmed,» they said.
«Hands behind your heads,» Eve repeated levelly. «Turn and face the wall.»
They obeyed, their movements in synch. Eve took out her communicator. «Peabody, secure the witness. Bring her down now.»
«On our way.»
Eve patted each of them down. Weird, she thought, to feel exactly the same shape, the same textures.
«We've come to answer your questions,» the one on the right told her.
«We'll waive the right to an attorney at this time.» Both glanced over their shoulders. «We'll give you full cooperation.»
«That'll be peachy.»
They glanced up, toward the stairs, and each smiled.
«Oh wow.» Peabody's voice had a kick that was both shock and excitement. «Surreal Town.»
Eve waited while the woman with Peabody took her place with the others. «Which one of you is Avril Icove of this address?»
«We are Avril Icove. We're the same.»
«Yeah.» Eve cocked her head. «This is going to be some party. In.» She gestured to the living area. «Sit. Quiet.»