The Complete Makanza Series: Books 0-4

by Krista Street

  My eyes widened as my biggest rival stepped onto the platform. His heavy jowls jiggled when Rob shook his hand.

  When he turned toward me, malice glowed from his narrowed eyes. “Dr. Forester. We meet again.”

  My mouth refused to work as a grin spread across his face.

  12 – SURPRISE

  The cameras stopped as they went to a commercial break. It didn’t matter. I sat frozen in my chair. It was only my second face-to-face encounter with the senator—the first time being at the Summit in Washington D.C. last summer. At the Summit, the senator had sat in the audience and gloated over his ability to manipulate me during my speech.

  His presence now only reminded me of that awful encounter.

  My heart beat wildly, and my hands clenched into fists. The sharp edges of my nails cut into my palms.

  I had never been told that Senator Douglas would be joining us tonight. Rob Hansen certainly had plenty of opportunities to inform me, but he hadn’t.

  So, not surprisingly, Rob Hansen wasn’t helping matters now. He currently sat forward in his seat while talking to the Senator, ignoring me completely. Rob acted like nothing was remiss as they chatted easily. From how each joked and laughed, they seemed like old frat buddies who’d only just been reunited.

  I knew if Cate was watching the program she’d be as angry as me. I moved my hands to grip the chair arms tightly. My knuckles cracked from the force in which I dug into the wood.

  I’d been sabotaged on purpose.

  Rob had obviously chosen to leave me in the dark about Senator Douglas’ appearance. It was clear he had wanted to catch me unaware.

  My knuckles cracked again.

  A surprise like that was not only unprofessional but disrespectful. However, instead of my anxiety getting the best of me, I used the anger swirling inside of me as my focal point.

  I won’t let either of them win.

  Just as that thought solidified in my mind, the Senator turned to me. His jowls jiggled as his large potbelly strained against his suit. A giddy triumphant light shone in his irises. He knew he’d caught me unaware and unprepared, and that knowledge clearly delighted him.

  “Dr. Forester. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

  I smiled tightly. “It’s a pleasure to see you too, Senator.”

  “Sorry if my appearance is a surprise. I thought Rob would have told you.”

  Rob was busy having his nose powdered. Two makeup artists swarmed around him like bees at a honeycomb.

  My smile was so tight now it felt like my face would crack.

  “But since you’re the famous Dr. Meghan Forester, I’m sure you’ll be just fine explaining to the American people why you allowed a Kazzie to infect and kill that poor girl.”

  His insincere tone dripped with mock concern. And at that moment, something Cate said flashed through my mind. “The coroner said he was specifically instructed by the CEO of the hospital to not conduct the autopsy against the parent’s wishes.”

  It was like a lightbulb went off.

  Narrowing my eyes, I replied, “I think we both know the virus didn’t kill Zoe. Tell me, Senator, how did you convince the CEO of Chicago Children’s to interfere with Zoe Mathison’s autopsy? You do realize that interference is illegal since it breaches the Public Health Protection Act?”

  I held my breath as I waited for his response. I had no proof he was involved, but logic deemed he could have something to do with it.

  His smile disappeared.

  My heart hammered. Perhaps he does have something to do with it!

  The Senator’s gaze turned glacial when he said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I think you do.” My voice was so sweet it was honey.

  Heat crept up the Senator’s neck, causing his jowls to turn as crimson as a sunset. “You better watch what you say, little girl.”

  His threat was quiet. Deadly. I knew only I had heard it.

  Ignoring the shiver that threatened to wrack my body, I replied, “Threats won’t help you when the law comes knocking.”

  He sneered and leaned closer until I smelled his foul breath. “Neither will messing with someone who has my connections.”

  With a swift turn, he shifted back to face Rob just as the makeup crew hopped off the stage. Neither Rob nor the crew appeared to have heard the senator’s and my exchange. A large, fake smile spread across the Senator’s face.

  My heart pounded so hard, I thought I’d pass out.

