Deadly Potential

by Jennifer Carole Lewis

  Aggi calmed when faced with an accomplishable task. “Around lunch. She was brooding over the clip in her room. We talked about you, and how she needed to get her priorities straight.”

  “Good. Take me there.”

  Ben followed Aggi up the stairs to a bright bedroom done in pale woods and neutral colors. Two things immediately struck him. Katie’s guitar, propped in the corner, and his leather jacket, discarded in the trash.

  Suspicion tickled the back of his mind, but he reminded himself not to rush to conclusions. “What happened after you talked?”

  “The service delivered our things from the hotel. I gave her some time to herself while I dealt with some errands. I came to run ideas by her, and realized she wasn’t in the house. Then Patrick called to say she’d quit, and then there was the note—”

  “Show me this note.” Ben cut her off before she could ignite a fresh panic.

  She scurried off, returning a few minutes later holding a piece of paper as if it might burst into flames at any moment.

  Ben read it once. Twice. Emotionally, it hit him hard. But years of working in law enforcement kept his brain locked into analysis.

  “It doesn’t even sound like her.” Aggi sniffed loudly.

  “No, it doesn’t. She calls you her stepsister, and she hates it when people do that.” He wasn’t a language analyst, but the word choice and syntax didn’t match either. “It was printed out like this? No signature?”

  “It fell off the printer table, and slid underneath.” She gestured helplessly to one side.

  A memory of Katie scribbling in her notebook surfaced in his mind. “She usually writes things by hand instead of typing, right?”

  Aggi nodded, still sniffling.

  The paper crackled as Ben crushed it in his fist. “This isn’t her. The note, leaving her guitar and my jacket? The sudden lack of contact? None of it is her. This is the Director.”

  “But he’s dead,” Aggi replied timidly.

  “Someone’s dead,” he said grimly. “Just not the man who was stalking Katie.”

  Ben’s phone beeped signaling a text from Adler.

  The phone is active, and receiving calls. The location is attached.

  “It says it’s the bus station.” Another mismatched piece.

  “Does that mean she’s okay?” Aggi didn’t sound reassured.

  “We’re going.” He grabbed the jacket, crushing the leather between his fingers.

  I’ll call Delacroix and Ray. Orlund wouldn’t listen to him, no matter what proof he offered. He’ll think I’m overreacting. Hell, it would be a relief if I was. It would cost Ben the remnants of his career, and guarantee the collapse of any hope of a relationship with Katie, and he wouldn’t care. Because it would mean she was safe.

  He and Aggi got into the car. He slammed the accelerator, unable to shake his primal certainty that something was very seriously wrong.

  Chapter 43

  DON’T REACT. THE DIRECTOR HAS YOU. IF HE CATCHES YOU TRYING TO CONTACT ANYONE, HE’LL KILL BEN AND AGGI. YOU NEED TO DO THIS ON YOUR OWN. IF YOU’RE READING THIS, MAKE A MARK. AND REMEMBER, IT’S ABOUT THE SOUND QUALITY.

  Katie added a sixth mark with trembling fingers. She remembered being in her room, and talking to Aggi. According to the clock on the wall, it was now half past four. She recognized the reception area for Lioness Recording Studio.

  She laid her pencil down, marking the place in her notebook.

  “Don’t test my indulgence,” a male voice muttered from behind. “I don’t know why you insisted on this mediocre studio when I had arrangements in Malibu.”

  Walter. Katie swallowed. “It isn’t mediocre. The sound quality is the best on the West Coast.”

  A complete lie. Driving here bought me time. Are Ben and Ray still in San Diego? She put the hope aside to concentrate on survival. The wall behind the reception desk held a huge mirror, and she could see Walter standing against the far wall, glaring at her, and still holding the gun.

  “So you’ve said.” He sniffed, a tiny exclamation of disbelief. “Just remember if you try to escape—”

  “You’ll kill Aggi and Ben,” she finished for him.

  “Good. You’re starting to remember. Now behave. I’ll be watching.”

  I wrote that note for myself. The mention of sound quality let her lie consistently. Opening the notebook, she kept her eyes focused on the Director to avoid the shock of another cycle of forgetting and discovery. Why did we come to this particular studio?

  She quickly checked her notebook, glancing up every second or two to hold Walter’s presence in her mind. She found a set of lyrics written on the pages after the warning followed by a set of rambling, disconnected notes. The Director had taken her from Aggi’s house, sending a suicide note and a resignation. They’d driven to the bus station, but hadn’t gone inside. A driving service brought them to San Diego. From the way HE’S IN THE BACKSEAT! was underlined, she’d needed to remind herself of his presence. But there were no further helpful notes to explain what her plan had been.

  Or were there? She recognized the doodle of a half-full champagne glass above the warning. Katie’s mouth dried, and she nearly forgot to check on the Director. Her mind started to go fuzzy, and she jerked her eyes to the mirror. He’s been watching me, so I couldn’t write anything obvious. I could only leave myself a hint.

  “Okay, I’ve got everything set up,” A young male voice called out as footsteps descended the stairs.

  Walter shuffled a few steps closer to the front door.

