Holdin' On for a Hero

by Ciana Stone

  “That’s just it. I don’t know. All I do know is that both the police and certain…other people seem to think that I’m connected to Walter’s murder and now Nolan Weston’s.”

  “The man they found murdered last night?”

  “Yes.” Senna nodded. “You remember him, don’t you? I worked with him at Fermilab. He was the one who sent you lilies and lavender for weeks after you visited with me.”

  “Ah, yes. A passionate man.”

  Senna couldn’t imagine anyone describing Nolan as passionate. As far as she knew his work was his life. In all the time she’d known him, his love life was best described as nonexistent. But then Minora had always had a profound effect on the opposite sex. Perhaps she had brought out something in Nolan that no one else had.

  “Well, anyway…” She pulled her attention back to the moment at hand. “I’ve racked my brain and there’s nothing I can think of other than the fact that I knew both of them, that would connect me. But like I said, other people don’t share my views. After I was asked about what Mom and Dad were working on in Iraq, I started to wonder. Were they maybe working on something new, something they hadn’t told anyone?”

  She made a face and laughed at herself. “Would you listen to me? I sound like a cheap spy thriller. What could they possibly have been working on that would be significant now? I mean, they were archaeologists! It’s not like they were into theoretical weapon design or something. Still…” she paused and looked at her aunt thoughtfully. “Do you remember anything that might be important or relevant?”

  Minora didn’t answer for a long time then she put her book aside and gestured toward her walker. “Help me, dear.”

  Senna moved the walker into place and waited as Minora stood and maneuvered her way out of the room. She left the walker at the foot of the stairs and sat in the lift chair that had been installed after her accident. Senna picked up the walker and climbed the stairs alongside the lift.

  Minora led the way to a room on the top floor. It was a room that had not been used in some time. In it were items Minora as well as Senna’s parents had collected from their travels around the world.

  Minora stopped beside a large steamer trunk. “See if you can slide this over to one side, will you, dear?”

  It took some huffing and puffing, but Senna finally got the old trunk moved aside. She could see that one of the floorboards in the hardwood floor looked as if it had been cut out and replaced. That didn’t surprise her. The house was old and many repairs had been made.

  “Take that board up,” Minora directed.

  Senna found an old silver letter opener and pried the board loose. Beneath it, buried in a layer of dust and spider webs was a small metal box. She removed it and placed it on the floor, brushing the dust and webs from it.

  “What is it?” she asked Minora

  “Something I hoped you would never need to see.”

  “Why? What’s in it?”

  “Your past.”

  Senna looked at her aunt in shock. “My past? What do you mean?”

  “Find that out for yourself.” Minora turned away. “Your father meant it only for you.

  Senna watched as Minora left the room then looked back at the box. She reached out to open it, and then stopped. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know what was inside. But curiosity overcame fear and she opened the hinged top.

  All that was inside was a smooth stone with symbols etched into its surface.

  “Guardian of the Gate,” she whispered as her eyes passed over the symbols.

  At that moment, time ceased to have any meaning for her. Her mind retreated to a dark and secret place where images and sounds flew at her from all directions. Nothing made sense or seemed familiar. It was like being tossed into an alien world. Fear swelled inside her as the images came faster and faster. She felt she was being sucked into a vortex where something terrifying awaited. Fighting against the pull, she screamed and suddenly she was once more sitting on the floor in her aunt’s house, staring at the stone in her hand.

  Senna had no idea what had just happened and at that moment didn’t want to know. Her heart was still hammering in her chest like she had just run a race, and sweat poured down her face and trickled down her back. As if it was poisonous, she dropped the stone back into the box and slammed the lid.

  She returned the box to its hiding place, replaced the board and pushed the trunk over it. She was breathing hard and shaking when she finished. After making sure the door was set to lock, she closed it behind her and ran downstairs.

  “Where’s Min?” she asked the housekeeper, Mrs. Mueller.

  “Miss Minora is resting. Can I do something for you, Miss Senna?”

  “No, thanks.” Senna knew that if Minora had retreated to her room it was a sure sign she didn’t want to talk. “Just tell her I’ll talk to her later.”

  She left the main house and started across the backyard. As she neared the gatehouse it occurred to her that Konnor would want to know what Minora had told her.

  Now what? she asked herself. There was no way she could tell him what had just happened. To begin with, she had no idea what really had happened or how to even try and explain it. In fact, the doubt entered her mind that maybe she was losing it. Fear exploded inside her and she ran inside to the comfort of Konnor’s arms. As insane as it was, that was the only place she felt truly safe.

  Downtown Charlotte

  Ian grimaced as he took a sip of the cold coffee and placed the cup beside the half-eaten sandwich to turn his attention back to his computer screen. He wanted to get the last of his notes keyed in so that he didn’t have to worry about it later.

  A knock on his door interrupted his train of thought. He immediately checked his watch. It wasn’t time for his next appointment and Kendal wasn’t due back from lunch for another half-hour.

  He rose and went to open the door, only to find himself face to face with a stranger. The man was tall, had black hair shot with gray and a face that looked like it had been carved from stone.

