Murder Inc.: A Sci-fi Thriller: Book 1 (22 page)

Scott crawled onto his knees. “I’m sorry.” He raised his head slowly, still red faced, tears in his eyes.

She could call the police and have him locked up. They would charge him with narcotics use, too. Scott was vengeful though, and after he had served his punishment, he would track her down, and there were things her training would not prevent.

“You need to leave, Scott. Right now, before this gets a whole lot worse for you.”

He climbed onto all fours, paused, and nodded. She expected a fit of rage. He’d leap up off the sofa and charge her, arms extended. She would have to put him in the hospital, or he might do the same to her.

“I know.” He clenched his teeth, and shook his head. “I just… can’t help it.” She started to respond, but he beat her to it. “Can’t you give me one more shot? We’ve had some good times, Tab.” His red eyes full of optimism.

She bit down an angry response. They had, but she saw his bionic hand flexing, and imagined what might have happened had she not had the capability to defend herself. They had been in this position before—without the violence—Scott sitting on the sofa crying into his hands, begging for her forgiveness. How many times had he promised to stop the drugs and booze?

“No.”

He looked up, and anger swallowed her pity. His expression folded, and he nodded, as though accepting his fate. “Okay.” He climbed to his feet, tottering twice.

Tabby followed him down the hallway, hands poised in case of sudden attack. If he came at her now, she would not limit her arsenal to a palm strike or head kick. He glanced back at her once, but the lines on his forehead and creases around his eyes showed no anger, just shame.

At the door, he turned. His face limp, and mouth and eyes downcast, she expected him to take one last shot at staying. He caught the grim line of Tabby’s mouth though, and then he was gone, disappearing through the gap into the hallway. Tabby pressed the door closed and stood there, jaw clenched, the swift beat of her heart hammering against her chest.

Jennings stood at the desk peering over the shoulder of an IT employee as he touched and swiped a computer screen. Nearby, Samantha squatted beside Charlie’s body, which lay with one arm splayed out above his head, the other across his chest. Dark eyes stared at the window.

“He
wasn’t
telling the truth,” Samantha said. “I’d bet money on it. I just don’t know how he got the information out.”

“I think you’re right. Number one priority is finding that information. Otherwise we’ll have more than one dead body on our hands.”

“There,” the IT employee said. “Sixteen minutes past four.”

“What exactly?” Jennings asked.

“He downloaded files from multiple folders. Most likely onto some sort of portable storage device.”

“Tell me it wasn’t the governance folder?” The tech said nothing. “Shit.” Samantha met his stiff gaze. He saw the first threads of panic furrow her brow. He imagined Chekov asking if the files might get to the media. “How the fuck was this possible?”

The IT employee made a pained face. “We’ve been having some issues lately. I told you that.”

Jennings slammed the desk. “Three weeks ago?”

IT cringed. “You’ll need to take it up with Mr. Cooke.”

“What about the cameras?” Samantha asked. “They’d show us what happened.”

IT shook his head. “Nope. The whole section is down. We’re upgrading the server so the recording will be in virtual reality. In the same situation, we’d be able to see the room as though—”

“All right,” Jennings said, “we get it.” He turned to Samantha. “Search him.”

“I did.”

“I know. Do it again.”

Samantha pressed her teeth together. The situation was worth a double check. The importance of the circumstances weighed on Jennings’ shoulders and Samantha’s expression reflected her understanding. He loosened his tie, and she bent to inspect the body of her former husband. The IT employee started for the door as Samantha untied Charlie’s shoes. She felt around inside, pulling at the lining, and then the sole. She tapped the solid base on the tiles looking for hollow sections. She removed his left sock, flattened it, and then stuffed her hand within, feeling for anything she might have missed. She patted the slacks on his lower legs.

“No,” Jennings said, waving a hand. “Strip him down.”

Samantha stared at him for a long moment then unbuckled his belt. She proceeded to remove his pants, repeating the sock approach, and then his tie and shirt, until Charlie lay naked on the floor.

“His skin will become that odd color it does after being pumped full of HKX,” Samantha said.

