Velocity

by Alan Jacobson

  Vail kept her gaze on the fountain. “You’ll have to ask him.”

  The paramedic called to them from the open rig. “You ready? Gotta transport—”

  “Give us a minute,” Vail said. “Till the end of the song.” She turned to Robby and studied his face, then leaned in close. “What’s wrong?”

  He did not look at her. He was staring ahead, not following the arcing path of the fountain’s surging jets as they rapidly spread from left to right, across the expanse of the lake.

  After a long moment, he said, “Just mentally and physically drained.” He lay there. Music blasted. Water sprayed. But none of it registered, not really.

  Vail’s eyes narrowed. “But something’s on your mind.”

  Here it was . . . the choice Robby had been dreading. What did it say about a man who can’t be honest with the woman he loves? What kind of relationship would that be?

  But this is . . . different. I murdered my uncle’s killer. I hunted him down and shot him. Once that simple sentence left his lips, his life would change forever. Would she be able to overlook the admission? Would I lose her? Would she turn me in?

  He bit his upper lip. Don’t say anything. But I have to. Can I face her if I don’t? “I’m sorry,” he started. “I guess I owe you an explanation.”

  The music stopped playing and the fountain’s water jets went dry. Vail pulled back her arm and rested both hands on the side of the gurney. “Trust is important to me, Robby. Coming off my failed marriage with Deacon, trust is all I’ve got.”

  How could she know? How? Had Diego told her somehow?

  Robby rubbed the back of his neck. He didn’t know what to say. “I know. I’d say I’m sorry, but that wouldn’t really mean much. It doesn’t even come close, does it? What’s done is done.”

  “But are you sorry?”

  He didn’t answer for a long moment.

  “Look,” she said, “I realize it’s not a black-and-white thing. I understand it’s complicated. But if you love me, like you’ve said you do, then we have to be able to tell each other things like that. We can’t keep secrets.”

  Robby rubbed his face with his free hand.

  “I’ll make this easy,” she said. “You apologize for not telling me about your undercover op, and I’ll apologize for blowing your cover. I showed your picture to Guevara, I leaned on him. He made the connection, and . . . well, I just plain blew it.”

  Robby’s head snapped so quickly toward her his neck popped. “Apologize for—” She doesn’t know. He sighed relief—then had to think fast before she read him. “Look,” he said, reaching out and taking her hand. “You don’t need to apologize. I disappeared. I—with a serial killer on the loose, threatening Jonathan, you must’ve assumed the worst. I’m the one who needs to apologize. So yes, I am sorry. Very sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing, but . . . I now know it—I should’ve just told you the truth.”

  She looked at him, into his eyes, deeply. What was she thinking? He couldn’t tell. He was tired—no, exhausted.

  “Will you accept my apology?” she said.

  “For what?”

  Vail appeared irritated she had to repeat her transgression. “For endangering your life, for nearly getting you killed.”

  Normally she had a sense of what he was thinking. But right now, she apparently wasn’t getting a clear read.

  “Tell you what,” he finally said. “Let’s forgive each other. Start with a clean slate.”

  VAIL STUDIED HIS FACE. She loved this man. Was the trust issue something she could overlook? For now, yes. He apologized—and it seemed like he genuinely meant it. That was all she needed, to be able to relax her defenses and know there were no secrets between them. At least, that would be the case after Robby’s lunch tomorrow with Gifford.

  Vail gently leaned her head against his. The emotional release of having Robby back, of touching him again, was like a river overrunning its banks. Tears spontaneously flooded her eyes and flowed down her cheeks. Whatever issues they still had to deal with were unimportant; they would work themselves out.

  Robby wiped at her cheek with a thumb. “There’s something I have to tell you.”

  But he fell silent, and as the seconds passed and he failed to elaborate, Vail pulled back and looked into his eyes. “What is it?”

  “I . . . I . . . ” He looked down, hesitated, then brought his eyes up to hers and said, “I killed a man.”

  She jutted her chin back. “The guy in the lake? C’mon, we’ve both killed people in the course of—”

  “This wasn’t in the course of work. It happened a long time ago. When I was a teenager.”

  Vail looked at him a long moment, searching his face. This is a confession . Certainly not something she was expecting. She cleared her throat and said, “Why?”

