That Which Survives Read online

Downtown Charlotte

  Ian grimaced as he took a sip of the cold coffee and placed the cup beside the half-eaten sandwich to turn his attention back to his computer screen. He wanted to get the last of his notes keyed in so that he didn’t have to worry about it later.

  A knock on his door interrupted his train of thought. He immediately checked his watch. It wasn’t time for his next appointment and Kendal wasn’t due back from lunch for another half-hour.

  He rose and went to open the door, only to find himself face to face with a stranger. The man was tall, had black hair shot with gray and a face that looked like it had been carved from stone.

  “Can I help you?” Ian asked.

  “Dr. Ian Drake?” The man’s voice was deep and resonant even though he spoke softly.

  “Yes.” Ian’s reply was a bit hesitant due not only to the surprise of having someone appear unannounced at his door, but the aura the man emitted.

  “It’s vital that I speak with you, Doctor.” The man pulled identification from the inner pocket of his jacket. Ian’s eyes widened in surprise.

  “Please, come in, Mr. Slater,” he responded immediately. He could not imagine why the CIA would want to talk to him, but he was not about to refuse.

  Slater took a seat on the couch and looked around the room. “Very nice.”

  “Thank you.” Ian wasn’t sure whether to sit at his desk or take a seat across from Slater in the armchair.

  “Dr. Drake, I understand you’ve been treating a Senna Laserian for some time,” Slater said before Ian made up his mind.

  Warning bells when off in Ian’s head. He couldn’t imagine why anyone would be interested in Senna, but he was suspicious of anyone asking questions about his patients. He stalled for time, walking over to his desk and exiting the file he was working on.

  “May I ask what this is about?” he asked as he crossed the room and took a seat in the chair facing Slater.

  “Doctor, I don’t have the time or the inclination to go into details. All I can tell you is that it is vital to the security of this country and quite possibly every human being on this planet that you tell me everything you know about Senna Laserian.”

  Ian was completely stunned. Of all the things he could have imagined happening, this was not one that he would ever have considered. He didn’t know what to say or do. His professional career could be over if he divulged confidential patient information and word got out. On the other hand, Slater had said that the fate of humanity might be at risk. How Senna could threaten the entire human race was a mystery.

  Slater interrupted his internal debate on what to do. “Dr. Drake, I understand your reluctance to divulge confidential information, and under normal circumstances I would support your inclination not to. But these are not normal circumstances and I do not have the time to wait for you to debate the ethical considerations and ramifications. Therefore, sir, either you agree to work with me or I have my men, who are in your reception area, confiscate all of your files and records and we dig the information out ourselves.”

  Ian knew then that he had no decision to make. It had already been made for him, and he was not fool enough to think that he could stand up to Slater and the organization he represented. “Exactly where would you like for me to begin, Mr. Slater?”

  Slater smiled and pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. “Why, the beginning, of course. And don’t leave out anything.”

  Chapter Seven

  Kitaro stood from his seat at the desk as she entered the room. “I am pleased that you came.”

  She smiled and walked to meet him as he came from behind the desk. “Is there any word?” she asked softly.

  “Always so direct.” He smiled and raised her hand to his lips.

  “I was under the impression that you wanted me to be more attentive and devoted.”

  “Ummm.” He kissed her palm then lowered her hand from his lips. “Perhaps.”

  “And?”

  He tucked her hand in the crook of one arm, keeping his hand on top of hers. “Come, I was about to have tea.”

  They went into the next room where a tea service was sitting on an ornately carved ivory table. Kitaro seated her and set about serving the tea. “It appears as if our opponent is making progress,” he said as he handed her a cup. “The last communiqué indicated that his representative has successfully gained the confidence of the target and steps are being taken to attempt retrieval of the data.”

  She laughed and set the teacup on the table. “I would not lose any sleep over that, my darling. If we could not retrieve the information, you can be sure they will fare no better.”

  “Perhaps,” Kitaro said and took a seat. “Or perhaps not. I have it under good authority that they have narrowed the possibilities to three substances. If they happen upon the correct combination of substance and technique, it is possible that they will be able to unlock the gate.”

  She shook her head decisively. “Impossible. We tried everything and nothing worked. You know that. If we couldn’t break through the barriers he erected, no one can. Besides, you’re forgetting one crucial element.”

  “Oh?” He raised his eyebrows at her. “And that is?”

  “Trust,” she said with a sly smile. “Our subject will never allow the barriers to be breeched unless there is trust. And if we couldn’t earn it, do you really think they have a chance?”

  He frowned thoughtfully. “There are always possibilities, my love. Never underestimate your opponent.

  “I do not have to be reminded of that,” she declared heatedly. “Besides, the reason I came today is to tell you that I may have made progress of my own.”

  His eyes lit with anticipation. “Tell me.”

  She shook her head and stood. Kitaro’s eyes followed her movements as she slid the shoulders of her knit dress down to expose her luscious breasts. “Later,” she said huskily.

  His eyes never left her as she undressed. When she raised one long leg and stepped across his lap, he smiled. She took his hands in hers and raised them to her breasts and his smile turned carnal. She was a woman of many talents, but her most remarkable attribute was her lust.