“Make sure the autopsy report is suppressed. Better yet, make sure his skin color isn’t described on the report.”

Samantha rolled Charlie onto his back. “He doesn’t have it.”

Jennings pinched his face into confusion. The thread of control slipped through his fingers. “Who has he been in contact with?”

“That little minx of an assistant, Tabitha. They’re close.”

“Find her. What about Tom?”

She shook her head. “What about couriers? Do we know if any came in to pick up parcels?”

“Check it. Get forensics to sweep the room again. Either it’s still in here, or he got that drive out somehow. We have to find it.”

This was no longer about their handling of the situation. They were unable to confirm exactly what files Charlie had downloaded, but he had no doubt it would damage the company. Jennings felt a coil of unease in his chest. What if the information had been leaked to the media, and when they all woke in the morning, they’d watch Janefield on the news? No, that couldn’t have happened yet. Jennings wouldn't stand by and let all that he had worked to achieve fall apart.

“I’ll call in Hucker down at station twelve to clean this up. We’ve had dealings with him before. He knows what we’re about.” Jennings headed for the door. “At least put his clothes back on, make it appear real.”

“The drug is undetectable. As far as the coroner is concerned, this will be the most genuine heart attack he’s ever seen.”

“Sure, but he wouldn’t have been lying naked in his office, would he?”

Samantha dressed Charlie as Jennings left. He wondered how Charlie didn’t know his wife worked for the Company. But then again, how did the world not know the secret?

As Jennings rounded the corner, he ran into the stylish, big-bodied black suit of the only person in the office permitted to wear such color. How
he
wanted to be wearing it.

“Bryan,” Jennings said, catching Fox’s grim expression. “I was just—”

“What the fuck’s going on, Robert?” Fox hissed. “I’ve been out of New York for two days and this happens? Tell me it wasn’t a suicide.”

“No. We don’t think so.”

“He’s the third one in two weeks. Every time I disappear for a moment, someone dies. And Charlie, for God’s sake. What happened?”

“Best guess is a heart attack. The paramedics were here. Took a blood sample and said it was most likely blocked arteries. All that fried food probably took its toll.”

“What about his yearly medical check-ups? Surely they predicted this?”

Jennings glanced in through the doorway at Samantha. “He’s missed the last few. I told him to go, but… I should have insisted.”

Fox led Jennings back into the office and stopped at the body, now clothed. For a long moment he said nothing. “Poor bastard. He was a good man.” Jennings feigned an expression of sadness. Fox turned to Samantha. “I know it wasn’t the traditional marriage, but if you need time…”

Samantha nodded. “I’m okay.”

Jennings watched her. There was ice in her veins. He didn’t have to remind himself never to cross her. “There’s one more thing, Bryan,” Jennings said. Fox raised his eyebrows. Jennings glanced at Samantha. “We believe Charlie downloaded some files, possibly onto a small storage drive.”

Fox scrunched his face as if it was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever heard. “Downloaded files? Why would Charlie download files?”

Jennings glanced at Samantha. “We don’t know yet.”

“And how did he get them off the system?”

“It appears there was some glitch with IT.”

Fox rubbed a hand through his hair. “Fuck. Do we have a position on the information yet?”

“Not yet. No couriers. No mail from this level either. He’s either got the drive on him or he’s hidden it in the office.”

Jennings circled the room, scrutinizing the scene, searching for anything the others might have missed. Samantha disappeared out into reception. As much as he would hate for Fox to find it, all he cared about at this point was finding the drive. What was he missing? It wasn’t
on
Charlie. Jennings doubted it was in the office. Tom Bright? They were incredibly close. And maybe this was an opportunity for Jennings to implicate one of Fox’s last pillars of loyalty.

Samantha returned. “What time did the assistant scan out?”

Jennings stepped towards the desk. “Why?”

“Charlie had said something about her having gone home early, feeling unwell. He might have given the drive to her.”

Fox bristled. “Tabitha?”

Samantha shrugged. “Who else?”

