by S. H. Jucha
If it wasn’t for the fact that Liam and he had discussed the commandant’s possible collusion with families, Devon might have hesitated or even objected. Instead, he accessed a waiting file and initiated it. “Done,” he said.
“You were well prepared,” Liam commented.
“I figured by the time you told me that we needed to do it, things would have reached a critical stage, and we’d have to move fast. What’s blown up?”
“Harbour requested a comparison of Aurelia’s DNA profile against the JOS personnel database.”
“That’s smart. Why didn’t we do it in the first place?”
“Good question. Anyway, I ran it this morning and got a hit. Her mother is Helena Garmenti, the girl who —”
“Disappeared from the JOS nearly two decades ago,” Devon finished. “I presume you reviewed the Garmenti case.”
“I did,” Liam replied. During the next few minutes, Liam explained what he found and his theories about what the governor and his present security chief might have done.
“What was the commandant’s reaction to your research?” Devon asked. Before Liam could reply, Devon imitated the commandant’s high-pitched voice and said, “This is all conjecture on your part, Major.”
“I’d laugh if it wasn’t so sad,” Liam said, shaking his head in regret.
“Speak of the enemy,” Devon said, holding up a finger and pointing to his monitor. “The commandant has finished a call downside. Interested?”
“Absolutely,” Liam replied, leaning on Devon’s desk to listen closely.
Devon pulled up and opened the recording.
“Lise, we have a problem,” the men heard Emerson say.
“I’m listening,” Lise replied.
“My major, the idiot, ran a search on the station’s personnel database for comparisons against Aurelia’s DNA profile and matched it to a young woman, Helena Garmenti.”
“And how is this a problem?”
“The major’s theory is that Helena Garmenti was kidnapped by Markos and Giorgio, spirited downside, and Aurelia is her daughter. Is there something that you’ve forgotten to tell me?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Based on what the major’s found, it’s going to be impossible to stop an investigation into Governor Andropov’s affairs.”
“You’re saying you don’t have control of your men?”
Devon smiled conspiratorially at Liam.
“The major has been suspicious of me for a while, Lise. My point is that Markos will probably be arrested once all this comes out. The question is: Who is going to be the next governor?”
“I would think I would have your support, Emerson. I’ve sent a great deal of coin your way.”
“Then you need to be forthcoming with me, Lise, if you want my support. Is Helena Garmenti Aurelia’s mother?”
“Yes.”
“Is the woman still alive?”
“Yes.”
“In the governor’s house?”
“Yes.”
“Does Helena have any other children?”
“One more … a younger daughter named Sasha.”
“And why didn’t you come forward with this information sooner, Lise? It would have been so much easier to control the situation.”
“How did I know that Aurelia would disappear? Markos has his own assets aboard the JOS. What if he’d recovered Aurelia without a fuss? Where would your proof of his crimes have been? Furthermore, how could I have known you had Helena’s profile in your records? I say it is what it is, Emerson, and we have to deal with it.”
“No telling what my major is going to do if I don’t move first. I’ll keep you informed.”
The conversation ended and Devon closed the file. “Didn’t think the commandant would space himself with one call,” the lieutenant said.
“Surprising, isn’t it?” Liam replied, wondering what to do with the information he held.
“Uh-oh,” Devon said, glancing up at the glass walls of his office.
“What?”
“I just saw Harbour pass by, and she didn’t look happy. Did you share the search results with her?”
“Yes, after all, it was her request, but I didn’t think she’d react so quickly,” Liam said, twisting around, but Harbour had already passed.
“She’s probably headed for the commandant’s office,” Devon remarked, which galvanized Liam into action. He jumped up and ran after her, catching Harbour before she made it to Emerson’s office.
“Harbour, we need to chat before you go into the commandant’s office. I know why you’re here, but there’s a great deal more you need to hear first.”
