The Sound of Echoes

by Eric Bernt

  Eddie nodded, looking out the window.

  “That means you’re happy.”

  Eddie nodded some more, still staring outside.

  For the first time in his life, he had a friend. And it felt good.

  CHAPTER 69

  DAVIS FAMILY ESTATE

  CARMEL, INDIANA

  June 2, 9:48 a.m.

  Frequently named the most livable city in the entire United States, this northern Indianapolis suburb was the fifth-largest city in the Hoosier State, as well as its most expensive. A fitting place for a US senator to raise a family, at least according to Corbin Davis’s wife, whose family money had paid for not only the home but his campaigns as well.

  Melanie Wentworth Davis was the only heir to a billion-dollar pharmaceutical-distribution fortune. Her father, a onetime corner-store pharmacist, had built his company into a nationwide network. Shortly after the company had achieved a billion-dollar valuation, however, he suffered a fatal heart attack and never got to enjoy the lavish lifestyle he had so looked forward to. That was left to his daughter, who had just graduated from Northwestern.

  The truth was, she never really had much interest in the family business, so she promptly sold the company to the highest bidder and had lived happily ever since, with a few notable exceptions. After Corbin had failed in his first two attempts at public office, Melanie funneled enough money into his third campaign to make certain he didn’t fail again. He outspent his opponent four-to-one, and it worked.

  This morning, Corbin and Melanie were flying to New York, which they did several times a year. There was always government business to be conducted in the Big Apple, but more importantly, there was shopping. Melanie refused to buy her clothing anywhere else, except for Paris. Laying out Corbin’s outfits for the trip, as she always did before he traveled, she decided it was time to pick up some suits for him as well. Left to his own devices, the man would still be shopping at Macy’s.

  From downstairs, she heard her husband yell, “Honey, we’re forty-five minutes late. We have to go.”

  “It’s not like the plane will leave without us.”

  In his home office, Corbin sat with Bob Welker, his chief of staff. “We can’t be late for the dinner tonight,” he called to his wife. “Bob says we’re already cutting it close as it is.”

  “Tell Bob he’s a pain in the ass,” she yelled in response.

  “He’s well aware of that fact.”

  “Hi, Melanie,” Bob yelled up to her. “Need any help packing?”

  “I thought you were meeting us at the airport?”

  “Too much work to do on behalf of the great state of Indiana.”

  “I’ll bet you’re hungover and came here to brag about your latest conquest.”

  “Not since we won the election. Zero.”

  “Poor baby. Maybe you’ll get lucky in New York.”

  “That’s the plan.”

  “I’ll be right down.”

  Bob turned to Corbin and spoke quietly. “Have you told her anything yet?”

  “I didn’t think there was anything to tell.”

  Bob nodded. “Good idea. Probably better not to get her hopes up just yet.”

  Corbin studied him. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  Bob clasped his hands on the table in front of him and leaned closer. “First thing this morning, I got news there’s a real a shitstorm brewing in the West Wing.”

  He had Corbin’s attention. “Interesting. How bad is it?”

  “The president canceled the rest of his day and won’t take calls from anyone.”

  “That’s bad,” the senator said, smiling.

  “It gets better. My guy at the network just told me an emergency press conference is being scheduled for tonight. Topic unknown.”

  “Holy shit,” Corbin said, a bit too loudly.

  “Exactly.”

  Melanie whisked in. “Exactly what kind of holy shit are we talking about?”

  CHAPTER 70

  DAVID’S PLACE

  WOODSDALE, MARYLAND

  June 2, 9:53 a.m.

  Skylar followed Butler across the mostly empty lot at the rear of the building. “You think Eddie will be okay?” she asked.

  “He’s safer here than he would be with us.”

  She considered her own physical safety as they arrived at a rusted-out 1988 navy-blue Ford Bronco. The tires were bald, and one of the side-view mirrors was cracked. “You sure can pick ’em.”

  “I didn’t. Caitlin did.” He revealed a set of car keys attached to a gold-plated emblem that read Roberto. “She rented it for us.” He unlocked the trunk.

  Skylar placed the echo box and laptop inside it. Butler slammed the trunk closed. As she got in the passenger seat next to him, she said, “Too bad. I was looking forward to riding in another stolen car.”

  “Careful what you wish for. I have a feeling you may get another opportunity before this is over.” He put the key in the ignition and started the engine. He put the car in gear, then paused. “You don’t have to do this, you know.”

  “Do what?”

  “This. It’s going to get hairy, and you don’t have the training for it. You could teach me how to use the echo box and just wait for me here.”

  “I told Eddie no one else would use it.”

  “I know what you told him.”

  She paused to consider his offer, then spoke emphatically. “I won’t lie to him. Not ever.”

  He shrugged. “Just wanted to put it out there.”

  “Do me a favor, Detective,” she said sharply. “Never insult my integrity again.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He tried not to smile as he drove out of the parking lot, looking out the window to hide his expression from her.

  They drove in silence for over a minute until Skylar finally said, “Remember yesterday when you said Jacob’s death wasn’t my fault? You were wrong. It was.”

