In The Defendant's Chair

by Lynn Moon

  “Lewis?” Greghardt asked in a soft voice.

  “What?”

  “Perhaps a long rest or something is called for here. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re losing it.” Greghardt placed his hand on Lewis’ shoulder. “How about a round of golf ol’ buddy? We’ve got a few things to talk about.”

  “Golf?” Lewis asked. “Are you insane?”

  “No, I just think better while swinging my clubs.”

  Chapter 41

  “DRAKE HERE,” DRAKE said into the phone speaking to his assistant. “Shelby? What’s up?”

  Early sat listening to her lawyer’s voice. She’d given up all hope on her old life and her new focus was to find the truth about her family. Even though she knew she could never fully accept their deaths, Early finally convinced herself she’d never see them again. So she sat and watched as the world revolved around her.

  “You found Marty Starling!” Drake declared with his hopes soaring with the good news.

  “Well not exactly,” Shelby corrected.

  “Okay, then you haven’t found her,” Drake replied as his world crashed down around him.

  “Well sort of,” she said.

  “Shelby, will you quit talking in riddles,” Drake demanded. His confusion levels were rising with this strange up and down conversation. “Did you find her or not?”

  “It’s hard to explain,” she answered.

  “What do you mean, ‘it’s hard to explain,’” he shouted into the phone.

  “Well, you see… her house exploded when they were supposedly home. A gas leak or some stupid thing like…”

  “So they’re dead?” Drake added.

  “Well, no not really,” Shelby said.

  Drake sighed.

  “The body they found that was supposed to be the mother’s… well… this is hard to explain.”

  “Shelby, slow down and tell me what you know.”

  “Okay. The body they found, the body that was supposed to be Marty’s was too tall, according to Marty’s parents. So now the police are not sure if it’s really her or not. And the children, well their bodies had been dead for awhile. The time of death would have been weeks before the fire—not after. Now the police are convinced the bodies are not the bodies of the family, but of someone else. Drats, this is hard to explain.”

  “Would you please repeat that?” Drake asked as the others around the table watched and listened.

  Chapter 42

  “WELL?” SPANGLEHOLTZ ASKED with an air of smugness emanating from his hungry, dark eyes.

  Dr. Crystal Derrier stared with the desire to strangle him running through her veins, but then thought better of it. This was neither the place nor the time for such antics. She glanced around the room ignoring his haughtiness and smiled to herself. After all, what did she have to lose—her job? No, she’d never be that lucky.

  “Excuse me, doctor!” he shouted. “Are you deliberately ignoring me?”

  “Now why would I do such a thing?” Derrier asked still laughing to herself.

  “So, did you meet with Ms. Sutton or not?”

  “Yes I did,” she replied looking around the dark office.

  Spangleholtz’s office was huge and dreary. Just the perfect place for the perfect jerk—dark and dungeon-like. Being several miles below ground usually doesn’t lend itself to natural lighting, and his office was no exception. Heavy long drapes lined the walls in an attempt to create an illusion of covered windows. But instead of creating warmth, the heavy linen only muffled the sounds and made the room even more wicked and evil. Beautiful ornate carpets were strategically placed throughout the office. But the artificial light just didn’t do them any justice. Instead of bringing out their colorful beauty, the darkness suffocated the carpets and gave the room an overall feeling of impurity, of being infected with immorality. Spangleholtz’s family pictures hanging on various walls only added to the disturbing mist that hovered inches above the floor. Derrier, not finding anything of interest to look at, decided to take a seat in the huge armchair and embraced the blazing fireplace.

  “Why are you not afraid of carbon dioxide poisoning down here?” she asked, staring at the fire. “Perhaps your brain is already so contaminated it doesn’t matter. What is it they say about zombies… oh yes, they are the walking dead… or something to that effect.”

  His temper was rising and Derrier knew it. “Could we please get back to our agenda?”