The emotions Harbour felt from the major told of quiet desperation. His eyes implored her, and she’d never heard disparaging remarks against the man, which attested to his reputation.
“My visit with the commandant can wait a few moments, Major. What do you have to tell me?”
“If you’ll come this way, Harbour, we need some privacy,” Liam replied, and he led Harbour to Devon’s office.
Devon jumped up when Liam escorted Harbour through his door.
“Total privacy, Devon,” Liam urged, and the lieutenant used his comm station to signal his glass wall, which faced the corridor, to darken.
During the course of the next half hour, Liam and Devon brought Harbour up to speed on what had been discovered and the call between the commandant and Lise Panoy.
Harbour debated what to tell the two security officers about what she knew. Everything the men had shared pointed to crimes committed by the commandant, the governor, and Lise Panoy. As far as they were concerned, Aurelia would still have to face a Review Board for the murder of Dimitri. However, the one thing that kept her quiet was the fact that it was Jessie Cinders who had shared the information about Aurelia and was protecting the girl, and Harbour was intent on protecting his trust.
“What do you intend to do, Major?” Harbour asked.
“Good question, Harbour. I can’t march into the commandant’s office and take him into custody. Only the Review Board can order his arrest, and, until the commandant is replaced, I can’t take charge of the investigation against Governor Andropov.”
“There are two sensitives downside who need our help, Major.”
“I know, I know,” Liam replied in frustration.
Harbour let the officers’ emotions play through her. She could sense the synchronicity between their words and their feelings. Both appeared to her to be honest men — honest men handicapped by dishonest people in power.
“Perhaps, sirs, this is the point at which you need an outside influence, one who owes nothing to your masters,” Harbour said, smiling, as she stood. Devon cleared the glass wall and unlocked the door. When she left the office, the two men looked at each other, not knowing whether to smile or frown.
* * *
First things first, Harbour thought, as she marched to the commandant’s office. She could share what she knew about the DNA profile match, but she couldn’t share anything else without giving up Liam, Devon, or Jessie. However, she could direct the conversation toward what she desired.
“Harbour, so good to see you,” Emerson said, jumping up to greet her. “Such an unexpected pleasure.”
“I doubt that, Commandant Strattleford,” Harbour replied testily, which halted Emerson’s progress around his desk. “I’m sure your subordinates have informed you of the inquiry into the JOS personnel database that I requested and the results.”
“Why, yes, they did. I must say it came as quite a shock to me.”
“Shock or not, I’m here to learn what you intend to do about it.”
“With all due respect, Harbour, while your request generated a unique piece of evidence, I fail to see what this has to do with you or even why you chose to make the request in the first place.”
Harbour didn’t need her capabilities to perceive the fear rolling off Emerson. Just the same, she attenuated her sensitivities to prevent his emot
ions from overwhelming her.
“As the acting captain of the Belle, the leader of the empaths, and as a woman, I’ve legitimate concerns to see that justice is pursued.” Harbour had heard the captains use this phrase many times at the commandant’s monthly meetings. Saying it gave her a particular pleasure.
“Harbour, the information has only recently come to light, as you well know. It will take some time to process.”
“Commandant, Aurelia was in the governor’s household. He admits it. Her DNA profile says she’s the daughter of a woman who disappeared about a year before Aurelia was born. What more do you need to take action?”
“Harbour, it’s not that simple. I have —” Emerson’s voice cut off, but not by Harbour’s vocal interruption. He felt a rush of hot anger sweep through him, blanking out his thoughts. “Harbour,” he choked out, and the feeling disappeared.
“My apologies, Commandant, your inaction galls me, and I’m afraid it caused a momentary lapse in my control. Men’s arrogance can sometimes do that to me.” It wasn’t true, but Harbour didn’t think Emerson needed to know that. If she chose, she could make her control absolute. However, she did enjoy the return of Emerson’s fear, which was now driven by an additional reason.
“Well, I see there’s no need to continue this discussion,” Harbour said, turning for the door.