  He didn’t deny her what she wanted, for he was not a foolish man. He had learned long ago that the most effective way to control one’s subordinates was to give them what they wanted, and to make them believe they were pulling the strings. He laughed inwardly as he thought about it. She thought she had him in the palm of her hand, that the temptations of her body kept him in control. How foolish she was.

  * * * * *

  University of North Carolina at Charlotte

  Ryan stood as the door opened. A thin, middle-aged man with lank brown hair and a stooped posture walked into the room. “Dr. McClintock,” the secretary looked up from her typing. “These people are waiting to see you.”

  The professor gave her a perplexed look. “They called and made an appointment,” she explained. “I told you about it yesterday afternoon.”

  “Oh, yes.” Dr. McClintock turned to Ryan. “What can I do for you, Mr…”

  “Detective Ryan Dalton.” Ryan showed the professor his identification. “And my partner, Detective Paige Landers. We were hoping you could help us out with something.”

  “Come into my office.” The professor led the way. He set his battered leather attaché case beside the wooden desk then perched on its corner. “Now, what can I do?”

  Ryan withdrew copies of the two notes found on the bodies of the murder victims. “Do you recognize the symbols on there?”

  Dr. McClintock studied the first one for some time. The slight frown that began on his face deepened to a scowl by the time he set the first copy aside and looked at the second. After a long silence, he looked at Ryan. “May I ask where you got these?”

  “Each of those notes was found at the scene of a murder,” Ryan answered. “Our lab hasn’t been able to make any sense of the markings. The FBI has copies and are running it through their system and are calling in som
eone, but so far we haven’t heard anything from them. We were hoping that maybe you could tell us something.”

  “Hmmm…” The professor laid the copies side by side on his desk and studied them. “Well, let’s see. The first one is definitely cuneiform. Babylonian, Sumerian? Possibly. The second… Hmmm, much the same, but…I’m not sure. It reminded me of the Babylonian, yet…”

  He looked around at Ryan. “This really is not my area, Detective. I would suggest that you find someone who specializes in ancient languages.”

  “Could you recommend someone?”

  “Actually, I do know of someone who might be able to help you.” The professor smiled for the first time. “We have someone here who is a doctoral candidate in archaeology, from a family who is well-known for their work in the field.”

  “Great.” Ryan pulled out his pad and pen. “If you could give me the name and phone number?”

  “Certainly. Dr. Senna Laserian. She teaches here in the physics department.” He gave Ryan and Paige a smile. “Give her a ring. She’s quite a lovely woman, very easy to talk to. I’m sure that if she can’t help you, she will at least know in which direction to point you.”

  “Sure, thanks,” Ryan said. He and Paige left the office. Once out into the hallway they looked at each other in surprise.

  “Well, well,” Paige said in a snide tone. “What do you think about—”

  “Not here,” Ryan started swiftly down the hall.

  As soon as they reached the car she started. “Well, isn’t this interesting. Not only did Dr. Quantum know the two victims, now it turns out she’s an expert in the scribbling that was left on the notes. Isn’t that just an amazing coincidence?”

  Ryan’s face was as dark as a rain cloud when he turned to her. “Don’t jump off the board before you look and see if there’s water in the pool. Just because she knew the guys, and happens to know something about archaeology doesn’t mean she’s a suspect.”

  “Did I say that?” Paige opened her eyes wide and assumed a wounded look of innocence.

  Ryan scowled, got in the car, and started it. Paige jumped in and was silent until they reached the highway. “You know we have to pass this along,” she said. “It could be instrumental to the case. We don’t have a choice.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Ryan replied. Just like I know that when we do she’s suddenly going to be in the limelight.”

  “Well, no duh!” Paige exclaimed then held up both hands as he gave her an evil look. “Hey, don’t blame me if everything keeps pointing her way. Maybe it is all just coincidence, but you’ve got to admit that every road we take leads us right back to her.”

  “I know, I know. But I also know she didn’t have anything to do with it. I know her, Paige.”

  “Do you?”

  He scowled at her and she met his angry eyes straight on. “Well?” she asked. “Do you really know her, Ryan? Or do you just want to think you do. Have you ever considered that maybe Dr. Electron isn’t who you think she is? Just think about it for a second. A week ago you thought she was some loyal little lap dog who was too damn meek and shy to even flirt with a guy. But that turned out to be a crock, didn’t it? No little wallflower jumps in the rack with a guy like Konnor Chase the way she did.”

  “You’re blowing this all out of proportion! Besides, our personal relationship has nothing to do with this investigation. There’s no evidence that links her to either of the murder scenes. You know that. All we have are innuendoes and circumstance.”

  “But we’ve got a boat load,” Paige pointed out.

  “I think we should talk to her before we take any action,” he said after a pause. “See if she can tell us anything about the markings.”

  “You mean give her a chance to make you believe she’s not involved.”

  Ryan looked over at Paige and when their eyes met, he looked away. She was right. That was exactly what he wanted, because right now it was starting to look like Senna was in much deeper than he wanted to believe.

