Death & Other Lies

by Carol L. Ochadleus

  Unfortunately, Dr. Nowak was no longer with Marsh Labs. He was given an early retirement after the fiasco with Phil and the theft of Matt’s work. Not that they suspected he was involved with the plot to supply the ‘Breath of God’ to Iran, but it did happen under his watch, and he should have picked up on Phil’s character flaws long before the damage was done. Dr. Nowak had given Phil, albeit reluctantly, a recommendation to take the post in Washington after Matt disappeared. He superiors wondered what kind of a supervisor he was to miss assessing Phil more accurately? Not to mention he had falsified the reason for Matt’s delay in reporting to Washington.

  The new man in Dr. Nowak’s job was briefed on the incident in England and Marsh’s involvement. He would be extremely cautious about whom he hired in the future. He recognized the name Matt Errington when told who was on the line. Matt had disappeared without a trace for months, with no explanation. It wasn’t hard to figure out what he wanted, but he would take his time and do some research of his own before he would take Matt’s call.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  “Those sure are beautiful, what are they?” Kate asked her mom.

  “They’re delphiniums. Your dad loved those deep blue ones.” It was a rare occasion when the twins were able to visit Elizabeth at her home in Michigan. Elizabeth’s gardens were in full bloom, and she spent as much time as she could in her favorite place.

  “Mom, Ben called. He would like you to call him back when you have a moment. Nothing urgent,” Lilly called from the door.

  “Okay, thanks, honey. I’ll be right there,” Elizabeth responded with a lilt to her voice. Kate’s trained ear picked up the subtlety in the response and cast her mom a suspicious glance.

  “Wow, you seem particularly glad to hear from him,” Kate teased.

  Elizabeth blushed. “What do you mean; we always enjoy Ben’s visits. He did say he had business up this way. I know he is still concerned about your health since Las Vegas.”

  “That may be,” Kate continued in the same teasing voice, “but you used to be annoyed when he would call here.”

  “Yes, I supposed I did at times,” Elizabeth stared pensively at her flower beds, “but his calls usually meant you girls would be going away somewhere and that always made me worry. I can’t explain the difference now, but ever since we almost lost you in that dreadful tomb, I seem to have lost some of that fear. I saw how much he cares for you girls and I have more faith now he will protect you.” She turned to Kate with a wistful smile on her face.

  “Mom, you know we can take care of ourselves; you don’t have to worry about us.”

  “Yeah, right, I’m sure getting out of that cement house was all of your doing, wasn’t it? We owe a lot to the women who heard your cry for help. It was a pure stroke of luck they were there that day.”

  “I don’t believe that much in luck, Mom. I have more faith Dad was watching out for us. He always said he would.”

  “I know if he could, he would,” Elizabeth agreed. “Ben does the same thing I think, he spends more time with you two than with any of the other agents he handles,” Elizabeth said as she handed cut flowers to Kate.

  “Oh, we’re back to talking about Ben again,” Kate chuckled, watching her mother closely for any telltale signs of affection.

  “Oh, Kate,” her mom laughed, “stop that. You know we all care for Ben. Now help me bring all of these flowers inside before they wilt. I’ll go call him back.”

  “You run ahead, Mom, I’ll get your flowers. You don’t want to keep him waiting.” Kate was laughing, and so was Elizabeth. “Hmm,” Kate said out loud, “Elizabeth Madison, has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it, Mom?” If Elizabeth heard her, she paid no attention, but her step quickened as she headed for the house.

  It took tremendous effort, but Kate finally forgave her mom and Lilly for intruding in her life. She also gave them strict orders not to interfere again. If she was going to have a normal life, it must happen, well, normally, not contrived or set up. Not that Matt looking for her made anything contrived, actually, but, oh, well, how could she explain to them, the whole relationship was set up from the get-go. It wasn’t straightforward or honest. How could she expect to have a normal life with someone like Matt when their time together was a lie?