  He smiled as if this was something he’d been waiting to hear. “Did you push him onto the tracks?”

  “No, but I did push him away. If I hadn’t kept him at such an emotional distance, he wouldn’t have tried to pry into my work life.”

  “I guess he didn’t have much choice. Sounds like you made him invade your privacy.”

  “God, I’m starting to hate you,” she said with exasperation.

  “Good. I think that means we’re making progress.”

  It was now her turn to hide her expression by looking out the window. Because she was cracking a reluctant smile that she seemed not to want him to see. “I really miss him, you know? It hurts in every part of my body.”

  “It will for a while,” he said knowingly. “But eventually, it gets better.”

  She nodded, continuing to face out the window. “I look forward to that.”

  The satellite view of the Bronco was clear. From inside the basement of the safe house, Caitlin tracked them from the GPS signal in Butler’s burner phone. She also knew the vehicle’s license plate and VIN from her transaction with Roberto. She had made certain there were no outstanding warrants on the owner, nor any unpaid liens on the vehicle itself. There could be no reason why anyone would have any interest in this old Bronco.

  Butler checked in via speakerphone, just as she thought he would. “We’re on the move.”

  “Copy that. I have eyes on you.” She watched them heading south on I-95.

  “How close?”

  “Closer than you’d probably be comfortable with.”

  To test his theory, he put his hand out the window and held out four fingers. “How many fingers am I holding up?”

  She zoomed in on his hand. “Four.”

  Butler closed his fist, then held out two fingers.

  “Now two. And if you stick out your middle finger, I will call your mother and tell her that you’re disrespecting the manner in which, I am quite certain, she raised you.”

  “You don’t have to bring my mother into this. I just wanted to understand what level of tech we have ac
cess to.”

  Skylar said, “How long have you two known each other again? Because it sure seems like a lot longer than twenty-four hours.”

  Caitlin zoomed in even tighter on his hand. “You bite your fingernails, don’t you?”

  “You’re right, that’s more than I’m comfortable with.”

  Skylar chimed in, “There go my plans for nude sunbathing anytime for the rest of my life.”

  “That’s what I said after having kids.” Caitlin smiled and then got down to business. “Are you in possession of the echo box?”

  “We are in possession of the device,” Butler answered in a similar tone, “but we felt it best to leave Parks behind.”

  “No disagreement there. I’m just surprised he let you take the box without him.”

  “We found something that should keep him occupied for the time being . . .”

  CHAPTER 71

  EDDIE’S ROOM

  DAVID’S PLACE

  June 2, 9:57 a.m.

  Lolo and Eddie continued sitting together quietly. Neither had spoken a word for several minutes. She glanced at the pillow where her friend Helena used to sleep, and then at the different corners of the room. She occasionally glanced at Eddie, but never for very long. He just sat there, seeming at peace as he stared out the window.

  She tapped her feet, then clasped her hands together when she finally broke the silence. “This is nice. Just sitting here. Nice. It’s quiet. We are enjoying each other’s company, aren’t we?”

  Eddie stared down at the floor, repeating something he had heard Skylar say to him in one of their earliest meetings. “We are actually doing far more than that.”

  “We are?” She sounded both astonished and confused.

  “For one thing, we are nonverbally communicating with each other.” He said it exactly like Skylar had previously—or at least he gave his best imitation of her. Which was mechanical and somewhat inauthentic. He glanced at Lolo briefly.

  Lolo had the look of a student who was eager to learn. “What are we saying?”

  “I don’t know what you are saying, but I am saying that I care about you and want you to know I am here for you.”

  Her eyes brightened. “Wow, really? That is far more than just sitting here. Like you said. A whole lot more. Are you sure you mean it? It’s okay if you don’t.”

  He nodded as he stared out the window. “I have never had a friend before.” He paused. “We are friends, aren’t we?”

  “Yes, most definitely. We are friends. I was friends with Helena and I know. You will, too. You will see. It feels better than not having a friend. Much better.” She paused as if having a revelation. “You must have been sad for a long time, I think.”

  He didn’t respond at first. After a long moment, he nodded some more and then turned toward the window. His hand twitched. He was starting to become uncomfortable. He didn’t like the feeling, particularly as the sensation grew. Eddie knew that he should think about something else, so he did so as quickly as he could. “I like birds.”

  The statement clearly caught her by surprise. “I like birds, too. Well, kind of. I think. Why do you like them?”

  “I like birds because they are beautiful to look at and even more beautiful to listen to. They also never lie. That is important. I think birds are some of the greatest animals in the world. Maybe the greatest.”

  “Those are good reasons,” she replied. “Yes, very good. Do you have a favorite one? I mean, kind? A special favorite?”

  “If I could only pick one, I would have to say a blue-winged warbler. That is not to take anything away from the green-winged teal, or the black-capped chickadee, but if I could only pick one, I would say the warbler.”

  She nodded, as if completely understanding his choice. “I like sea lions.”

  “They are not birds.”

  “No, not at all.”

  “What do you like about sea lions?”

  “I like to swim, and sea lions seem like they would be fun to play with in the water.”

  Eddie looked down at the floor. “I do not know how to swim.”