  “Can I help you?” Ian asked.

  “Dr. Ian Drake?” The man’s voice was deep and resonant even though he spoke softly.

  “Yes.” Ian’s reply was a bit hesitant due not only to the surprise of having someone appear unannounced at his door, but the aura the man emitted.

  “It’s vital that I speak with you, Doctor.” The man pulled identification from the inner pocket of his jacket. Ian’s eyes widened in surprise.

  “Please, come in, Mr. Slater,” he responded immediately. He could not imagine why the CIA would want to talk to him, but he was not about to refuse.

  Slater took a seat on the couch and looked around the room. “Very nice.”

  “Thank you.” Ian wasn’t sure whether to sit at his desk or take a seat across from Slater in the armchair.

  “Dr. Drake, I understand you’ve been treating a Senna Laserian for some time,” Slater said before Ian made up his mind.

  Warning bells when off in Ian’s head. He couldn’t imagine why anyone would be interested in Senna, but he was suspicious of anyone asking questions about his patients. He stalled for time, walking over to his desk and exiting the file he was working on.

  “May I ask what this is about?” he asked as he crossed the room and took a seat in the chair facing Slater.

  “Doctor, I don’t have the time or the inclination to go into details. All I can tell you is that it is vital to the security of this country and quite possibly every human being on this planet that you tell me everything you know about Senna Laserian.”

  Ian was completely stunned. Of all the things he could have imagined happening, this was not one that he would ever have considered. He didn’t know what to say or do. His professional career could be over if he divulged confidential patient information and word got out. On the other hand, Slater had said that the fate of humanity might be at risk. How Senna could threaten the entire human race was a mystery.

  Slater interrupted his internal
debate on what to do. “Dr. Drake, I understand your reluctance to divulge confidential information, and under normal circumstances I would support your inclination not to. But these are not normal circumstances and I do not have the time to wait for you to debate the ethical considerations and ramifications. Therefore, sir, either you agree to work with me or I have my men, who are in your reception area, confiscate all of your files and records and we dig the information out ourselves.”

  Ian knew then that he had no decision to make. It had already been made for him, and he was not fool enough to think that he could stand up to Slater and the organization he represented. “Exactly where would you like for me to begin, Mr. Slater?”

  Slater smiled and pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. “Why, the beginning, of course. And don’t leave out anything.”

  Chapter Seven

  Kitaro stood from his seat at the desk as she entered the room. “I am pleased that you came.”

  She smiled and walked to meet him as he came from behind the desk. “Is there any word?” she asked softly.

  “Always so direct.” He smiled and raised her hand to his lips.

  “I was under the impression that you wanted me to be more attentive and devoted.”

  “Ummm.” He kissed her palm then lowered her hand from his lips. “Perhaps.”

  “And?”

  He tucked her hand in the crook of one arm, keeping his hand on top of hers. “Come, I was about to have tea.”

  They went into the next room where a tea service was sitting on an ornately carved ivory table. Kitaro seated her and set about serving the tea. “It appears as if our opponent is making progress,” he said as he handed her a cup. “The last communiqué indicated that his representative has successfully gained the confidence of the target and steps are being taken to attempt retrieval of the data.”

  She laughed and set the teacup on the table. “I would not lose any sleep over that, my darling. If we could not retrieve the information, you can be sure they will fare no better.”

  “Perhaps,” Kitaro said and took a seat. “Or perhaps not. I have it under good authority that they have narrowed the possibilities to three substances. If they happen upon the correct combination of substance and technique, it is possible that they will be able to unlock the gate.”

  She shook her head decisively. “Impossible. We tried everything and nothing worked. You know that. If we couldn’t break through the barriers he erected, no one can. Besides, you’re forgetting one crucial element.”

  “Oh?” He raised his eyebrows at her. “And that is?”

  “Trust,” she said with a sly smile. “Our subject will never allow the barriers to be breeched unless there is trust. And if we couldn’t earn it, do you really think they have a chance?”

  He frowned thoughtfully. “There are always possibilities, my love. Never underestimate your opponent.

  “I do not have to be reminded of that,” she declared heatedly. “Besides, the reason I came today is to tell you that I may have made progress of my own.”

  His eyes lit with anticipation. “Tell me.”

  She shook her head and stood. Kitaro’s eyes followed her movements as she slid the shoulders of her knit dress down to expose her luscious breasts. “Later,” she said huskily.

  His eyes never left her as she undressed. When she raised one long leg and stepped across his lap, he smiled. She took his hands in hers and raised them to her breasts and his smile turned carnal. She was a woman of many talents, but her most remarkable attribute was her lust.

  He didn’t deny her what she wanted, for he was not a foolish man. He had learned long ago that the most effective way to control one’s subordinates was to give them what they wanted, and to make them believe they were pulling the strings. He laughed inwardly as he thought about it. She thought she had him in the palm of her hand, that the temptations of her body kept him in control. How foolish she was.

  University of North Carolina at Charlotte

  Ryan stood as the door opened. A thin, middle-aged man with lank brown hair and a stooped posture walked into the room. “Dr. McClintock,” the secretary looked up from her typing. “These people are waiting to see you.”