  Kate spent her nights alone, hashing over and over her feelings for Matt. She tried to put him out of her mind, let him go as she had other assets in the past, but she hadn’t succeeded. He was different. There was so much good in him, so contrary to the type of people her world revolved around. He loved her deeply, she knew that, and a weird pain ran through her each time she pictured his face or saw couples in a crowd that reminded her of their time together.

  True he cared for her in the past, but she also knew that being the type of person he was, he would never be able to get past the deception she and her job pulled on him. It was decidedly better just to ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ and put Matt and their feelings for each other behind her. It was probably the kindest thing she could do for him and maybe even for herself. As painful as it was considering her feelings for him, she was, after all, a professional. It was just one more door she needed to close.

  DURING THE WEEKS THAT followed the tragedy at Heathrow, a combined team of British Secret Service, some of Ben’s agents, members of SO15 British Counter Terrorism Command and SO18 Aviation Security Forces, worked tirelessly to find the terrorists responsible for the attack in London.

  With the help of the GPS strip the CIA planted in Rashid Zand’s passport, members of the cell were found to be hiding in a small stone structure in a remote village near Kabul, Afghanistan. In the ramshackle house Rashid Zand, Kaleehad Khourmy and thirteen of their newest recruits for martyrdom, rode the lingering wave of success of Heathrow as they hungrily plotted their next target.

  “But why can’t we make a strike on the Americans?” Zand argued for the hundredth time. “Because of them, I missed the greatest day of my life.” His hatred of the U.S. and its people was well known among his friends and the cell leaders. “I have seen them, and I know their ignorance. I have lived among them. They are like the fleas on a dog and are easily fooled,” he pleaded. “We could strike their schools and their homes. If we wipe out the ignorant families that breed more infidels and kill more of the children, there will be less of them to grow up to wage war on us.” Khourmy smiled at his friend and patted the air to calm the rising tide of anger.

  “I know Rashid, we all feel the same about the infidel cities of the West, but it is not our choice. That right belongs to Allah. He chooses who should live and die. Allah be praised,” he invoked the group.

  “Allah the Almighty be praised,” the others responded on cue.

  “The American’s will pay, I promise you my friend, but here, sit with me. Let me tell you what I heard today in the—”

  “Brothers, listen!” A young member of the group, who was sitting in the open window, jumped back into the room screaming the alarm.

  The whistling sound of the approaching missile fired from an overhead drone could be heard above their terrified cries as each man registered the fact they were about to die.

  The warning gave the men little time to escape even if fifteen grown men could have squeezed through the tiny door at the same time. The men pushed and clawed trying to get out crushing those in the front as those in the rear pushed ever harder. Khourmy and Zand trapped with the others; were blown to pieces, their screams of terror matching those of their companions. Their prayers to Allah, if they remembered to say them, had failed to reach him in time. It is doubtful their last thoughts were of the glories and the seventy-two virgins awaiting them.

  Watching by satellite as the hovel was leveled with the cell leaders inside, the recognizance team exploded in a rush of held breath and adrenalin. The moment had a small taste of sweet revenge for the atrocities of Heathrow.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  With the CIA out of his hair, Matt could now dedicate himself to finding Kate. Realizi
ng he was right back where he was before, the only source was her mother, Elizabeth. He wasn’t sure where to start looking for her and doubted she was still in Wales. Nor did he have the funds to go jetting off around the world again even if he could. His savings account had been nearly drained since he left for England and the bills were piled high on the old antique desk, ironically one of the few pieces of furniture which had escaped destruction. He needed a job right away, but that would come. At the moment, his priority was to find Kate.

  Somewhere in his belongings sent over from the Royal Arms, he found the business card Jeremy York gave him on his arrival in London. Maybe Jeremy could lend a hand again. England was several hours ahead, and Matt determined when Jeremy would be in his office.