  Keep it together, Meghan. If you faint now, the entire country will see.

  The Senator’s look and words said everything. I was now certain he was the reason Zoe’s autopsy had been delayed. Still, I had no proof.

  Without proof, he won’t be charged with anything.

  And if I was going to stop him from wreaking havoc on the fragile truce this country had begun to build with the Kazzies, I was going to have to find out how he was involved before he could use his political power to silence me, or worse, imprison my friends again.

  “And we’re back, thank you for joining us tonight as we continue our discussion with Dr. Meghan Forester, a prestigious scientist from the MRI, and Senator Douglas of Arkansas, a well-known opponent to the Kazzies’ release.” Rob’s voice boomed through the room. “If you’re just tuning in, we’ve been discussing Zoe Mathison’s death, the role the virus played in that, and where our country should go from here to ensure no further deaths occur.”

  Rob turned in his chair to face Senator Douglas. “Senator, tell me more about what you’ve learned regarding Zoe Mathison.”

  The senator puffed up in his chair, like a peacock strutting with his feathers out. “As you know, it’s been confirmed that poor, little Zoe became infected with Makanza after encountering a Kazzie. Her parents are devastated by their loss. She was their only daughter.”

  His words were so thick and full of remorse, that if I didn’t know him, I’d have believed he actually cared.

  Clearing my throat, I cut in just as Rob opened his mouth to reply. “But that doesn’t prove that Zoe died from Makanza. As of now, there has been no definitive conclusion for the cause of her death. I think it’s best to remember the science and not instill panic in our country. The vaccine has proven it’s 100% effective, time and time again.”

  The senator’s beady eyes turned on me. “I wish I could agree with you, Dr. Forester, but my loyalty lies with the American people. I swore an oath to serve and protect. And since it’s my duty to do what’s best for the American people, I can only advocate for the Kazzies return to Reservation 1.”

  I gritted my teeth. “And it’s my duty, as a scientist with the MRI, to also protect the public. Do you really think any of us would have voted to free the Kazzies if it put anyone in the public at risk?”

  “Given how you care for Kazzies more than your friends and family, I can’t say I’m sure, Dr. Forester.” The senator’s words dripped with mock concern.

  Annoyance flared inside me just as Rob smiled brightly and asked the senator another question.

  Rob’s warm brown eyes stayed guileless as he volleyed questions between me and Senator Douglas. I didn’t bring up my suspicions about the senator’s interference at Chicago Children’s. It was too risky. I didn’t have proof, and the senator would clearly pursue legal action if I smeared his name.

  Somehow, I managed to keep my cool and answer each question objectively during the rest of the interview, even when the Senator baited me for a more emotional response.

  Luckily, it wasn’t the first time I’d been cornered. I called upon my experience during the summer when Cate and I had toured the country.

  It was the only thing that saved me.

  When Rob concluded our interview, I managed to smile and shake hands with both of them, as if we were all old friends who’d shown up for a friendly debate. However, once the red light disappeared from the camera, I stormed off the stage.

  “Meghan!” Footsteps sounded behind me as ANN work
ers shifted out of my way.

  I didn’t stop. Once I collected my purse, I’d be gone.

  “Meghan . . .” A hand touched my upper arm.

  I spun as Rob smiled down at me. “Why the rush to leave?”

  “Why the rush?”

  I didn’t know what it was—perhaps it was how he’d tricked me and didn’t seem to have any intention of apologizing for that. Maybe it was because he used my first name versus the title I’d spent years working to earn. Or maybe it was how Senator Douglas had referred to me as little girl while he and Rob seemed in cohorts about this interview from the beginning.

  Whatever it was, every ounce of Midwestern politeness vanished. Standing up straighter, I replied, “It’s Dr. Meghan Forester, and if you think I’ll speak to you for one more second after the stunt you just pulled—you’re wrong.”