  In order for anyone to remember what we’ve asked, Walter has to keep his distance. Otherwise they’d forget me along with him. Katie couldn’t be certain, but decided to assume her instincts were accurate.

  When the young man appeared in the doorway at the bottom of the stairs, Katie realized why she’d insisted on this studio. It would hopefully be the first place Ben and Aggi would search. And a few days ago, this same young man had offered to provide her with illegal drugs. Those two facts plus the doodle told her what plan she’d concocted. Now how to ask for what I need without tipping off Walter?

  “You okay?” the young man asked.

  It was an opening, and Katie seized it. She put her hand in her pocket, and found several soft bills folded inside. More proof of her plan. “My brain’s kind of fried, you know? I haven’t been able to get to sleep for a while. I’m too jazzed up.”

  He nodded. “You sure you’re up to recording?”

  Her eyes flicked back to the mirror before she could forget.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s nothing.” She used her knuckle to rub her nose.

  His eyes lit up in understanding. She shrugged, hoping she was sending the right signals. She might not have done drugs herself, but she’d seen the transactions.

  She slid her hand over the counter, the money hidden under her fingers. “My partner is a real buzz-kill. Hates it when I take anything, even over the counter stuff.”

  “Tough situation. Sometimes a chemical vacation can go a long way.” He put his hand on top of hers, and she withdrew, leaving the cash behind. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything.”

  “Thanks.” I hope I got the amount right. Another quick check in the mirror to prompt her memory. She gave the receptionist a little wave, and walked up the stairs. Remember, the Director will be right behind you.

  “You were unnecessarily chatty.” Walter’s hot breath scalded her neck.

  “I always talk with him. If I don’t, it would be suspicious.” She inhaled to steady herself, and opened the recording booth. “Are you coming inside?”

  “I’ll be here, listening in.” A cold finger landed on her neck, and trailed down to her collar. “If you break the terms of our agreement, and forget that you can’t esc
ape, I’m going to be very irritated.”

  “I’ve been cooperating, haven’t I?” She made herself turn slowly to face him, not wanting him to see her fear.

  His smug smile brought a wave of bile to the back of her throat. “A few missteps. But you’ve learned quickly. I’m rather fond of you. You’ve been surprisingly effective at finding ways to remember me and what I’ve told you. No one else made such determined efforts.”

  “I’m interested.” She hadn’t spent most of her life in the entertainment industry without learning how to flatter. “I wish I had the time to learn more.”

  His eyes narrowed. “If this is a plea to let you go—”

  “No, it isn’t. I’d like it if you did, but I know better than to ask.” Hurried soothing complete, she tried the next phase of her plan. “You talked about legacy and immortality.”

  “You remember?” His voice sharpened.

  “Not exactly. It’s what I wrote down. I’ve thought about it since learning what your life was like. It must have been incredibly lonely.” The conversation felt familiar. Hopefully it had gone well previously.

  “It was.” He still didn’t sound convinced.

  “I don’t want you to feel that way. It’s why I wrote your song, and I want the world to see it.” She wondered how closely he had been watching. Too close, and her half-formed plan would collapse into disaster.

  “The new song is a vast improvement. I’ll ensure the world hears it.” He sounded smug.

  “But hearing it isn’t enough. To have the full impact, our song needs to be seen. I don’t know enough to do it myself. Not while doing it the justice it deserves.” Come on, take the bait.

  “What do you propose?”

  “A music video and an evening.” She held tight to her courage. Please, let this work. “I want to see the world’s reaction to our creation.”

  “Your idea has merit.”

  “We could ask Razel to shoot the video. She’s got an amazing eye.” She held her breath, waiting.

  “And maybe she would pass on a message for you?” He pulled a laptop out of his bag, and set it on top of a recording rack.

  “I wouldn’t say anything. You’d kill her if I did.” She didn’t require pretense to sound meek and scared.

  “I’m glad to see you understand. We don’t need Razel. I’ve booked a suite at a proper hotel.. I will do the shoot.”

  “You . . . will?” Her voice cracked. She recognized the hotel’s website before he closed the computer. It was out of the way, and popular with celebrities seeking privacy.

  “You will get your video, and an evening to watch the world appreciate the pinnacle of your talent. You’re quite right, it will be the perfect place for your happy ending.”

  She hadn’t expected him to agree to Razel, but she’d bought herself time. Now to lay a trail of breadcrumbs. “I wish I could wear the dress you made for me.”

  He went still. She pretended not to notice, jotting the hotel initials in her notebook.

  “It was so beautiful. It would have been perfect for the video. Too bad it’s still locked up in police evidence somewhere.” She fidgeted with the recording settings. “I’m ready to begin.”

  “Then do it.” His order lacked the previous bite. He gnawed on his lower lip.

  Katie hid a hopeful smile as she laid down the melodic line.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Patrick, you know Katie. She wouldn’t have written this,” Aggi said from the other end of the kitchen counter.

  Ignoring the distraction, Ben focused on his own conversation. It had been four hours since he’d arrived at the Malibu house and they still had no idea where to find Katie. “Ray, I’m telling you there’s been a mistake. The Director is alive, and he has her.”