  Jeremy answered on the first ring and after learning it was Matt calling, boomed his promise of assistance through the phone. “Absolutely, my friend, I would be more than happy to do whatever I can to help you find this woman. I was surprised when I never heard from you months ago, my cousin even asked about you. We both hoped you had reached your objective and went on with your life. I can do some research and find the cottage phone number in Wales if it’s listed, if not, I may need my cousin back in the States to lend a hand through his connections. Either way, we’ll get you the number you need. Talk to you soon.”

  As he hung up the phone, Matt felt the first wave of relief since arriving home. He melted his long frame into the chair. At least something good might happen soon. Whatever her reasons were for leaving him, they didn’t matter anymore. He only wanted proof she was real, tell her his feelings and then let her go. If that was still what she wanted, he was prepared, even after all that happened in her pursuit, he would let her go. He swore it to himself.

  THE PHONE RANG AND rang, but no one answered. Jeremy had come through for him, and within minutes of his call, Matt was on the phone trying to reach Elizabeth or Franny at the cottage in Wales. Days went by without any success. Neither one of them were staying there now. That worried Matt, particularly about Franny. She was so old and frail. What if something bad happened to her? He would never know. He would feel terrible, after all she did for him, and he wasn’t able to help her. So much had occurred since he was pulled away from the cottage that day.

  Even before he realized who Elizabeth was, as soon as he reached the States, he asked Ben to contact her and let her know he was home and okay. Ben said he would, but Matt didn’t know if the message was delivered or not. But now, knowing Elizabeth was Kate’s mother, Matt was driven to make contact with her himself. It was his quest for her that put him in harm’s way, thus landing him in her hands after all. What a weird coincidence, he often thought. What a story that would make to anyone who would care enough to listen. It made all the sense in the world looking back over the prior months’ events, to remember her kindness and how warm she was to him. It was obvious why he was so attached to her and why he came to care a great deal for the woman who replaced his subconscious Kate.

  If I can just reach her, I know she will be surprised how fate threw us together, and how our lives crossed. Matt had no doubt Elizabeth would help him reach Kate. Of that, he was certain. But other than the Welsh cottage, he had no idea where to start.

  SAUCY ABERNATHY STOOD in the doorway of his House of Antiques and Oddities staring at the young man on the step. “You’re damn right I remember you. You nearly tore my entire store apart. This is my livelihood; does that mean anything to you? No!” he stopped to spit on the ground at Matt’s feet. “I’m just an old man. You kids got no respect for anyone but yourselves. Don’t come around here again. I’ve got enough problems paying my bills without you breaking half my merchandise.” Saucy was headed back inside when Matt’s pleading voice stopped him mid-step.

  “Please, sir, I am truly sorry for what I did. I can’t explain exactly what happened, but I will repay you for whatever damage I did to your shop. I came by for the glass vases you had in your window. I want to buy them and pay you for whatever else you feel I owe.”

  Saucy wasn’t sure his tirade had run its course yet, but he felt his anger giving way with the sincerity of the young man’s apology, and the mention of more money. Hell, he’d already been paid enough by the other guy in the suit on the night of the rampage. Saucy tossed it over in his mind before answering. He didn’t think the CIA would find out if he charged the guy again, but he didn’t want any trouble with the government. Better to lose a few bucks than open up a hornet’s nest.

  “I don’t have those little trinkets anymore,” he spit again, making Matt jump back a foot. “Gave them to the guy you were with. Go take it up with the government.” It pleased him immensely to see the downcast look on the guy’s face. Serves him right if he is disappointed. If Saucy couldn’t keep them pretty little doo-bobs, then this little shit shouldn’t have them either. Didn’t matter much anyhow. The government took them, and that was that.