Jennings went to the desk and tapped his password into the screen. A menu appeared through which he swiped, seeking staff log times. Charlie had been close to Tabby too, repeatedly acknowledging her skills and commitment. A sweet knot tightened around his stomach.
Instinct
. Samantha might just be right.

“Four twenty-seven,” Jennings said.

“Yes,” Samantha scurried around to the screen. “The files were downloaded at four sixteen.”

Jennings brow wrinkled. “You think it’s her?”

“I don’t think it could have been anyone else.”

“It’s her or Tom.”

“Tom?” Fox frowned. “I doubt that. He and Charlie may have been close, but Tom’s as straight as laser. I don’t think it’s either of them.”

“Let’s get over and talk to her,” Jennings said. “What about Tom?”

Fox pulled down his shirt cuffs and headed towards the door. “I’ll visit with Tabitha.”

“No,” Jennings said. He wanted to assess Tabitha. “You speak with Tom. He’s more senior.”

“I think I’d be better talking to Tab—”

Jennings put up a hand. “Sir, Charlie and Tom were close. Tom’s going to need someone he’s… closer with to deliver this news.”

Fox considered this and then nodded. “Very well.” He smiled at Samantha. “Have you got a moment, Robert? Outside please.”

Jennings followed. They stopped outside the doors as the edges met. “Don’t go too hard on Tabitha.” Jennings frowned. “I don’t want to hear you’ve roughed her up and she knew nothing about this drive. Understand?”

“Yeah, sure.”

Fox buttoned up his suit jacket. “Now tell me this was fucking natural, Robert.”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t play games.” He pointed a thick finger at Jennings. “I warned you the other day. Did Charlie die naturally?”

Jennings eyes grew wide. “You’re asking me
that
?” Fox watched him. “As far as I know, Bryan. The autopsy will confirm it.”

“Yes, but we both know how misleading autopsies can be.” Fox folded his arms and walked away. “If I find out anybody has contributed to Charlie’s death, they’ll pay.”

Jennings waited until he’d disappeared around the corner. “You’ll be the only one paying,
Bryan
.”

The black Mercedes sedan pulled into the underground car park and rolled up to a set of wide glass doors. Fox climbed out and stepped through the entrance, buttoning his black suit jacket. The AI vehicle would wait for his return. Tom would battle with the news of Charlie’s death; it might lead to a discussion about the company, and beyond that, their futures.

Fox had lost another loyal supporter. Charlie didn’t have the strength of character that Tom or Johanna possessed, but he’d been reliable and honest. Along with Bryce Adler, Charlie had been part of the next wave of executives meant to serve the Company under the guidance of the subsequent CEO following Fox’s retirement.

He took the elevator to the fifth level where his watch guided him to the correct apartment using a series of voice commands. Fox stood outside, strengthening his resolve, and pressed the buzzer.

After a moment, the door slid open and Tom stood before him. “Hello, sir.” Tom wore a slight frown of puzzlement.

“I’m sorry to bother you on a Friday night, Tom. Do you have a moment?”

Tom stood aside. “Of course.”

Fox entered and they went into the living room where glossy gadgets peered out from shelving: virtual reality headgear and the latest gaming device from Apple. Tom kept a neat apartment with modern, white, polycarbonate furniture and several artificial hair rugs. It didn’t suit Fox’s taste, but reflected Tom’s generation’s preference for simplicity.

“Can I get you something? A drink?”

“No, thank you.” Tom sat, directing Fox to the other sofa chair. “Tom, have you spoken to Charlie today?”

“No. Not for a couple of days.” He narrowed his gaze. “But now that you mention it, Tabby called earlier and asked me to check in on him. But I…” Tom’s words drifted away as he caught the hard glint in Fox’s eyes. “What is it?”

“Charlie passed away this evening, Tom.”

Tom’s mouth fell open. He stared at Fox for a long moment, glanced away and then back. “Passed away? As in, died?”

Fox nodded. “The paramedics took a blood sample and think it was probably Charlie’s heart. His cholesterol was quite high. You know he didn’t… eat as well as he should have. The extra weight may have contributed.” Tom fell back against the sofa, his brow knotted in thought. “I really am sorry, Tom. I know you two were close.”