  * * * * *

  Downtown Charlotte

  As soon as she saw Kendal get in her car and drive away, Senna turned to Konnor. “I don’t know about this.”

  There was a moment in which he simply stared at her. Finally he spoke. “I think it’s best if I go with you.”

  She sighed and leaned back against the door. “Why can’t you just tell me what this is all about? If the CIA thinks I’m involved in…in something, then why can’t you tell me what it is? And why do you need to be with me when I see Ian?”

  “We’ve already gone over this and I’ve told you all I can. I need to be there to make sure nothing happens.”

  “What could possibly happen, Konnor? He’s my psychiatrist, not some…some criminal.”

  “You’re just going to have to trust me.”

  “Fine,” she agreed after a moment. “Let’s go.”

  Together they went inside the building. Senna led the way to Ian’s office, where she stopped and knocked.

  A few moments later, Ian opened the door. The smile that started taking shape on his face faded when he saw Konnor. “Who are you?” he asked nervously.

  “Konnor Chase.” Konnor extended his hand.

  “And why, exactly, are you here?” Ian didn’t budge from his place at the door.

  “I asked him to come with me,” Senna lied, wondering why Ian was so nervous.

  Ian gave her a dubious look but moved out of the way. She and Konnor entered the office and Ian locked the door behind them. “I’m a little curious,” Ian said as he gestured toward his office. “Why did you want to wait until after-hours? I had two appointments available earlier in the day.”

  “I didn’t want Kendal to know I was coming,” she replied as she entered his private office.

  “I was under the impression you are she are close,” he commented as he took a seat in the chair facing the couch.

  “So was I.”

  “Would you care to elaborate?”

  Senna considered it before answering. Even though she was upset with Kendal, she didn’t want to be the cause of Kendal losing her job. Ian was very strict about confidentiality. If he found out Kendal had been talking about patients, he would fire her.

  She also thought it was strange that he wanted to focus on her relationship with Kendal. It was almost as if he was stalling for time. She had never seen him so edgy and didn’t know what could be the cause, unless it was Konnor’s presence.

  “It’s not important,” she said at last. “I want to try to regression again, and this time I’m willing to use the drugs.”

  “I’m glad to hear you say that,” a deep voice came from the direction of the private restroom to one side of the office.

  Senna jumped and looked in the direction of the voice. She felt Konnor stiffen beside her and after a moment he stood. “What are you doing here?” he demanded, rather than asked.

  The man walked out of the shadows. Senna immediately got the impression that he was someone who was unaccustomed to being challenged. His bearing was that of a man accustomed to being in charge.

  “I might ask the same thing,” the man replied then turned his attention to Senna. “Dr. Laserian, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Bruce Slater. I’m what you might call Chase’s boss, and I’m here for the same reasons you are. To find out what you know.”

  “About what?” she asked. “If you’re really Konnor’s superior then why don’t you tell me what this is all about? What is it you think I know or am involved in?”

  Slater cut his eyes to Konnor for a second then returned his attention to her. “Am I to assume that he hasn’t told you anything?”

  “Yes.”

  Slater crossed the room and took a seat in the vacant chair next to Ian. “Dr. Laserian, I’m going to do something I rarely do. I’m going to level with you. Please bear in mind that everything I say is strictly confidential, and if at any time I have reasons to suspect that you or the good doctor have repeated any portion of what I’m
about to say, you will be terminated. Is that clear?”

  Senna swallowed hard, trying to force the lump in her throat to disappear, then nodded.

  “Very well.” Slater looked up at Konnor, who was still standing. Konnor sat down beside Senna without a word.

  “As a physicist, I’m sure you’re familiar with the theories on particle beam accelerator weapons,” Slater said.

  “Yes,” she nodded.

  “Good,” he continued. “Now, again, bear with me. To begin this tale we must go back in time to the 1880’s, when a French diplomat began an unauthorized dig in Telloh. The results of that were, as you well know, the excavation of a sizable collection of tablets, jars and incised cylinder seals. His collection was purchased by the Louvre. No one realized at the time that what had been collected would prove tangible evidence of a civilization that until then had been relegated to myth and legend—an ancient culture whose roots stretched back to the beginnings of recorded history.”

  “Sumer,” Senna said. “I know the story.”

  “Yes, I imagine you do,” he agreed. “However, what you do not know, at least not consciously, is that what has been found in that same region, since the 1880’s, is far more than mere evidence of the Sumerian civilization.” He paused to light a cigarette then offered the pack to her.

  “No, thank you,” she declined. “What exactly do you mean by ‘more than evidence’? And what does that have to do with particle beam accelerators?”

  Have you ever strayed from the safety of the proven, Dr. Laserian?” he asked. “Perhaps entertained ideas that didn’t necessarily agree with the accepted?”

  “Such as?”

  “Well…” He inhaled slowly and exhaled as leisurely before continuing. “There are a number of theories on the origin of the Sumerian civilization, aside from those supposed by your father and his colleagues. In fact, many books have been written that theorize not only on the origin of the people but also the sudden advancements made—advancements that until now we accepted as mere inspired leaps, if you will.”

  “And your point is?”