  “Why the hell would Agent Jensen take all of Kate’s vases out of the shop?” Matt wondered aloud, climbing back in the car. That doesn’t make sense. Certainly, they have no meaning to the investigation. The government has the data they wanted from me; it has nothing to do with glass vases or Kate. Why would they take them? He needed to find a way to contact Jim and get an answer to that question. Good Lord another mystery to solve. It was getting harder to move his life forward when everything kept getting stuck in the past. He was mired down in questions and no one to help him find answers. ‘One step forward and three back,’ his boss used to say. He was no closer to finding Kate or putting his life back together than he was last spring. Life had a nasty way of going around in circles. He was back where he was before, only worse off, no Kate, no job, no money, and still no answers.

  “HELLO! ELIZABETH, IT’S so good to finally hear your voice. I’ve been trying to get in touch with you. I kept calling hoping you would answer, not knowing how else to reach you.”

  “Matt, is that you? We’ve been so curious about what happened to you. It’s been so long since you disappeared from the cottage. What happened? Did you get your memory back? Are you back home and well?”

  “It’s a long story, Elizabeth ... and yes, I have most of my memory back, and yes I’m home, but things aren’t too well yet. But, like I said, it’s a long story. You said ‘we,’ is Franny okay? I was worried when I couldn’t reach either of you that something happened to her. You don’t have an answering machine at the cottage, and I didn’t know anyone else to call over there to check on you ladies.”

  “I’m sorry you were worried, but we had no way to get in touch with you either.” She lied, but there was no way she could tell him the truth. “So many things have happened, but things have calmed down. Franny suffered a small stroke and was in the same hospital you were in, but she’s doing better and doesn’t seem to have any serious lasting effects, which is remarkable for her age. I got back here yesterday to hire someone to stay with her. I’m only here for a week, so I’m glad you caught me today. You said things aren’t too well, what’s the matter, Matt? Are you okay?”

  He didn’t want to just blurt out the reason for his call. In his head, he had long conversations with her in which he explained all the coincidental details that brought them together. He imagined Elizabeth would be thrilled to learn of his relationship with Kate, and would eagerly set up a reunion. But now on the phone with Kate’s mother, his confidence wavered. What if she doesn’t approve of me for Kate? What if she tells me Kate is with someone else? There were so many ‘what-ifs’ again. The conversation faltered, and for the first time with her, he was at a loss for words. “I’m sorry I don’t mean to worry you. I have some things to straighten out in my life.” Matt took his time and tried to choose his words carefully. “Finding myself and my identity was a remarkable event. The whole story is astonishing, and I’m sure you will be amazed when I tell you what happened.”

  Elizabeth held her breath, trying to prepare a response for what he was about to tell her.

  Re
fusing to give in to his nervousness, Matt went on. “You found me Elizabeth, which is uncanny because I went to Wales to find your sister-in-law, Lauren. It seems quite a coincidence because, in London, I was told you were dead, and Lauren was my goal in Wales.”

  There was silence on the line for a moment, then Elizabeth asked, “Why were you looking for me in London, Matt?” even though she knew the answer.

  With the line he had waited months to say, he went on, “You were my lead to your daughter, Kate.” There, he dropped the bomb. His head was spinning, and he thought he would pass out with the suspense while waiting for her to respond.

  “I see,” was all she could say at first. Then she added, “How do you know Kate? Why would you come all the way to England to find her or me? I don’t understand the connection.”

  “No, I don’t suppose you would until you hear my story. Do you have the time to listen? I hate to do this long distance.”

  “I have time, Matt, please go on.”

  Without further invitation, Matt poured his life out to her and how events led up to his loss of Kate and everything he endured since she left him. Although he never said the words, his pain and loss, his love and his loneliness were all there for Elizabeth to hear between the lines.

  Her heart broke for him and for the love her daughter gave up in the name of duty. She was faced with a real dilemma. She had given Kate her word she would not interfere again in her life, and she knew Ben would be displeased if she gave Kate up to Matt. She knew her instincts about Matt were right, but that didn’t give her the right to follow them. Searching for a way to answer him without breaking her word to Kate, Elizabeth grasped upon the only solution she could.