by L. M. Vila
The Internet is the ultimate information superhighway. It connects users to destinations all over the world in a matter of seconds. Meryl wished finding a link in this case happened that quickly. Comparing her brain to the speed of light was a bit of stretch but much more reasonable than the task of looking through thousands of pages of web history. She was amazed at how many sites these two old women could visit over the course of a couple of weeks.
Meryl buried her face in her hands and let out a reluctant sigh. The clock on the computer told her she'd been sitting here sifting through web pages and documents for the better part of two hours. Suddenly her little boast to her partner seemed more silly than arrogant. Either way, she still had to keep digging. Something was hiding. Meryl would find it.
Checking the browser history proved futile. After the hundreds of sites she viewed, there was only one page that one of the victims visited that was currently down. It was a broken link. The address was just a bunch of numbers. So far, it was the only oddity Meryl found. She decided to concentrate her efforts there.
Search engine history proved nothing. That means the only way they could have accessed that site is by having someone forward that address by email or instant message. Meryl checked the desktop. She couldn't find any icons linking to instant messaging programs. That left only one thing to check.
Scanning through the bookmarks Meryl easily found an email site linked at the very top. She clicked it. The page loaded quickly. Luck was inching over towards her side. An email address was already filled. All she needed to do was find the correct password.
If there was one thing reliable about mixing old people and technology, it's that they'll always forget how to do certain things. This long list of items always included passwords. And if they didn't have it stored on the machine, they would have it written down. Meryl started opening drawers, looking for a scrap piece of paper, a sticky note, even a napkin with some sort of writing on it.
Pieces of the puzzle started to come together. Meryl found a nice small note right below a checkbook. The word Eugene was written in red ink. She remembered reading about that name in the car. The grandson of one of the victims.
Meryl input the password. A few brief seconds to process and she was in. Regret lingered in as she browsed through the various messages. Her training told her that this was just part of the job. There were only a handful of e-mails. However, it didn't take Meryl much effort to notice a group of messages from a suspicious address.
The name Laesare Biotech did not ring any bells but Meryl made sure to write that name down. She dove right into the first letter. This was a contacting letter. They were offering their services at a low price, much lower than normal. And they would waive the co-pay fee for the first six months. It sounded like a good deal. The message looked professional and had images of happy and healthy youth. Marketing at its best.
She clicked the next button on the page. This message was asking for sign up information. There was a link at the bottom to move to the page. Meryl double-checked it with the broken link. An exact match. Finally a spark of light in a sea of darkness. Now they had a name and a connection with the supposed murder weapon. Meryl clicked over to the final message. It was a delivery confirmation with the victim's address. That was the final piece they needed.
“Michael!” She called out and instantly regretted it. Meryl had forgotten about the new level of professionalism she was supposed to display. The excitement of the find had gotten the best of her. Times like these reminded her of their experiences in the L.A.P.D. Lots of great memories there.
His presence can be felt throughout the entire house. It was like he commanded the very air everyone breathed. Michael moved through the living room with his eyes focused on Meryl. When he was close enough to view the laptop screen, that's where they drifted next.
Meryl forwarded the details of what she found. She matched the web address to this company as well as a shipment with a confirmed list of sent materials which matches everything found in the bathroom. It was the first breakthrough they had in the case. And Meryl found it quicker than anyone else would have. Their partnership was paying off quicker than he expected.
Michael pulled out his phone. He looked through his contact list and dialed the number for the man that could get him the information he needed fast and without question. The phone rang once. This man was always excited when Michael called.
“Hey Mike, what's the good word?”
“Steve, find out everything you can about Laesare Biotech. Address, phone number, employees. Get clearance and run a check of the other victim's emails for similar messages,” Michael said direct and straight to the point.
“Whoa, that's a tall order boss.” He immediately turned towards his computer and began furiously typing away. “I'll get the Laesare stuff easy but the emails will take a bit. Give me an hour or so and I'll call you back.”
“Fine.”
The timing was disappointing but it couldn't be helped. It was something neither he nor Meryl could do. He hung up the phone and placed it back in his pocket. Meryl looked up at him from her chair and could feel a sense of dissatisfaction in his expression. Even after all of this time she could still tell what he was feeling without him saying a word.
Looking at his watch, it was a few minutes past noon. No use trying to rush what was out of his control. Michael had only two words left to say.
“That's lunch.”
Just as she remembered it, New York City was always busy. Nicole had only visited this place enough times to count on one hand. Any time was one time too many. All the buildings were so close together, coupled with narrow streets, and the drivers were too wild and impatient. Even now as she sat in the cab being taxied along the Long Island Expressway Nicole imagined a horrific accident occurring just a few hundred yards ahead and being stuck in this God forsaken tunnel for hours.
To top it all off, this place reminded her of Jim. That’s one thing she tried to forget about over the years that still seemed to creep into her thoughts once and a while. He used to be a professor at New York University. In fact, it was because of her colleague’s recommendation that Jim was assigned for the continuation and development of Project Mabus.