Tom put his face in his hands and rubbed his eyes. Fox reached out and gripped his shoulder. It had been a harsh blow for Fox, too; he viewed the younger executives as an extension of his own family.

Tom dropped his hands and stared at Fox with glassy eyes. “Surely his yearly check-up would have flagged a problem?”

It was a good question. “Yes, it should have. Robert told me he’d missed his last few.”

“Missed them? I thought… ” His expression froze. “Are you sure? I’m certain Charlie went to last year’s medical. We joked about the result… ” His voiced faded, before rushing on. “And I told him it was his challenge to improve by the next year. It wasn’t a
terrible
result.” His face changed, as though he had an insight into what had happened.

“What are you saying?” Tom held out his hands, palms up. “Tom?”

Tom rubbed a hand through his hair. “A heart attack just seems so… unlikely.”

Fox stood. “I agree. A heart attack is not out of the question, but Charlie wasn’t a sick man.”

Tom paced, rubbing his forehead. “You said one of the paramedics took some blood?”

“Just a pinch. Cholesterol was very high.”

“But…”

Their eyes met, converging on the same thought. “I know,” Fox said, nodding. “I know, Tom. There’s any number of things that could provide the same result.” Hands in pockets, Fox strolled the room. “But we’ll dig through the ME’s report—there are indicators of using HKX or CEL serums. You just have to know what to look for.”

“If it somebody murdered him they’ll be across the medical examiner’s report. They’ll have it altered.”

“Not if we get to it first,” Fox said. Tom headed for the kitchen, where he opened a sliding cupboard and removed a discolored bottle of brown liquor and held it out. “Actually, I will have one. Something to calm the nerves.”

Leaning against the stone bench, they sipped at their tumblers, the silence drifting as each considered the ramifications of Charlie’s death.

“I can’t believe he’s gone,” Tom said, staring into his drink. “I mean—we had a basketball pick-up game scheduled for the weekend.”

“Charlie was one of the good guys.” Fox switched the glass between hands. “I know he didn’t really like the job. I could tell as he went through the training that he didn’t buy into the reasons.”

Tom gave a painful smile. “You’re right.”

Fox finished his drink and slapped his glass down. “Can I trouble you for another?” Tom poured out more. “We need to find out the truth of this.”

“And make whoever did it pay. Jesus, three deaths in a matter of weeks, surely that’s never happened before?”

“We’ve had a spattering of people die over the years, but never this many at one time. The police will be asking questions soon if they’re not already.”

“At least we’re covered on that front though.”

“We have agreements in place going back decades, but that won’t stop a snooping investigator. And sometimes they slip through the cracks, as we’ve seen before.” Tom agreed. “There’s another problem we might have to deal with first.” Tom’s eyebrows arched. “IT is saying that Charlie downloaded some files onto a small storage drive before he died.”

“What kind of files?”

Fox shrugged. “We don’t know. Assuming it’s real.”

“Why would they make it up?”

“Jennings is involved.” Tom’s curious expression turned into wary concern. “He was first on the scene.”

“You think he has something to do with it?”

“Well,” Fox shrugged one shoulder. “We discussed this last week.”

Tom slid his glass across the bench and walked away. “Do you think he knew about the files?”

“I think he knew about something. He was sweating. I haven’t seen him looking that panicked in years.”

“Then that begs the question why—why did Charlie feel the need to download files?” Tom stood with his hands out, waiting for an answer neither of them knew. “I can tell you now that he never mentioned doing such a thing to me, and we pretty much told each other everything.”

“We’ve got about forty-eight hours to contain this—assuming whoever has the files will off-load them. We’ve only ever had two information leaks in the past and they were restricted quickly.”

“It won’t be a good outcome for any of us.”

“We’ll find it. Not even Jennings can afford to let this out.” Tom made a face. “What is it?”

“You just look tired,” Tom said.

“I am, Tom. I told you and Johanna last time we met my time is imminent.”

“Why don’t you just get out? Retire?”