  “Please?” Derrier asked with a smirk. “Where did the sudden rush of politeness come from, Euie? And what were we discussing anyway?”

  “The lady you’re assigned to, Ms. Early Sutton. Remember that discussion?”

  She was getting on his nerves and she knew he loathed her. Derrier felt if he had the authority to fire her he would right then and there. But she also knew this man only fantasized about the power he believed he held.

  “And the name’s Eugene. Actually I’d prefer doctor…”

  “Like I care what you do or do not prefer, Euie baby,” she mocked.

  “Well perhaps you should.”

  “Yeah, right, well to answer your question, yes I saw her and no she doesn’t remember a thing. Ms. Sutton is not a threat to you or your company.”

  “Is that your official position?” he asked, pulling out his pipe and tobacco.

  “For now anyway,” she whispered.

  Derrier stood and brushed off her pants. “Well, I’m out-a-here, Euie. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you. After all, you pay me monthly, remember?”

  “Don’t remind me. What’s your next assignment?”

  “To snoop on a couple of scientists from Barker Institute. The big building that’s just over the next ridge that analyzes your DNA samples. Why?”

  “Nothing, just curious.”

  Derrier sighed and added as she was leaving, “Didn’t curiosity kill something once?”

  Chapter 43

  “GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID?” Loomsbury was shocked. The drug was outlawed years ago because of its effects on the kidneys and liver. “Who has this drug in their system?”

  “Several young women accused of killing their families,” Lewis stated.

  “That’s impossible!” Loomsbury exclaimed. “There are only a few samples in existence today and they’re here in my vault. The rest were destroyed—a worldwide program.”

  “Don’t you think I know that?” Lewis asked, scratching his head.

  “I’ll get to work right away. When can I have access to the women?”

  “Any time you want.” Lewis gulped down the rest of his coffee then shrugged, “Ugh I hate cold coffee. Give me some dates and I’ll have it arranged.”

  “Who else have you assigned to the case?” Loomsbury asked scanning his note pad. He was hoping it would be Agent Clarke because she was always so interesting to work with.

  “Agent Skyler Brighten… why?”

  “Oh, nothing.”

  Loomsbury turned to leave but stopped when Lewis added, “Gather what you need and be ready to leave as soon as it’s arranged. Agent Brighten will pick you up at the airport.”

  “Yes sir,” Loomsbury said as the door shut behind him.

  * * * * * *

  The plane landed with a bump and Carrie’s heart jumped into her throat. She grabbed onto Lacey’s arm and squeezed.

  “Ouch,” Lacey squeaked. “What’s the matter with you?”

  “Sorry,” Carrie said, “…hate to fly.”

  “Really? I never would have guessed by the way you’ve been chewing on those tranquilizers. You’ll sleep for a year when we get off this plane.”

  “Funny,” Carrie stated as she rose from her seat, “ha ha.”

  “Pardon me,” a voice said from behind.

  Carrie glanced up and recognized the man. She yelled at him a long time ago for being rude on another flight. But instead of being mean, he was actually very polite. Giggling, Carrie grabbed her small bags from overhead and inched her way down the aisl
e toward the door. Perhaps my scolding worked after all. As she exited the plane, her foot snagged on the landing and she lost her balance. As her face aimed for the floor, her heart raced and she panicked. Suddenly and without warning, a strong grip lifted her to her feet.

  “Are you okay?” the man’s voice asked.

  “Thank you,” Carrie answered surprised to find the man she had yelled at and embarrassed a long time ago smiling at her.

  “I do remember you,” he whispered into her ear.

  Blushing, Carrie smiled back.

  “And I do learn,” he said taking custody of her bags from her shoulder. “My name’s Adams by the way… Rick Adams.”

  “Carrie,” she responded. “Carrie Clarke.”

  “Nice to meet you Ms. Clarke. Yah know,” he said as they walked down the ramp together. “You really did me a favor when I last… um… saw you.”

  “I guess I owe you an apology,” Carrie added with a grin.

