by K C Gillis
“What are you saying?”
“What I’m saying is you should get ahead of the shit storm that’s coming. If you’re a confidential source for my story, then you’ll have some protection. We might even be able to use the federal whistle-blower statute to protect you.”
“You really think I can get out of this?”
“I’m sure you’ll get fired. You said so yourself. But do you really want to work for a company like that? Remember, I said I think the chemicals you’re testing are getting out. The safe play is to help me.”
“About that,” Drew said. “What makes you think the chemicals got out? No living animal that was a test subject ever left the site. Any that are alive are still there.”
“That almost confirms my theory. Earlier today a woman hit a deer near the marina. She said it was staggering like it was sick and had stumbled in front of her car. I went to see it, and it looked misshapen. Almost deformed. The fur was also messed up.”
Drew’s eyes widened slightly at Jordan’s remark. “Was this deformation all over, or was it more around the chest, shoulders, and hind legs?”
“The latter. Have you seen this happen before?”
Drew lowered his head. “Yeah, I’ve seen that before. Specifically on cows we’ve tested. Every single one of them changed, similar to what you described. Something also seemed to affect their coordination. It might have been neurological, but my money is on muscle damage. I think the chemicals that caused the overaggressive growth short-circuited nerves going to the muscles.”
“So you think the chemicals could have gotten out?”
“If you saw this with a deer, then yes. We’ve never tested deer. Only animals for meat production. But I have no idea how the shit got out.”
“How about the stream that runs under the property, into the woods, and then into the lake?”
Even before he answered, Drew’s face told Jordan he was clueless about the stream.
“I’ve never seen a stream. Are you sure?”
Jordan turned to Travis and handed him her phone. “Can you find the video from before you flew the drone into the building?”
“Should be no problem.”
In less than a minute, Travis handed the phone to Drew. “Play it from here.”
Drew watched about a minute of video and handed the phone back to Jordan.
“I never knew about the stream,” Drew said. “I can’t say I ever walked to that edge of the property.”
“So you don’t know if that’s the problem?”
“Not with absolute certainty. But seeing that the stream could pass through the site’s property, I think you’re right.”
“Any particular reason why?”
“Well, around the time I started, there was a lot of drainage work being done on the site. Something about the large amount of wastewater the site generated being too much for the sewer line that served the property. I’m pretty sure it was a line for residential use, so we would have overloaded it. They rerouted the fish tank waste underground.”
“What do you mean? That instead of going to some municipal facility, it was just released underground?”
“Yep. A local company did the work. I think the name on the truck was Melanson.”
Jordan knew she had heard that name before. It took a minute before it came to her. That was the name of the family that had sold their place and left town, telling no one.
“Unbelievable. So we’ve got a site that is doing some unapproved animal testing and letting their chemically loaded waste run into the environment. You seriously think that protecting them is a good idea? Help me.”
Jordan could see Drew wrestling with the decision. If he had any sort of conscience, then helping her should look like the right thing to do. Not to mention that he would likely be fired anyway.
“I should have known this company was one to avoid when I saw all the cloak-and-dagger shit. But it seemed cool. I’ll do what I can to help. As long as you protect me as much as you can.”
“Perfect. Do you know who owns the company?”
“I actually don’t know a lot. I receive instructions and protocols to follow every Friday. The company makes sure I have everything we need. I don’t even know where our test compounds come from. There must be a dedicated lab somewhere making the stuff.”
“Do you work there by yourself?”
“No, there are three of us. One is out of town for a family emergency, and the company sent the third guy somewhere. I don’t know what for.”
“Who do you report to?”
“I don’t talk to anyone a lot, but sometimes I provide voice and written updates to a guy named Francis. I met him when I interviewed for the job but haven’t seen him since. I’m not sure I’d even recognize him.”
Jordan’s ears perked at the mention of Francis. She glanced at Travis, who also made the connection. “Is his last name Emberly?”
“I think that’s it.”
“If it is, I met him at the marina. He works for Senator Chisholm.”
“No shit? I shouldn’t be surprised there’re politicians involved.”
“Why do you say that?”
“I know enough about what we’re doing to know we need FDA approvals. I haven’t seen any evidence that anything we’re doing has been approved. I don’t know for sure, but I think the FDA needs to inspect and approve our site because we’re doing testing on animals. I can guarantee no one has ever come to do an inspection.”
“So you don’t meet with anyone else?”
“Officially, no. But unofficially, I regularly update Chief Foster, especially if anything important comes up.”
This didn’t come as a shock to Jordan, since it was the chief who’d shown her the crashed drone this morning. But Jordan could see the surprise on Derek’s face at hearing this. For Drew to say it as he did told her he’d assumed Derek must have known.
“What do you mean you report things to the chief?” Derek said, a hint of panic in his voice.
“Just what I said. They told me when I started the job that the chief knew of the need for NeuSterone to keep a low profile. We’d have to meet periodically and whenever something urgent came up. Like the drone this morning.”