“That’s it?” Emerson asked, greatly relieved. “You’ll leave the investigation’s progress in my hands?”
“Assuredly not, Commandant. As acting captain of the Belle, I have the authority to call an emergency meeting of the Review Board.”
“Wait, Harbour,” Emerson called urgently, “what is it you want?”
Harbour regarded Emerson, while she took careful measure of his emotions. She sensed various emotions, dominated by his fear, but it was his earnest desire that accompanied his entreaty that convinced her to reply.
“I want you to send a security team downside to make entry into the governor’s house and search it for Helena Garmenti. And, most important, I don’t want you giving the governor advance notice of your visit. If Helena is there, I want you to recover her and any children she might have and bring them to the station. Furthermore, the presence of Helena would require you to arrest Governor Andropov and Giorgio Sestos.”
The fact that Emerson’s mouth was hanging open didn’t deter Harbour from continuing. “Also, Commandant, I expect to be notified the moment Helena and any children are recovered. I will interview them first.”
“Why should you see them first?” Emerson asked, seeing control of the situation slipping from his grasp.
“It’s obvious to me, Commandant, if not to you, that this entire series of events is more than a simple murder. I will determine if Helena is a sensitive. If she and her children are empaths, then the agreement has been broken, and the families need to feel topsiders’ wrath for their betrayal.”
Harbour waited, while the commandant processed her requests. She might have been irked by his slow response, but, after hearing his conversation with Lise Panoy, she comprehended the enormous pressure he was under, trying to figure out a way to prevent standing before the Review Board.
“It will be as you suggest, Harbour,” Emerson relented.
“When?” Harbour asked, not intending to let the commandant off her tether, and she watched him process his answer. The fear she sensed lessened. It was replaced by a bit of despair, probably a sign of capitulation to future events.
Emerson realized that if he led the security team below and Helena was discovered in Markos’ home, it warranted the governor’s arrest. That might end his political career. The families would never forgive him for invading their domain. “I’ll order Major Finian to proceed immediately to the Andropov home.”
“See that you do, Commandant,” Harbour said, with force. She stared long enough at Emerson to make him fear that he would be the subject of another blast from her. When he shrank back, she whirled and strode from his office. She ducked into the lieutenant’s office where Major Finian was waiting. She indicated the glass wall with a nod of her head, and Devon darkened it and locked the door.
“It’s done, but let’s wait and see if my efforts bear fruit,” Harbour said.
“What’s done?” Liam asked. At that moment, his comm unit chimed and he answered it. “Yes, sir, I’ll be right there.” He looked questioningly at Harbour.
“You should be getting orders to take a team to the governor’s house and search for Helena and other children she might have. I expect them to be brought to the JOS. You will notify me if you find them, and I will be the first to interview them. Am I understood?”
When Liam nodded to her, Harbour flicked her head at the glass wall. Devon reversed the settings, and Harbour quickly left.
“People should never irritate that woman,” Devon commented quietly.
“Agreed,” Liam replied. “I have a feeling that the commandant’s orders are going to match her words almost verbatim. If she makes us nervous, he’s got to be scared out of his skins.”
-19-
Arrested
Major Finian left the commandant with a different attitude than when he walked into the office. Emerson’s instructions were exactly as Harbour predicted they would be and entirely opposite from what Liam expected. He’d always admired Harbour for her beauty and feared her for her power, but he’d never considered her to be a political force. Going to have to rethink that one, old son, he thought.
On the way to Lieutenant Higgins’ office, Liam considered his timetable for action and decided to make all haste before Emerson changed his mind.
“Is the JOS about to stop spinning?” Devon asked, with concern.
“What?” Liam replied, not understanding the reason for the question.
“The look on your face,” Devon said, pointing a finger at him.
“Oh, sorry, Devon, I’m still processing what happened. Essentially, we’re on. I’m ordered to go downside and search the governor’s house. The commandant is procuring the warrant from the Review Board as we speak.”