  “No not at all. I never realized how irritating I was to people. I mean, we were not going anywhere fast with the aisle full of people and their luggage. I was in such a stupid hurry. I owe you an apology.”

  “Well, apology accepted then,” she said with a half-hardy grin.

  Carrie realized she’d completely forgotten about Lacey. As she glanced over her shoulder to check on her partner, Lacey spoke up. “Hey don’t worry about me, I’m taggen… I’m a taggen…”

  Chapter 44

  LEE WOKE WITH a pain attacking her side. She tried to stand, but felt dizzy and sick to her stomach. The phone on the table seemed a mile away. After dialing, Lee fell back onto her pillow wanting to cry.

  “Front desk?” the clerk answered.

  “This is General Leland Longhorn—Room 21,” Lee moaned into the receiver. “I need a doctor.”

  “Yes ma’am, I’ll send one right up.”

  * * * * * *

  Lee’s door opened as the manager and a man she didn’t recognize entered. But in so much pain, Lee didn’t care who it was.

  “Madam General, I’m Dr. MacNevin,” the stranger said with a strong Scottish accent.

  “I’m sorry you are not feeling well, my lady,” the manager added. “Is there anything I can get for you?”

  Lee felt she would die any moment. Her mouth was dry and her side ached. “Water please,” Lee mumbled.

  The doctor examined her and decided it was a bad case of food poisoning and gave her several shots—sedative, pain killer and antibiotic. He then promised to see her in the morning. A maid was ordered to sit with her through the night and get whatever she needed. But Lee didn’t need any attention that night. Between the sedative and the painkiller, she slept peacefully as her eggs were fertilized in another room.

  * * * * * *

  Lee woke dazed and confused. It was dark and she had no idea how long she’d slept. Glancing around, Lee was happy to see she was alone. The pain was gone, but she still felt weak and slightly nauseated. Lifting herself to sit up, she realized she was starving. Ringing the front desk awoke a sleepy voice from the other end of the line.

  “Yes, what time is it please? I can’t seem to find my clock.”

  “Two in the morning, ma’am. Is there anything I can help you with?” the sleepy voice asked.

  “Yes, I’m hungry. Any chance of finding me something to eat?” Lee asked.

  “I’ll have something brought up immediately,” the voice answered, then the phone when dead.

  Lee turned on the bedside lamp and found she was in a different room than before. Her laptop was on the desk next to her cell phone, which made her feel a little better. She stood up and almost fell. It took all her strength to get back into bed while clutching her phone.

  “Tabatha… It’s Lee,” she whispered.

  “Lee, where in the hell are you?” Tabatha screeched. “We’ve been looking all over for you.”

  “I’ve been right where I told you. I’ve been sick,” Lee answered. “Really sick.”

  “We sent the police to the castle but the hotel manager said you were never registered,” Tabatha replied.

  “There’s got to be some mistake. Wait, there’s a knock on my door. It’s probably my food.”

  Lee dropped her phone onto her bed and yelled for whoever it was to enter. A maid brought in a tray and sat it on her lap.

  Lee talked to Tabatha as she ate her meal explaining what she knew, or didn’t know. But as she ate, Lee had no idea a new life was growing inside her. A life from her own body, but also a life spliced with a few DNA surprises.

  Chapter 45

  TYLER AND CAIDEN continued their work late into the evening. They were excited to examine the new DNA. But to their amazement and horror, the new sample was neither DNA nor RNA, but a combination of both.

  Caiden sat back and yawned. “Let’s call it a night. This crap keeps getting weirder and weirder and I don’t like it. I’d feel better knowing you were home with your aunt and uncle.”

  “Caiden, it’s almost like someone is trying to re-design the human body,” Tyler said, stretching. “I’ve studied the results of other DNA at home. With my uncle’s suggestions, I found that the fish DNA was spliced in the rung for blood flow. It must have something to do with oxygenation of the blood.”

  “Had any luck on what type of fish?”