  The professor gave her a perplexed look. “They called and made an appointment,” she explained. “I told you about it yesterday afternoon.”

  “Oh, yes.” Dr. McClintock turned to Ryan. “What can I do for you, Mr…”

  “Detective Ryan Dalton.” Ryan showed the professor his identification. “And my partner, Detective Paige Landers. We were hoping you could help us out with something.”

  “Come into my office.” The professor led the way. He set his battered leather attaché case beside the wooden desk then perched on its corner. “Now, what can I do?”

  Ryan withdrew copies of the two notes found on the bodies of the murder victims. “Do you recognize the symbols on there?”

  Dr. McClintock studied the first one for some time. The slight frown that began on his face deepened to a scowl by the time he set the first copy aside and looked at the second. After a long silence, he looked at Ryan. “May I ask where you got these?”

  “Each of those notes was found at the scene of a murder,” Ryan answered. “Our lab hasn’t been able to make any sense of the markings. The FBI has copies and are running it through their system and are calling in someone, but so far we haven’t heard anything from them. We were hoping that maybe you could tell us something.”

  “Hmmm…” The professor laid the copies side by side on his desk and studied them. “Well, let’s see. The first one is definitely cuneiform. Babylonian, Sumerian? Possibly. The second… Hmmm, much the same, but…I’m not sure. It reminded me of the Babylonian, yet…”

  He looked around at Ryan. “This really is not my area, Detective. I would suggest that you find someone who specializes in ancient languages.”

  “Could you recommend someone?”

  “Actually, I do know of someone who might be able to help you.” The professor smiled for the first time. “We have someone here who is a doctoral candidate in archaeology, from a family who is well-known for their work in the field.”

  “Great.” Ryan pulled out his pad and pen. “If you could give me the name and phone number?”

  “Certainly. Dr. Senna Laserian. She teaches here in the physics department.” He gave Ryan and Paige a smile. “Give her a ring. She’s quite a lovely woman, very easy to talk to. I’m sure that if she can’t help you, she will at least know in which direction to point you.”

  “Sure, thanks,” Ryan said. He and Paige left the office. Once out into the hallway they looked at each other in surprise.

  “Well, well,” Paige said in a snide tone. “What do you think about—”

  “Not here,” Ryan started swiftly down the hall.

  As soon as they reached the car she started. “Well, isn’t this interesting. Not only did Dr. Quantum know the two victims, now it turns out she’s an expert in the scribbling that was left on the notes. Isn’t that just an amazing coincidence?”

  Ryan’s face was as dark as a rain cloud when he turned to her. “Don’t jump off the board before you look and see if there’s water in the pool. Just because she knew the guys, and happens to know something about archaeology doesn’t mean she’s a suspect.”

  “Did I say that?” Paige opened her eyes wide and assumed a wounded look of innocence.

  Ryan scowled, got in the car, and started it. Paige jumped in and was silent until they reached the highway. “You know we have to pass this along,” she said. “It could be instrumental to the case. We don’t have a choice.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Ryan replied. Just like I know that when we do she’s suddenly going to be in the limelight.”

  “Well, no duh!” Paige exclaimed then held up both hands as he gave her an evil look. “Hey, don’t blame me if everything keeps pointing her way. Maybe it is all just coincidence, but you’ve got to admit that every road we take leads us right b
ack to her.”

  “I know, I know. But I also know she didn’t have anything to do with it. I know her, Paige.”

  “Do you?”

  He scowled at her and she met his angry eyes straight on. “Well?” she asked. “Do you really know her, Ryan? Or do you just want to think you do. Have you ever considered that maybe Dr. Electron isn’t who you think she is? Just think about it for a second. A week ago you thought she was some loyal little lap dog who was too damn meek and shy to even flirt with a guy. But that turned out to be a crock, didn’t it? No little wallflower jumps in the rack with a guy like Konnor Chase the way she did.”

  “You’re blowing this all out of proportion! Besides, our personal relationship has nothing to do with this investigation. There’s no evidence that links her to either of the murder scenes. You know that. All we have are innuendoes and circumstance.”

  “But we’ve got a boat load,” Paige pointed out.

  “I think we should talk to her before we take any action,” he said after a pause. “See if she can tell us anything about the markings.”

  “You mean give her a chance to make you believe she’s not involved.”

  Ryan looked over at Paige and when their eyes met, he looked away. She was right. That was exactly what he wanted, because right now it was starting to look like Senna was in much deeper than he wanted to believe.

  Downtown Charlotte

  As soon as she saw Kendal get in her car and drive away, Senna turned to Konnor. “I don’t know about this.”

  There was a moment in which he simply stared at her. Finally he spoke. “I think it’s best if I go with you.”

  She sighed and leaned back against the door. “Why can’t you just tell me what this is all about? If the CIA thinks I’m involved in…in something, then why can’t you tell me what it is? And why do you need to be with me when I see Ian?”

  “We’ve already gone over this and I’ve told you all I can. I need to be there to make sure nothing happens.”

  “What could possibly happen, Konnor? He’s my psychiatrist, not some…some criminal.”