  “Because he was a murderer, a gang banger, and a drug dealer.” Robby bit his bottom lip, teared up, and then looked down. “And because he killed my uncle.”

  Vail chewed on that, looked off into the darkness, then brought her eyes back to Robby’s. She took his hand and squeezed.

  “I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t want to lose you, I didn’t know what you’d think of me, I didn’t—”

  Vail placed a finger on his mouth. “You already know what I think of you.”

  “Yeah, but—”

  “No buts. I study human behavior for a living, remember?” She moved her hand to his chest, over his heart. It beat fast and hard. “I know what’s in here, and that’s what matters.”

  Robby took a deep breath, then wiped a tear from his eye.

  “Truth is,” Vail said, “when I thought Mayfield was in Virginia, going after Jonathan . . . ” She stopped. What would I have done if he’d harmed my son? “Robby, if he’d—if Jonathan . . . I honestly don’t think I could’ve let the bastard live. Even spending the rest of his days in a prison cell, that’d have been too good for him.”

  “What does that make us?”

  She didn’t take long to answer. Given all she knew and had observed about behavior, this was a question that went back to the beginning of time. “It makes us human.”

  “Human.” He seemed to ponder that a moment.

  Vail stroked his forearm. “Now . . . soon as you’re released from the ER, we’ll get a room. I think we’re long overdue for a vacation.”

  He looked up at her. “You’ve used up all your vacation time.”

  Vail took his face in her hands. “I won’t tell anyone if you won’t.” Robby leaned forward and gently touched his lips to hers. “You know what they say. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  THIS WAS MY FIRST EXPERIENCE working with the Drug Enforcement Administration, and it was a tremendously positive one. My research opened my eyes to the enormity of the illicit drug trade and its pervasive role in our society, our neighborhoods, and our schools. Much of the profit from the drugs sold in the United States goes directly into funding terrorist activities at home and abroad.

  Surprisingly, mainstream media and the political establishment haven’t kept the illicit drug problem at the forefront of our consciousness. Or perhaps it’s the other way around: we need to let our elected officials know that we’re aware of the damage drug trafficking causes, and we want them to use their powers to hamstring it. Unfortunately, the long-running nature of the “war on drugs” allows apathy to set in, forcing it to the background in the face of pressing economic, job, and security issues that demand our attention.

  But there’s one group that does not shrug these issues aside. Ask any DEA agent, whose job it is to catch those involved in the illicit drug trade, and you’ll learn that these agents see their role as crusaders, tackling one battle at a time. We owe them a debt of gratitude for the dangerous work they perform, on our behalf, on a daily basis.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  I RELY ON PROFESSIONALS in the real world for their knowledge base, perspective, and expertise that give my storie
s depth and credibility. For Velocity, I’d like to thank the following individuals:

  At the Drug Enforcement Administration, I’ve had the good fortune to work with the following professionals: Paul Knierim, Supervisory Special Agent, whose real-world and undercover experience and explanations of the illicit drug trade, cartels, and DEA procedures were integral to my telling of the story. Agent Knierim’s review of the manuscript helped immensely in ensuring I had all my DEA i’s dotted and t’s crossed.

  Steve Parinello, Special Agent, for his overview of the world of illicit drug trafficking, border enforcement, and DTOs; Rusty Payne, acting section chief of DEA Public Affairs Office, and Mary Irene Cooper, chief of Congressional and Public Affairs, for working with me to obtain DEA access; Meghan McCalla, public affairs, for facilitating my resource list; Amy Roderick, Special Agent, San Diego field division office, for San Diego area illicit drug information and a tour of the field division facility.

  Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Cruz, DEA senior forensic chemist, for information on the chemistry behind illicit drug trafficking and covert smuggling; for helping me understand the facts and realities that formed the underpinning of my ideas involving Superior Mobile Bottling; and for her thorough tour of the Southwest Laboratory. Scott R. Oulton, DEA laboratory director, Southwest Laboratory, for helping me obtain the information I needed and for the time he spent with me at the lab. Fracia Martinez, DEA forensic chemist, for making the initial introductions and setting me on the right path.

  Greg Brenholdt, DEA Special Agent Pilot, for sharing his helicopter experiences and flying expertise with me, for his creative input, and for providing an easy-to-comprehend primer on piloting a helicopter.