“I don’t think they’d let me.”

“So all this… stuff going on, is because of you?”

“I think so.”

“Why wouldn’t they just let you quit?”

Fox chuckled. “I guess Jennings couldn’t wait. But this goes higher than him. I think it’s coming from Chekov, the Chairman. But Robert and I are on a collision course.”

“That can’t end well.”

“It won’t.” Fox took another mouthful. “There’s something else I haven’t told you. Here’s where it gets complicated. Charlie’s wife, Samantha is involved.”

“
Samantha?
How so?”

“She’s part of a security team, brought in by Jennings to test the systems and processes.” Tom’s mouth hung open. “She was there before Charlie.”

“Tell me you’re joking?”

Fox shook his head slowly. “I wish I was. They sprung the deal on me and I should have said no, but Jennings pushed hard for it. It was his idea. Sometimes, when we have concerns about an executive, we plant a spouse. Keep tabs on them.”

Tom’s face grew contorted. “You did this for Charlie?” Fox looked away. “I can’t believe that. He really loved her. Was it all false?”

“Perhaps. I regret agreeing to it. Charlie turned out to be a model employee. I don’t always get it right, Tom.”

“It’s Jennings. He’s the problem.”

“A big problem. And he’s coming for us. We need to be more diligent now, Tom. Investigate everything outside of ‘normal’ that goes on at Janefield.”

Tom poured himself another drink, and topped up Fox’s. “What about the others? Johanna in particular.”

“She’s with us.”

“What about Samantha?”

Fox turned his head. “I don’t know. But since Jennings brought her in, we’d have to assume she’s loyal to him.”

“Any others in the executive team?”

“Most are outside the political sphere. Robert may have brought in one or two, but they won’t be heavy hitters.”

“You mentioned Tabitha last time.” Tom took another mouthful of scotch. “What’s so special about her—I mean, despite the obvious that she’s lovely and decent and wonderful at her job.”

Fox hesitated. “I’m sorry, Tom, I can’t say too much, other than I have an obligation to look after her. It’s nothing to do with this situation though.”

“Okay.” Tom measured him, wanting to ask more, but he recognized the stiff resolve in Fox’s expression. “What happens to her now?”

“I don’t know, other than we need to protect her as best we can without exposing her to Jennings and whoever else is in on his plan.”

“What if… we offered her Charlie’s role?”

Fox swayed back. “Bring her in on the company’s true purpose?” Tom nodded. “To what intent?”

“Doesn’t that provide her some protection?”

“What good did that do for Charlie or Bryce? Or for Dom?”

“It has to put her in a better position than she is now.”

A sudden thought struck Fox. A promise he had made long ago. “You’re right. That’s a clever idea and makes a lot of sense.” He remembered the conversation, the plans. “We’ll do that.” Tom seemed struck by surprise. Fox asked, “Are you two close?”

Tom managed a thin smile. “We get along.”

“Call her then. Tell her of Charlie’s death. She’ll want to hear it from someone she knows. We can’t have her arriving Monday morning to find out what’s happened. Even better, go and see her.” Tom frowned and nodded. “Jennings was going to see her. Find out if she knew anything about files.”

“Jennings? Was going to visit Tabitha?”

“Yeah.” Fox checked his watch. “He should be well finished with her now.” He left his glass on the bench and checked the buttoning of his suit jacket. “You’ll need to excuse me, Tom. I have some things to which I need to attend.”

Tom followed Fox towards the hallway leading to the entrance. “Sir, what’s our end game here?”

Fox stopped for a moment and stared ahead, thinking. “From my perspective, it’s taking Jennings down. Not letting him get his hands on this company. Protecting Johanna, Tabitha, and yourself.”

“What about the greater company?”

“If Chekov is involved in this, then I’ll have to use my contacts on the board and try and make him accountable too. That’s going to be difficult.” Tom’s expression sagged. “But not impossible.”

They shook hands at the door. “Thank you for telling me personally,” Tom said. “I really appreciate it, sir.”

“There’s only a few of us left now. We’re in this together, and we can’t let those bastards win.”