“Well, I’ll be,” Devon replied in amazement. “I’ll assemble a team.”
“Devon, I need people I can trust, individuals who’ll follow my orders explicitly. Also, ensure we have a mix of men and women.”
“Guess you won’t want Corporal McKenzie.” Devon chuckled when Liam threw him a dirty look. “I’m checking the El schedule. I presume that you want to move on this in a hurry. We can catch the 14:30.
Liam checked the time on his comm unit. “Commandeer seats for us, if enough aren’t available, and I don’t care whom you have to upset. Also, you’re not going, Devon.”
“I’m not going?”
“This search is going to create a political mess. If the commandant manages to keep his job, and I’m the one tossed out an airlock, someone with integrity has to remain in place. I’ll take Sergeant Rodriguez. Get started, Devon. I’m running to my cabin to change. Have to look officially presentable, if I’m going to arrest a governor.”
“Good luck with that. Go straight to the El, Major. I’ll have the team meet you there.”
Liam chose to duck through maintenance corridors to shorten the trip to his cabin, which didn’t do much for the confidence of the crews working there, who watched a security officer race past. He managed to change into his dress uniform and make the El passenger-loading capsule with ten minutes to spare.
As Liam walk toward the front of the queue, he tapped the shoulders of his team, consisting of Sergeant Rodriguez, Corporal Cecilia Lindstrom, and three privates, who waited in line.
“Exigent circumstances,” Liam announced, from the front of the line. “These officers and I will take the next capsule. Please stay where you are.”
When the cap arrived, Liam and his team loaded quickly and strapped in. Once the door slid closed, Liam began his briefing. “Aurelia’s DNA profile is a familial match to that of Helena Garmenti, a girl who went missing seventeen years ago. We’re
confident that the mother is being kept in the governor’s house. We’ll search the primary residence and the grounds, if necessary, and take her and any children of hers into protective custody. If Helena is present, we will be arresting Governor Andropov and Giorgio Sestos.”
“What if Helena Garmenti is there, and she states that she went willingly to the governor’s house?” Miguel asked.
“It’ll be the same actions on our part. It’s up to the Review Board to sort it out. Whether Helena went willingly or not, taking her downside was against the agreement. And, on that note, surveillance didn’t ever show her boarding the El.”
Miguel Rodriguez eyed his corporal and three security officers. “We’ll be on our best behavior and do it by the book, Major. Won’t we, people?” He received a chorus of agreement.”
“Major, are you authorizing the use of shock sticks?” the corporal, Cecilia, asked.
“Negative, Corporal, only Sergeant Rodriquez and I are authorized to employ force.” Liam wanted to say more, but the cap arrived and the lights signaled release. The security team stuck their deck shoes firmly to the floor and released their shoulder braces and harnesses.
Liam’s comm unit buzzed and he glanced at it, as they made their way to the El car. The message was a note from Devon with his boarding passes and the search warrant.
“But my associates and I have business to conduct downside,” a man who was being ushered off the El was heard to say to the El manager.
“And my sister and I must get home to our families,” a well-dressed downsider complained.
The individuals being shown off the El car ceased their complaints when they spotted security marching onto the El. In recent history, there had never been such a sight. Suddenly, comm units were being accessed, but everyone found the downside link offline.
Liam spotted the disturbed faces of the downsiders, who stared at their comm units in frustration. Good job, Devon, he thought.
Once aboard the El, Liam moved a few passengers into other seats, so that his team could sit together in a more secluded spot on the car. “Once we get to the governor’s house and I present the warrant, we divide up. Corporal Lindstrom, you will take the three officers and search the house. Stay in pairs. If you find a locked door, request it be opened. If you’re unreasonably obstructed or delayed, then break it open. Sergeant, you stand by Giorgio. Be careful with that one. I’ll stay with Governor Andropov.”