  John France, U.S. Border Patrol assistant chief patrol agent, former jump master for BORTAC (the Border Patrol’s special response team), who counseled me in the finer points of jumping from a helicopter. If Karen Vail knew John was responsible for that, she’d hunt him down and . . . well, it wouldn’t be pretty.

  Jean Donaldson, captain, Napa County Sheriff’s Department, for once again serving as my Sheriff’s Department “knowledge base,” for expeditiously answering my technical questions, and for granting access to all areas of the department.

  Mark Safarik, senior FBI profiler and Supervisory Special Agent (ret). I never tire of thanking Mark for his contributions to my novels. Mark’s attention to detail ensures that Vail’s behavioral analysis, FBI and law enforcement procedure, and terminology are correct. I treasure not only his nearly two decades of BAU tutelage but his special friendship.

  Joe Ramos, lieutenant, San Diego Police Department, SWAT unit, for acquainting me with the SWAT training facility and tactical vehicles, and for reviewing SWAT procedure in detail with me. Thanks to Monica Munoz, PIO, for obtaining clearance for me. As with the DEA, I was extremely impressed with the tactical unit’s professionalism, dedication, and level of training. These officers do a very tough job, very well.

  Carl Caulk, deputy assistant director, U.S. Marshals Service, Judicial Security Division, for his assistance with the WITSEC program.

  Micheal Weinhaus, Special Agent, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, for information on warrants and proper search procedures (Karen Vail could learn a thing or two from Mike).

  Jeffrey Jacobson. Yes, Velocity is dedicated to him, but he deserves to be acknowledged here, too. As the associate general counsel for the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association and a former assistant U.S. attorney, he’s eminently qualified to answer questions about Border Patrol, ports of entry, canine handling, and search and seizure issues. One might say Jeff is “a jack of all federal law enforcement trades.” (I wouldn’t say that, but someone might.)

  Keely Dodd, senior probation officer, Napa County Probation, for her assistance with selecting certain settings and locations in downtown Napa.

  Gary Hyde, associate director, process engineering, at Mannkind Corporation, for his explanation of, and assistance with, the drug delivery method described in Velocity. Though BetaSomnol was fictitious, the concept behind it was not. Gary was a senior process engineer at a major pharmaceutical company that produced such (legal) “transdermals.”

  At the Bellagio Hotel, Keith Fels, show control engineer in fountain control, was enormously helpful in walking me through the intricacies of the exquisite Bellagio fountains, the pump room, and fountain operation and maintenance; Mary Cabral and Kristen Lacer assisted me in attempting to gain access to restricted areas; Jason Harrison, Bellagio executive chef, and Mark Szczepanski, general manager of Jasmine Restaurant, for their descriptions and explanations regarding the “back of the house” and associated areas.

  At CityCenter, I was assisted by Mariksa Quintana and Carolyn Leveque, who acquainted me with all aspects of the complex, its features, amenities, access roads, and connections.

  David Pearson, CEO of Opus One, for assistance with establishing the legal timeline of wineries relative to Herndon Vineyards.

  Ariana Peju of Peju Vineyards for information regarding TTB and California’s Alcohol and Beverage Control’s application process for starting a winery. I can’t say enough about the fine people (and fine wine) at Peju. In particular, a special acknowledgment goes to Herta and Tony Peju, Peter Verdin, Katie Vandermause, Alan Arnopole, Caroline King, Scott Neumann, and Robert Sherman for their assistance.

  Tómas Palmer, software security consultant, for his technical musings and information pertaining to the workings of the LOWIS device.

  Samantha McManus, communications manager, Microsoft Digital Crime Unit, for information on COFEE and PhotoDNA (yes, both are real).

  Maury Gloster, M.D., for his medical counsel on the injuries sustained by John Mayfield, James Cannon, and Robby, including associated terminology and treatment outcomes.

  Lisa Black, fellow author, who also happens to be a forensic scientist, for her assistance with Sandiego Ortega’s gunshot wound.

  My old friend Steve Kitnick (okay, so he’s not that old), for shuttling me to/from, through and around the Green Valley Ranch Resort, and serving as my personal Las Vegas sidekick. Jeff Ayers, friend and author, for once again going way beyond the call of duty while ferrying me around Seattle.