  “Sort of,” Tyler replied. “In fact I’d say it’s along the mammal line, such as whales or dolphins. But I still don’t get it. Why would anyone feel the need to try such an experiment?”

  “I don’t know,” Caiden replied.

  Caiden followed Tyler’s car to her house and waved goodbye as she parked in her driveway. It was late, almost two in the morning, but Tyler was anything but sleepy. Her home office was full of notes and blood results along with various DNA printouts. Instead of bed, Tyler decided to read some of the material again. She was obviously missing something and whatever it was she needed to figure it out. But as she continued to study the material, she heard a bump and loud bang against the side of the house.

  * * * * * *

  The rental car pulled into the driveway of the small house in the quiet suburb. Lacey was out first but knocked over by a large golden retriever.

  “Prince!” Tyler yelled from the front door. “Get over here you stupid dog.”

  Tyler grabbed Prince by the collar and apologized to Lacey. Nate took control of the dog and pulled him through the gate and into the backyard.

  “That should keep him away for awhile,” Nate yelled from the fence.

  “Are you all right?” Tyler asked.

  “Yeah, I’ll live,” Lacey said with a smile. “By the way, I’m Lacey… nice to meet you… I think.”

  “I’m so sorry, Lacey, I didn’t realize he was out of the yard. I’m Tyler and this is Nate my uncle.”

  Carrie slammed the trunk and couldn’t help but say, “My God you look like Skyler!”

  “You must be Carrie,” Tyler said from in front of the car. “It’s nice to finally meet you. We are twins yah know.”

  The girls walked to the house after Nate insisted he’d bring in the suitcases. Carrie entered first, anxious to set her eyes on Maddie. But Maddie was nowhere to be found.

  “Where’s Mad?” Carrie asked.

  “Should be around here somewhere,” Tyler said following her into the house. “Aunt Maddie? Where are you?”

  When there was no answer, Tyler peeked out the back window. But still no Maddie.

  “Hope you two brought enough stuff,” Nate puffed pulling several bags into the house.

  “Where’s Aunt Mad?” Tyler asked.

  “Oh, she ran to the store, should be back any minute. She invited Caiden to dinner. And by the way, the house is clear, Tyler. Had a technician out today and there’s nothing here. No bugs… we’re free to talk.”

  “That is, as long as no one is listening from afar,” Carrie added, walking through the house checking out the floor plan. The one thing Carrie learned during her career at The Agency
is nothing is free… and that meant with money and privacy.

  “I’m putting you two in the room over the garage. Hope you don’t mind,” Tyler interjected. “There’s twin beds up there and anther full bath. Much more room.”

  “Hey,” Lacey yelled from the kitchen. “Anything is better than a stupid hotel.”

  “That’s for sure,” Carrie added walking back from the hall. “Love your house.”

  “Thanks,” Tyler yelled. “I do too.”

  A honk announced Maddie’s return from the store and Nate darted out to help carry in the groceries. Carrie stood in the kitchen leaning against the sink, too excited to move. As soon as Maddie entered she couldn’t get her packages down fast enough.

  “Carrie!” Maddie yelled as she ran and gave her a hug and kiss. “My goodness it’s good to see you again. Tyler, come here and meet Carrie.”

  “We’ve met,” Tyler added. “She says I look like Skyler.”

  “Well, she is your twin,” Carrie added over Maddie’s shoulder. “I feel like I’m staring at Skyler.”

  “This is really nice having all three of us together,” Maddie said, giving another hug to Carrie. “They really do look alike don’t they?”

  “Yes they do, and it’s great to finally be able to work on a case with you. I’m so excited,” Carrie told Maddie.

  “It is good,” Maddie replied. “But I’m concerned over this one. I’ll fill you in with what’s going on… and you can tell me about your travels to the crater. I heard it might have been a meteor. How exciting.”

  The others stood aside and watched as Maddie and Carrie walked down the hall toward the back bedroom.