He was and still is in the top of his field as an applied psychologist and world renowned for teaching classes in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Jim’s specific area of expertise was Humanities and Sociology. There was no better candidate to teach the child about the world and life outside of the military. Too bad their time was so short. For both him and her.
Nicole pulled herself away from those memories. She looked up and saw the familiar silver sign of the New York University Medical Center. She had made it to the destination without even thinking about the time. Something that seemed to pass quicker than usual as of late. Nicole still wondered what everyone was up to on the other side of the country. She told the pilot to wait for her. This wouldn’t take more than an hour.
At least that’s what she hoped.
After paying the cab fair, Nicole exited the vehicle. It left as swiftly as it came and leaving her in front of the massive building that was hopefully holding all of the answers she sought.
There was no use waiting outside and wondering. She walked right up to the large glass doors and entered the building. Nicole searched until she found a free receptionist. The one she spotted was young, they always were. Hopefully, this conversation would be brief. Nicole needed to ask the one question she’s been waiting for all day.
“Excuse me, can you tell me where I can find Doctor Donald Viseman?”
The girl caught eyes with Nicole as she was approaching. She gladly replied, “I’ll be happy to help you with that.” The name was entered into the database. All of his information immediately came up. She summarized it to Nicole.
“You’re in luck. His office hours just started. You should be able to find him on the third floor in room three-sixty.”
“Thank you.”
She headed for the elevators that were directly across the room. Her heart started pounding. It had been too long since she had spoken to Donald. She wondered if he may still resent her. Or even hated her for some of the things she’s done. They slowly become good friends and working colleagues as the years passed but she always felt like Donald might just be putting on the appearance of acceptance. She couldn’t blame him. No one kept more secrets than Nicole.
The elevator arrived. Nicole stepped in and pushed the button for the third floor. It started to move. The smooth ride up didn’t help to settle her nerves. Anxiety ran with the engines at maximum. The doors opened and a sign pointed her in the direction for the section of offices that would lead to Donald’s.
She moved down the hallway. The smell of this place started to take her back. Every step she took reminded her of the old facility. Nicole stopped once she saw the sign for Donald's office. The door was closed. With her hand raised she thought of knocking. Nicole didn't know why she hesitated. This was just business.
She gave the door a quick tap. She could hear movement inside.
“Please, come on in,” was heard from inside the room. His voice was indistinguishable. Nicole reached for the handle. No turning back now. She gave it a twist and pushed the door open.
Donald's office was well organized. Not a single piece of paper looked out of place. His eyes were locked on a computer screen. He didn't even notice the past walking in and greeting him.
“Hello Donald,” Nicole spoke. She couldn't help but give him a tiny smile. By the looks of things, he hasn't changed in the slightest.
“Good afternoon.”
Donald started to turn his gaze towards Nicole while asking, “What can I do -” and stopped completely once they locked eyes. It was as if the ghost of past jobs had come to haunt him. He never expected to see that glowing red hair or those mesmerizing green eyes again.
He stood up from his desk and took off his glasses. Nicole was still unsure about his feelings. Donald wasn't saying anything. Maybe this was a bad idea. He walked up to her. Nerves hung on the edge. He stood right in front of her now. Their eyes remained locked. Nicole tried to hide the breaths she was taking. Neither of them said a word.
Arms suddenly wrapped around Nicole's body. Donald gave her a good squeeze. “It's good to see you.” Nicole never expected to hear those words. Apparently time does make the heart grow fonder. He pulled back from the hug but kept his arms on her shoulders. “How've you been?”
She was elated but still had to remain professional. “Just fine Donald.”
They separated. Donald had so many questions to ask. He thought it best to start with the most obvious one. “What brings you all the way up here?” From what he remembered, Nicole wanted nothing to do with the East Coast. She must have been here for good reason.
Nicole looked around. The halls were completely empty which made things easier. She looked back at Donald and said, “We need to talk.”
The seriousness of her voice created a pit in Donald's stomach. “Sure,” he replied with half of the enthusiasm his words previously had. “Please, close the door.”
She did as he asked.
“Have a seat.”
Again, she responded in kind. Nicole reached for the sheet of paper that was tucked into her pocket. She hated to bring down all of these good feelings they were having. But, this is what she came for. Nicole slid the folded piece of paper over to Donald. Before he opened it, Nicole's words warned him that he was not going to like what he was about to see.
“We have a problem.”
A large monument of gluttony stood before Meryl. Her eyes widened in awe of its magnificence. The glorious blue roof of this building really brought back memories. They haven't eaten at this place since graduation. She wasn't about to complain though. Flappy Jack's Pancake House was the best restaurant in town.
Michael held the door open for Meryl as she stepped in. He was still the gentlemen she remembered. Maybe things didn't change as much as she thought. Buttery and syrup soaked smells wafted throughout the air. Though the breakfast rush had ended, things didn’t seem to slow down in here one bit. They were promptly seated near the window. Michael could still see his car. Moments later, the waitress came by and took their drink orders. They both chose water. Michael pulled out his phone and left it on the table. As soon as the call he was waiting for arrived, he wanted to be ready to take it.