  “Then it would be a good idea for you not to play in the water with sea lions until you learn how.”

  He nodded again. “There are a lot of things I do not know how to do.” He paused to consider just how long the list was. He had never flown in a plane, been on a boat, driven a car, eaten sushi, chewed gum, had sex, seen a naked woman’s breasts, or even kissed a girl. He had also never ridden a horse, or a skateboard, or a motorcycle, or even a bicycle. He had never been to a beach or a lake, or fished in a stream. He had never played any kind of team sport or even witnessed a game in person. Not one. He had never gone bowling, played horseshoes, attended a barbecue, or been to a carnival. He had never traveled outside the United States, nor even to the Eastern Seaboard. And he had never told anyone that he loved them.

  But of all the many things he had never done, there was one thing in particular that he was thinking about. One thing that Eddie had been considering with increasing frequency since he had become a teenager, especially in the last several years. He decided that finally, at long last, this might be the time. In fact, the perfect time. “If I asked you something, would you promise not to laugh?”

  Now it was her turn to nod. “I don’t think that laughing at someone is nice, so it is something I never do. Laugh at someone. No, never. People laugh at me, sometimes. I wish they didn’t. They are mean when they do. The people who laugh. I don’t like the way it feels.”

  “I don’t like the way it makes me feel, either.” He rubbed his hand on his pant leg, comforted by the friction.

  “Feels bad,” Lolo concurred.

  Eddie nodded, looking down at his shoes.

  “You see, you do have feelings sometimes. You do. You know what they are.”

  He nodded again, glancing at her, then looking away.

  She continued, “If most of the feelings you have don’t make you feel good, that is why you think all the time. That’s what makes you so smart. You think so you don’t have to feel bad feelings.”

  He stared out the window, taking a deep breath. “I do not feel bad right now. Sitting here with you.”

  “I do not feel bad, either.” She smiled.

  He looked at the goose bumps on his arms, curious about them. “I feel kind of tingly.”

  “I think that is good, feeling tingly. You have goose bumps.”

  “I usually only get goose bumps when I am cold.”

  “Are you cold?”

  Eddie shook his head.

  “They are good goose bumps, then.”

  “I did not know there were good goose bumps.” He nodded, accepting her explanation. He then realized something. “You did not answer my question.”

  “Which question?”

  “Do you promise not to make fun of me?”

  She nodded. “Oh, yes, of course, I promise. I would never-never make fun of you.”

  “And a promise is a promise.”

  “Yes, it is,” she replied. “You are not just copying me because I said that before, are you?”

  “No, that is something I have said at least thirty-seven times before I met you.”

  “Thirty-seven, really? Are you sure?” She seemed a little dubious.

  “Yes, at least thirty-seven. It is probably much more than that, but I didn’t want to exaggerate, because that would be a lie.”

  “I have never known anyone else who says, ‘A promise is a promise.’”

  “Well, now you do know someone.” He smiled briefly, remembering just a few of the many times he had previously made the same statement.

  “Then that is another thing we have in common.”

  He paused a moment, trying to collect his thoughts. “I like knowing someone that I have so many things in common with.”

  It was Lolo’s turn to smile. “Friends have things in common. Sometimes, more than you know.” She hugged herself, which was clearly an expression of joy. She then s
cooted just a little closer to Eddie. She was now right beside him.

  He didn’t move away from her. She turned to him slowly as he continued staring out the window. “What was the question that you wanted to ask me?”

  CHAPTER 72

  SAFE HOUSE

  GILBERTS CORNER, VIRGINIA

  June 2, 10:03 a.m.

  Caitlin recognized the number as the phone rang. It was Jessup Fields. She had guessed he would be calling her no later than ten thirty that morning. Once again, she had guessed correctly. She took a deep breath and settled herself before answering the phone. “Good morning, Mr. Fields. How was your chat with the president?”

  “First, enough with the formality. My friends call me Jessup.”

  “So we’re friends now?” she asked. Her tone was playful, not threatening.

  “Of course we are, just like you intended. And I have a strong feeling that you and I are about to become very good friends.” He almost sounded like a man with a crush.

  “If we can solve each other’s problems, I believe we will be.” Already tired of the chitchat, she wanted to get down to specifics. “How was your conversation with the president?”

  “He was blubbering like a little bitch, just like you said he would be. He went on and on about some satellite-based surveillance system the Chinese or North Koreans now have and how they know everything.”

  “Rest assured, they don’t. It’s a cover invented by Stenson.”

  “You’re entirely sure about this?”

  She responded without equivocation. “Yes.”

  “You mind telling me how?”

  “Because I am the one who suggested the story to Stenson in the first place.”

  “So what brought about your change of heart?”

  “He let his emotions get the better of him.”

  “I would appreciate a little more specificity, if you don’t mind. After all, you are asking me to trust you with my entire life’s work.”

  “No, Jessup, what I am offering is a way out of the situation you and your brother put yourselves in. You are the ones who put your life’s work at risk. You knew that when you walked into the Oval Office. At least, you should have. Now you’re seeking some reassurance as you consider trusting a complete stranger to help you out of this mess.”