“You called the chief when you found it?”
“Yep. He came right out, asked me some questions, and took the drone.”
“That explains a lot,” Jordan said. “But the real help I need is to get inside that building. I need samples of those chemicals.”
Drew didn’t respond immediately. He looked down at the table and then back up at the three people sitting there. “That’s a big step from just telling you what I know.”
“What you’ve already told me is enough for me to quote as an unnamed source. I don’t have to divulge your name. Ever. If you help me get samples of what killed those fish, the same applies, as far as my story goes. But there may be a police investigation. As a whistle-blower, you’d have to cooperate, though the authorities are obligated to try to protect your identity.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Well, worst case for you is that my story motivates the state police, or someone else, to investigate. Based on what you’ve said and what appears to be going on inside that building, you risk being found complicit. In fact, as one of only a few employees at the site, you might face the brunt of the investigation.”
Jordan had no idea if that was likely, but it had to make Drew seriously worried.
“I’m just doing what I’m told to do.”
“You have to know that explanation doesn’t carry any weight.”
Drew sighed, seemingly in resignation. “What a fucking mess. You know, what seemed like an exciting job turned out to be boring as hell. Once I got a whiff of what they were really doing, it was too hard to walk away. They pay me really well. If I was being honest with myself, I’d have to admit that I knew it was only a matter of time before I’d have to start over. I guess it’s better I do it before I end up in jail.”<
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“So you’ll help me get samples?”
“Yeah, I’ll help. What are you thinking?”
“My original plan was to have you leave some doors or windows unlocked so we could get in the building. Maybe even the gate as well, though I could cut through if I had to. I assume what I’m looking for is in the refrigerators and freezers of that storage room. If you can’t leave that door open, I’d drill out the locks.”
Drew shook his head. “Sure, we keep everything cold, but not all of it needs to be. A controlled and cool temperature is good for chemicals like these. Keeps them intact and active longer. But your plan won’t work. Not unless you want to break in during the day. They electrify the fence from sunset to sunrise.”
Jordan gave Travis an “I told you so” look. “Shit. Is there a gate you could leave unlocked?”
“Nope. The security system prevents any of the three gates from being left unlocked. You need an ID badge plus a pass code to get in from the outside.”
“So there’s not an easy way to get past the fence?”
“Not without getting electrocuted or getting caught on camera in broad daylight. Even if you did, you’d never get into the freezers. They’re wired to send an alarm if they lose power, if the temperature drops three degrees, or if a lock malfunctions. I’m the only person on-site who can get into the freezers. I’m sure other people have access, but whoever they are, they’re not around.”
That left only one option. Jordan hesitated to ask.
“Can you get samples for me? I hate to have to ask, but I don’t know of another option.”
Jordan caught Travis looking at her, eyes wide.
“Don’t feel so bad. As soon as you told me you needed samples from the site, I knew the only way to pull it off would be if I stole them. Anyone breaking in would for sure get caught. Maybe not immediately, but once the video footage was analyzed, which happens automatically every night, you’d be identified and arrested.”
“Does that mean you’ll do it?”
“Yeah, I’ll do it.”
Jordan felt like jumping up and down like a little girl who’d just gotten a new bicycle. She opted for a more conservative response.
“That’s awesome, Drew. I’ll make sure you won’t regret it.”
“I regret just about everything that has to do with NeuSterone. I’ll be glad to put this fucked-up company behind me.”
“I bet. When do you think you can do it?”
“I have to be in tomorrow morning to check on a few things. I can do it then. Where should I bring the chemicals?”
“Can you come to the marina?”
“Sure. I can be there by noon.”
“Perfect. Thanks again, Drew. See you tomorrow.”
The trio exited the Old Town Tavern.
“That went better than I ever would have expected,” Jordan said.
“I agree,” said Travis. “But let’s wait until we have the samples before we celebrate.”
“Always the pessimist.”
Jordan turned to Derek, who was particularly quiet. “Everything OK? Did it come as a surprise to hear Drew mention your dad?”
“Not really. I knew he had removed the dead fish from the lake and must have been protecting something. Once you told me about the NeuSterone site, I figured my dad had to have some contact with whoever worked there. I was more surprised to learn he’s involved with those accidents at the marina. I know he hates Mike, but he’s gone too far.”
“Wait,” Travis said. “Your dad’s involved with the marina accidents?”
“Yeah. Apparently, he and a local guy named Punch Malone have been causing them to put pressure on Mike to sell the marina.”
“Someone tied to that Nicky Carlucci guy?”
“Yeah,” Jordan said. “It’s the Vitalis that must want to buy the marina.”
“Derek, you know Mike,” Travis said. “Do you think he would ever sell?”
“Usually I’d say no. But he knows his kids aren’t interested in taking over. That may make him more open to selling. Especially for the right price. I keep telling Kasey that she and her brother don’t know how lucky they are to have the chance to take over a great business that more than pays for itself. I’d trade places with them in a heartbeat. I mean, look at what my dad will leave me. Visiting him in prison?”