“Time sure flies, doesn't it?”
Meryl's words floated towards the blue sky her eyes were fixated on. This place really had a nice view of the mountains. The weight of the world seemed to just disappear. She didn't expect Michael to respond. Meryl was starting to get used to the new him. But still, she wondered what was going on in that brain of his. He used to be the kind of guy that could talk for hours on end. That man is still lingering inside there somewhere. Meryl would attempt to find him. One small step at a time.
The waitress returned with their drinks. Her notepad was ready with pen in hand as she greeted “Ready to order?” The woman's smile was intoxicating. Clearly a master of her craft.
Michael returned the menu to her. “B.L.T.” Casually came out of his mouth. A simple sandwich consisting of bacon, lettuce and tomatoes. Nothing too extravagant but still pretty damn tasty.
“Tuna melt for me.”
The waitress collected the other menu and gave the standard, “Alrighty, I'll put those in for you guys. Should be coming out shortly,” and left. And then there were two.
Working up the bravery instilled in her heart, Meryl looked up at her partner and said, “I know I should have said this before but, it's good to see you again Michael.”
That took courage. Michael had somewhat expected her to say that yet he didn’t know exactly how to respond. His emotions started to bubble. It was hard to think of something to say. So much time has passed. She used to be such a big part of his life. Michael never knew what life would be like without her. In the last two years, he got his answer.
“You too.”
A truthful statement as far as he was concerned but it didn’t sound as meaningful as it could have been. Michael didn’t want to let Meryl in. He knows Meryl is strong in her own sense; however she wasn’t ready to hear everything. The incident had done enough damage. No need to share that burden with others. Michael thought it best to keep everyone at a safe distance. There was no telling how quickly your life could end. Especially in the business they were in.
Meryl thought she should press on. It seemed like Michael hadn’t had a good conversation with anyone lately. He’s so reserved and distant.
“How long as it been since we just sat here like this and talked?” Certainly not the best question she could have asked, but it would get him thinking. Maybe there are things about the past that are still worth thinking about.
“Long time.”
He took a sip of his water. Meryl wondered if the gunshot wound had any residual effects on him. Taking a bullet in the throat was normally an automatic death sentence. The doctors were amazed. Michael pulled through without any lingering disabilities. His voice was the only thing that seemed effected by it. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t talk so much anymore.
This next question Meryl thought over for quite some time. She’d wanted to ask him months after the incident passed.
“I’ve been wondering Michael,” she started praying the words came out smoothly, “why did you leave the L.A.P.D.”
Michael saw this coming. His answer was clear and decisive; he just never knew how to tell Meryl. There would be too much explaining, too many details to cover. Plus he was recruited into the FBI so it was more like a promotion above all else. The career opportunities were extraordinary. However, Michael promised himself that he would tell Meryl the truth. She deserved that much.
“Because,” his words came out slow but sharp. “There’s no justice in law enforcement.”
A sound answer. Michael knew exactly what
those words meant to him. The incident reminded him constantly. Michael paid a price trying to enforce the law. A bullet through the neck is more than any police officer deserves to endure during their career. But when that same bullet penetrates the skull of an innocent child and ends their life before it could truly begin. Then the man that fires the shot is able to manipulate the justice system in order to forgo his deserved punishment is the very delimitation of injustice. It wasn’t even about revenge. Michael had lost faith in what he was doing. So he left for greener pasture.
Meryl had a hard time processing what Michael had said. One part of her was thankful that she wasn’t a part of the reason. Sure, it was a selfish but their conversation before the incident occurred wasn’t exactly one to celebrate. The darker part of her hoped he had forgotten all of it. A shameful request actually, Meryl cursed herself for thinking about it. Still, she wondered why Michael felt so negatively about being a police officer. However, there was one more question she's been waiting to ask. With courage at full strength, Meryl took a breath and fired.
“Hey did you ever wonder,” no, that was not a good way to start. Meryl swore in her mind and formulated a new question instantly, “I mean, did you ever,” she paused. This was hard to say even for her but silence did not help this cause. “Miss me?”
Michael was prepared to answer many questions that he was sure Meryl was going to ask. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't ready to hear that. Michael knew what he wanted to say, what he should say, and what his heart told him. Sadly they were three different answers. She didn't deserve to hear anything until he sorted it all out so, as always, Michael remained silent.
Meryl knew instantly that this was a bad idea as soon as the words left her lips. Another query formed in her mind quickly. This one was going to drift the topic a few streets away and get them focused on something else. Before she could speak the waitress arrived with their food. She set the plates down with another wonderful smile.
“Here you folks are. Enjoy,” she said.
Without waiting, Michael dove right into his sandwich. It was important to keep one’s body fueled during the day. There was no purpose to starvation. You never know when the body is going to need every calorie it has stored.