  “Partner, I want to believe you, but your credibility is shot. You’ve been playing rogue cowboy since this one started.”

  “I hope I’m wrong! I hope I’m imagining things for no reason.” Ben realized he’d begun shouting into the phone, and made himself lower his voice. “Even if it means I was wrong about her, I would much rather have her safe and hating me than the alternative.”

  “Okay. I have to admit, this whole thing seems fishy to me. A typed suicide note is always suspicious.”

  “We went to the bus station. The whole building was closed due to a water leak. So neither she nor her phone could be inside. We know the Director can manipulate digital records.”

  “The question is, how can we prove it? Adler’s pissed at you, and Lucy is off somewhere. Delacroix is a good boss, but right now he’s pretty angry at your lack of ability to follow instructions. True love might be enough for me, but he’s not the sentimental type.” From the bangs and scuffs on Ray’s end, he had moved to somewhere more private to continue talking.

  “Can you talk to Orlund? Get the FBI involved again?” Even as Ben said it, he knew it wouldn’t work.

  “Orlund’s riding high. The last thing he’ll do is admit he made a mistake. I hate saying this, but I think you’re on your own.” Ray’s voice was tight and thin with unhappiness. “I’ll do what I can here”

  “I have to find her,” Ben said heavily.

  “Ben,” Aggi called from the other room.

  “I’ll talk to Adler. Even if she’s angry at you, she’s won’t put someone else in jeopardy.”

  “Ben! You need to come and see this.”

  After Aggi’s second shout, Ben hurried to the other room, still on the line with his partner. When he saw the screen, he stopped dead.

  A glamorized version of Katie stood in front of a white background with her rich auburn hair flowing in an Art Nouveau style. Her face was made up like a high fashion model, with exaggerated shadowing and scrolling in intense colors. It turned her into something alien and distant. But all he could see was the fitted blue satin dress and the glimmer of diamonds on her wrist.

  “Get me Orlund,” Ben ordered, hanging up. He recognized the dress. The one that was still supposed to be in evidence.

  Aggi turned up the volume.

  “ . . . too close to see, wrapped up in your shroud,” Katie sang, staring directly at the camera. “But I see you.”

  “Oh my God. It’s the song he wanted,” Aggi whispered.

  “I see what you do, I see what you want. I’m the one that you need, your first confidant,” Katie continued, moving slowly to the languorous music.

  “It’s on everywhere. It’s being touted as a debut release.” Aggi tapped frantically on her phone.

  Ben’s phone rang. Orlund. He gritted his teeth as he answered.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing? The Director is dead, and I won’t tolerate—”

  “Shut. The. Hell. Up,” Ben growled.

  Orlund must have been shocked because he complied.

  “Tell me, Mr. Expert, if your unsub is dead, then why the hell is his target on television wearing the outfit that should be locked up in evidence?” Ben bit off each word sharply enough to taste blood.

  “It’s a publicity stunt.” Despite the FBI agent’s bluster, there was too much wavering uncertainty in the statement.

  Ben didn’t give him time to shore up his confidence. “You know what else would get a lot of publicity? An FBI agent refusing to assist a murder victim.”

  “I—”

  “If she dies.” He swallowed, and made himself continue. “If she gets hurt in any way because you wasted time, then I will make sure every media outlet on earth knows it.” With someone else, Ben might have appealed on a humanitarian basis. What drove Orlund wasn’t an urge to protect others.

  “And what is it you expect me to do?” Orlund asked bitterly.

  “Use your resources. Find out where the evidence was stored. We need to find out where he’s t
aken her. Get moving.”

  Ben hung up, staring at Katie’s image on the muted screen. She was clever. She would be actively working to save herself.

  “If you get fired, I will hire you as my head of security. That was impressive.” Aggi stared at him with wide eyes.

  “The song,” he said slowly. “Do you recognize it?”

  “No. It’s a different style than the ones she does for me.” Aggi straightened. “Which means it’s new. And the sound is decent quality, so she recorded it in a proper studio.”

  “Try Lioness Studios. See if she’s been in.” Ben hoped his instincts were right, and she would have used the studio again. I just need a trail to follow, Katie. Show me the way.

  Chapter 44

  “Yeah, she came in here between four or five.”

  The young man at the reception desk for Lioness Studios seemed bewildered by both Aggi’s presence and Ben’s vehemence. He’d met them here but was clearly exhausted.

  “By herself?” Ben resisted the urge to grab the kid by the collar. Six or seven hours ago. She could be anywhere by now.

  “Yes . . . no, wait, I’m not sure. I didn’t sign anyone else in.” He frowned. “She said her manager kept a close eye on her. For a second, I thought I saw someone in the mirror, but when I looked, there wasn’t anyone here.”

  That sounded like confirmation of the Director’s presence.

  “Did she tell you where she was going?” It would take a strong person to resist Aggi’s wide-eyed pleas.

  The receptionist wasn’t a strong man.

  “I’m sorry. It’s all a blur when she left. I almost forgot to give her the—” His lips clamped shut.

  “Give her the what?” Ben demanded.

  “You’re like a cop, aren’t you?” The kid took a step back.