“You don’t know that. There must be a good reason for what he’s doing.”
“Sure there is. My mom leaving left him a wreck. He’s been going downhill ever since. This was almost predictable.”
“Will you talk to him? This will definitely go badly if he doesn’t find a way out.”
“I wouldn’t know where to start. Maybe after you get what you need to stop that animal testing.”
“I’m with you there.”
41
It annoyed Nicky to have to change his evening plans. He had a case of beer on ice in the boat Robbie Vitali had rented for the week. His evening was supposed to comprise kicking back, listening to some music, and drinking as much of the case of beer as he wanted. The night was warm, with just a hint of a breeze. Perfect for relaxing on a docked boat. Having had a late dinner in a nearby town, Nicky had been on his way to the marina.
But the kid’s call required him to change his plans.
There were a couple of ways Nicky could have handled the situation. In prior similar situations, he’d always had several locations available. They were all isolated or quiet enough that he could do what was needed without worrying he’d be seen. Being away from his home turf—at a lake, no less—changed two things. First, he wasn’t familiar enough with the area to know a safe location. Second, he had a large lake at his disposal.
After the kid called, Nicky had called Malone. He told him to be at the marina in about half an hour and that he’d meet him at the docks.
Nicky knew Malone wasn’t stupid enough not to be there when he arrived. Breaking the law wasn’t a problem for Malone. But Nicky had made it clear that crossing him would be a mistake.
Sure enough, Punch Malone was there when Nicky arrived, walking along the main dock. No doubt wondering what Nicky wanted with him so late in the evening. When close enough to see Malone’s face, it was clear that he was worried. Maybe also a little mad.
“Malone,” Nicky said as he got to the docks. “I’m glad you could make it.”
“Sure, Mr. Carlucci. But I didn’t think I had a choice.”
“Call me Nicky. And you’re right. You didn’t really have a choice. There are a couple of things we need to catch up on, and they couldn’t wait.”
Malone’s look evolved from one of concern to confusion.
“All right. If it can’t wait, that’s OK. What do you want to know?”
“Hang on for a bit. I’ve been wanting to get out on the lake at night, and this is the only chance I’ll get.”
Malone’s look flipped back to concern. “Really? You want to go out on a boat now?”
“Why not? It’s got lights. I’ll stay away from the shore. Let’s go.”
Nicky’s command left no room for argument. Malone followed him to the rented pontoon boat. Nicky was far from being an expert boatsman, but he had operated a boat a few times, and driving a pontoon boat, especially an underpowered rental, would be a piece of cake. Within five minutes, Malone had untied the lines and they were underway, the small number of lights on the boat framing its silhouette on the dark water.
Nicky couldn’t remember ever having been out on a lake after dark before. He could see a few lights in the distance, possibly other boaters, but they were far off. There were some homes on the lakeshore contributing a small amount of light, but otherwise, there was just the light of the moon and stars. Nicky had no intention of starting their discussion until he got to a portion of the lake that met his needs. Malone sat in the boat’s bow, obviously not needing to make conversation.
Nicky reached an area that was out of sight of the marina and where there were no houses on the immediate shor
e. As far as he could tell, there were no other boats in the vicinity. He put the engine in neutral and went to the boat’s bow and stood beside Malone.
“All right,” Nicky said. “I’ve got two questions.”
“Go ahead.”
“First, are you all set for the finale? You haven’t exactly executed things to perfection, and this can’t go off the rails.”
Malone seemed confident. “Yeah. As I told the chief, I’m ready. I mixed in the three sabotaged fireworks with the real ones. When they’re lit, they should just explode on the spot, setting off all the other ones around them. But I’m still not sure why I had to put a piece of red tape on them.”
“Just in case we need to remove them.”
“Why would you need to do that? I thought it was supposed to happen?”
“If Mike agrees to sell the marina, we might not want to damage anything.”
“Oh. I guess that makes sense. Is that all?”
“No. Remember, I had two questions. You won’t like the second one.” Nicky let that statement hang in the air for a moment. Just long enough for Malone’s fear to increase.
“What were you doing talking to that reporter Jordan Reed today?” Nicky said.
It was dark, but the minimal lighting was enough for Nicky to see Punch Malone’s face freeze in a mask of fear, the color draining instantly.
“Aw, man,” Malone said. “I can explain. Honest.”
“Good. It seems you don’t appreciate the value of keeping your mouth shut, so I’d like to hear why. Because, from where I’m sitting, it makes me think we’re not on the same side anymore.”
“Look, she trapped me. Somehow, she knew I was causing those accidents at the marina. I only told her about the chief. I don’t know anyone else who’s involved. Really.”
“But you must know someone else is involved, right? The chief didn’t come up with this all by himself.”
“I don’t know, man. I’m just trying to stay out of jail.”
Nicky inched closer. “What did you tell the reporter?”
“Just enough to get her off my back.”