  The exceptional people at Vanguard Press: Roger Cooper, publisher, Georgina Levitt, associate publisher, and Amanda Ferber, publishing manager. It’s a pleasure to work with three very professional and talented individuals; Peter Costanzo, and the entire Vanguard sales force and production staff, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes are responsible for getting my novels into the hands of my readers; Jennifer Ballot, my publicist, who worked her tail off to make my Crush tour a success—no small effort in today’s bookselling climate.

  Kevin Smith, my editor. Working with Kevin is like applying a coat of Meguiar’s premium wax to a Bentley: when you’re done, the car sparkles and looks damn fine. Michael Connelly said “Alan Jacobson is my kind of writer”; Kevin Smith is Alan Jacobson’s kind of editor.

  Chrisona Schmidt, my copy editor. Having a skilled copy editor is invaluable, and Chrisona is one of the best I’ve ever worked with. Cisca Schreefel and Renee Caputo, my project editors. Cisca and Renee made sure all parts of the production puzzle came together in an orderly fashion. It’s a huge undertaking, and I appreciate all their efforts.

  C. J. Snow, for his thorough review of the manuscript. Although it’s not his profession, C. J. is a skilled copy editor with an exceptional eye. His markup is first-rate and much appreciated.

  My agents, Joel Gotler and Frank Curtis, Esq. There is no substitute for their decades of experience. Their guidance, opinions, and input mean a great deal to me.

  My wife, Jill, who also serves as my sounding board, first-line editor, and brutally honest critic. Jill is an avid reader of the genre, but because she approaches characters and situations differently than I do, she gives me a perspective I may not always see. Writing aside, she means the world to me.

  Thanks, as well, to those who went above and beyond to help s
ell my books:

  Jane Willoughby and Ingram Losner for their extraordinary work in San Diego, and Wayne and Julia Rudnick for their Herculean efforts in Arizona. Samantha McManus and James Patton at Microsoft for all their efforts in helping me launch Crush.

  Len Rudnick, my uncle, for ushering me to and around Phoenix like no other media escort could. Between the tours for The 7th Victim, Crush, and Velocity, we’ve amassed some great memories. I’ll always cherish the time we spent together. Melodie Hilton, director of marketing and public relations, Napa Valley Wine Train, for making the Wine Train available to us for filming, and for arranging our Wine Train book signing event. K. R. Rombauer for his hospitality and for allowing us to film in Rhombauer’s extensive wine cave.

  Gretchen Pahia, Larry Comacho, Bill Thompson; Tom Hedtke, Beth O’Connor, Vicky Lorini; Colleen Holcombe; Douglas Thompson; Russell Ilg; John Hutchinson, Virginia Lenneville; Jean Coggan, Kristine Williams; Alex Telander; Jeff Bobby; Donna Powers, Pamela Ervin; Covahgin Van Dyk; J. Paul Deason, Betsy Ostrow; Marlee Soulard; Chris Acevedo (and Sophie), Daniel Piel; Maryelizabeth Hart, Terry Louchheim Gilman, Patrick Heffernan, Lori Burns, Linda Tonnesen; Barbara Peters, Lorri Amsden, Patrick Millikin; Bobby McCue, Linda Brown, Pam Woods, Kirk Pasich; J. B. Dickey, Fran Fuller; Joan Hansen; April Lilley, Christine Hilferty; Marc Hernandez and Ronny Peskin; Kara Schneider, Dena Roy, Valerie Burnside; Greg Hill; Lisa Haynes; Teresa McClatchy; Laura Sylvia, Marisa Ferche; Jessie Portlock; Joe Wilder; Mandi Holstrom; Tracy Puhl; Marsha Toy Engstrom and her “Hoodies”; Michael Troyan; Deborah Lee; Keith Kilby, John Keese, Nathan Spradlin; Marc Stiles; Patrick Malloy.

  Marvin Kamras; John Hartman; Andrea Ragan; Russell and Marion Weis; Corey Jacobson; Mikel London, Andrew Gulli; Lindsay Preston, Brendan Twardy, Geof Pelaia, Stephen Mlinarcik, Virginia Matri, and the College of Art and Design in Cleveland, Ohio.

  To my readers . . . As always, thanks for your support, for spreading the word about Alan Jacobson’s novels to friends, family members, neighbors, colleagues, book clubs, and bloggers. I promise to always try my best to entertain you with unique characters and interesting stories. Come out and see me sometime at one of my signings, or check out my Web site and Facebook fan page. I’m here for you.