  I spun on my heels and continued striding away, but he quickly fell into step beside me. “Dr. Forester, please, you have to know that the public wants both sides of the story. You can’t expect only your voice to be heard.”

  I kept walking and exited the studio. Suite B was only steps away. When I reached the door, I turned to face him.

  “I think you and I both know what truly happened here today. Yes, you’re right, the American public does deserve to hear both sides of the story, but when a well-known journalist intentionally sabotages one of his guests, that’s another matter entirely. You had ample opportunity to tell me that Senator Douglas would be joining us, but you chose not to.”

  I paused to take a breath. My chest was rising and falling so fast I thought I’d pass out. “I’ll be reporting your unprofessional behavior to not only the Directors at the Makanza Research Institute but also your superiors. If ANN wants to continue its good-standing relationship with the MRI, I have no doubt they’ll listen to how I was treated today.”

  His easy-going smile faltered. “Dr. Forester . . . There’s no need to take it to such extreme measures. I was simply doing my job.”

  “Last time I checked, doing one’s job didn’t involve sabotaging a guest on your show. And if you think I’ll be fooled—you don’t know me at all.”

  He stepped closer, the warmness leaving his expression. He towered over me, his eyes sparkling with fury.

  When he opened his mouth to speak, I beat him to it. “Don’t say another word. Do you really think you’re the first male in a position of power who’s tried to intimidate me?” Images of Dr. Roberts flashed through my mind. “If you’re smart, you’ll stop right now. I’d hate to add anything else to your list of unprofessional behaviors.”

  Despite him standing less than a foot away, I held my ground.

  Anger filled his eyes as his jaw clenched. I could tell he wanted to lay into me, to put me in my place, but something held him back. Without saying another word, he turned on his heel and strode swiftly down the hall.

  Senator Douglas was visible in the studio, talking to another anchor that typically covered the morning program. The senator eyed me and smirked before turning back to the anchor. Rob Hansen approached them, a grin back on his face, as if our conversation had never taken place.

  Now that I was alone, my façade crumbled.

  My hand shook when I gripped the door handle. It took three attempts before I was able to open it.

  With a strong push, I burst into the guestroom and closed the door behind me. It was only then that I leaned against it and sank to the floor.

  My heart beat wildly as I closed my eyes and covered my face.

  A second later, rapid knocking came from the back of my mind. Sara. No doubt she’d felt my surge of adrenaline.

  I opened our telepathic connection, glad for the distraction. Hi.

  Meghan? Are you okay? Sharon, Sophie, and I just watched the program you were on. It seemed to go okay, but I just got a strong emotional push from you. Did something happen after the cameras stopped rolling?

  I sighed. You could say that.

  I summed up what had just transpired between the Senator and Rob Hansen. It definitely felt like an ambush. And I think because I’m young and a woman, they didn’t think I’d fight back.

  Sara seethed. I could feel it—like a swirling tornado of indignation. What scumbags!

  That’s putting it mildly.

  So now what?

  I rose from the floor and collected my purse and coat. My hands still shook. Now, I call Davin and get out of here. If ANN thinks I’m coming back in the morning following a stunt like that—they’re wrong.

  Oh, Meghan. I’m so sorry that happened. Have there been any updates on Zoe’s death?

  The autopsy was approved. They started today.

  Sara breathed a sigh of relief. So we’ll have answers soon and will know if the virus killed her?

  We’ll have proof the virus didn’t kill her.

  The nerves strumming through Sara carried over to me.

  I softened my voice. It’s going to be fine. I promise. The vaccine is effective.

  I hope you’re right.

  I took a deep breath as we both tried to calm our nerves. When my heart rate finally slowed, I said, There’s something else I should tell you. I’m going to be working out of state for a while. I’ve been invited to join a group in the MRI that’s working on a cure.

  Sara’s breath sucked in. Out of state? Where are you going?

  California.

  For how long?

  As long as it takes. But I didn’t tell her that. I don’t know. It may be for a while.

  Do we get to see you before you leave?

  Of course. This will be my last weekend in Sioux Falls for a while. Do you all want to visit?

  Yes! I’ll talk to Sophie and Sharon about it tonight.

  We shut down our connection after promising to see each other soon. The weekend was rapidly approaching, and it was possible it would be the last time I’d see the twins or Sharon for a while. If I traveled to California next week to join Division 5, it could be months before I’d see them again.

  DAVIN LOOKED AS happy as someone who just drank turpentine when he pulled up to the main doors at ANN. I already stood outside waiting in the cold. I didn’t care that the windchill was below zero or that I’d left my gloves in the car.

  Spending another second in ANN’s headquarters was more than I could bear.

  “Are you okay?” were Davin’s first words when I slipped into the passenger seat. Warm air from the dash heated the cab. I held my chilled fingers to it.

  “As well as I can be. That’s not an experience I’d like to repeat.”

  His chest rose up and down as rage coated his eyes. “If I ever see that guy—”

  “You won’t do anything to him.” I laid a hand on his thigh.

  Strong muscles bunched under my light touch. I hadn’t seen Davin this angry since my encounter with Dr. Roberts. Rage practically ignited off him.

  He angled his body to face me better. His broad shoulders brushed against the window. “Those bastards ganged up on you! And you were never informed that the Senator would be in the interview. They purposefully manipulated you!”

  “Yes, they did. I’ve already reported Rob Hansen to his superiors at ANN. I plan to do the same within the MRI. And while that doesn’t guarantee he’ll never do something like that again, it does complicate ANN’s relationship with the MRI. We’ve always willingly given interviews when asked, but if MRI’s upper management is alerted to how I was treated—that may change.”

  Davin’s nostrils flared, and the steering wheel cracked menacingly when he gripped it tightly. “I should have been here.”

  I moved my hand to cover his. “There was nothing you could have done, and please don’t break the steering wheel. If you do, we’ll be stuck here.”

  My gentle, joking words seemed to help.

  His grip loosened as he took a deep breath. “Sorry, but when I saw that bastard come up on stage, and I knew you didn’t know he’d be there . . .” He shook his head. “I almost tore the
hotel room apart.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t. That would have been an expensive bill.”

  His shoulders relaxed more as a chuckle escaped him. Capturing me in his azure gaze, he tenderly brushed a finger along my cheek. A smile threatened to spread across his face. “Should we get out of here?”

  I nodded. “Please.”

  WE SPENT THE night at the hotel. Since I had no intention of conducting an interview at ANN in the morning, we could have driven back to Sioux Falls, but we’d already paid for our room and it was late.

  There was another advantage to staying in Des Moines. The hotel kept us safe from further harassment. If ANN reporters went looking for me again after tonight’s controversial show, they wouldn’t know where to find me. We had made sure to only put Davin’s name on the hotel bill.

  As soon as we reached our room, I called Cate. She fumed as hotly as Sara when I explained what happened. She then promised to lodge complaints against Rob Hansen within the MRI. But her response when I told her my suspicions about the senator interfering with Zoe’s autopsy was even more explosive.

  “That conniving, evil bastard! If he’s the reason for the delay in her autopsy, there’ll be hell to pay.”

  Even though neither of us knew how we could prove the senator’s involvement, it didn’t stop our resolve. “I’ll start asking around,” Cate concluded with, “and I’ll see if I can find anything on him.”

  After we hung up, my shoulders sagged in relief. It was only then I realized I’d gone the entire day without taking pain meds or being bothered by my injury.

  I rolled my right shoulder as I sat on the hotel bed. A slight twinge of pain followed, but for the most part, I felt fine.

  Shifting on the mattress, the worn bedspread bunched together. Our room was simple with a queen-sized bed and threadbare carpet. It was a far cry from luxury, but it was clean. Clean was the best one could hope for in paid accommodations these days.

  When I tested my arm a second time, Davin turned into a blur from where he’d been standing by his suitcase. He was instantly at my side.