Chapter 1
June 2003
Emily stood up angrily. “I don’t know what kind of games the three of you are playing, but I have more important things to do than to stand here and watch you play dress up.” She began to push away from the conference table,but was stopped by Robin’s firm hand on her shoulder.
“Sit down Ms. Quartermaine,” Robin said authoritatively. “Spencer, show Ms. Quartermaine those pictures we were discussing earlier.”
Silently, Lucky places a manila folder in front of Emily. Reluctantly, but responding to the demand in Robin’s tone, Emily opens the folder.
And goes very very pale before pushing it away.
“Now do I have your attention and cooperation Ms. Quartermaine?” Robin asks. Emily nods.
“Good.” Robin reaches over and removes the folder from in front of Emily and distributes it’s contents to the group. “I’m sorry that I have to show these to you, but it’s imperative that everyone here understand the urgency of the situation. “
Looking around, Robin ignores the still stunned look on Mac’s face and the various looks of disbelief on Edward and AJ’s faces , but allows herself a half smile at the look of approval on Frisco’s face.
“The information that I am about to release to you is classified, as are the pictures you are looking at. This discussion is expected to stay in this room.” Robin pauses. “Fourteen months ago, a company called Holden Technologies entered into negotiations with the Bolivian military government to build a plant similar to the one ELQ intends to. Two months into the negotiations, the CEO Jeff Holden began receiving threats. He ignored him. The pictures that you are looking at are the result of that decision.”
Robin waits a minute for everyone to get a good look at the pictures. She doesn’t have to. They’ve haunted her since she and Frisco were assigned this case. Holden and his wife shot to death in their bedroom. Their teenage daughter assaulted and stabbed to death in the living room. Twin five year olds killed in their beds.
“You don’t now that the threats grandfather received have anything to do with ELQ’s interest in Bolivia,” AJ blustered. “I don’t appreciate these scare tactics Agent Scorpio.” He smirked. “That is if you really are an WSB agent.”
“I’d be really careful what you say Quartermaine,” Frisco’s voice was cold and deadly. “Your life is in her hands. Agent Scorpio has one of the best track records at the WSB which is why she is in charge on this assignment. Agent Spencer and I are here to assist her in any way she chooses.”
From his vantage point at the side of the room, Lucky nods.
Robin can’t help being proud of how quickly both men come to her defense. “Actually Mr. Quartermaine has an excellent point. We don’t know where the threat to Edward or to ELQ or to other’s in this room is coming from. We will be investigating every possible suspect or potential suspect. In addition we, with the cooperation of the PCPD, will be taking every possible security measure to protect ELQ and those involved in the threats. Among other measures there will be a 24 hour guard set up around the Quartermaine estate beginning,” Robin looked at her watch. “Beginning now. We will also assign personal security to Edward Quartermaine and to Emily Bowen Quartermaine.”
“What?” Emily asked. “Why me? Why not AJ or Ned?”
“Besides Edward, you were the only family member mentioned by name. It’s your department at ELQ that is overseeing the negotiations.”
Emily looked at the pictures on the table again and just for an instant you could see a trace of the vulnerable teenager she had been. Then its gone. “All right, but whoever my guard is they better stay out of sight.”
“Agent Spencer will be assigned to protect you.”
Emily looked up. “Do I have a choice?”
Robin smiled gently. “No, Emily you don’t. But don’t worry, Lucky is extremely qualified. You’ll be safe if you do what he says.”
Emily didn’t quite believe it, but nodded slowly anyway.
Robin turned to Edward. “I will, of course, expect full access to all of ELQ’s employees, files, and records.”
Edward ignores AJ’s protests. “Of course. Whatever you need.”
Frisco and Lucky’s eyes meet- thanks to Lucky’s computer skills they already have access to all the information they need but its nice to have permission.
“Okay, I think that covers what you need to know at this point. Agent Jones and I will be in contact as our investigation progresses. My suggestion to all of you at this point is to stay alert, let us know if you spot anything out of the ordinary, and I know it sounds impossible, but try to relax. Let us handle this and everything will be okay. “
“Lucky, why don’t you escort Emily back to her office and check out the security. We’ll meet later at the hotel. Gentlemen. Emily,” Robin turns to leave with Frisco following her when Mac catches up with them just outside the conference room.
“Robin,” Mac’s voice is low and furious. “I think you have a lot of explaining to do.”
“Back off Scorpio,” Frisco stepped in between them.
“It’s okay,” Robin gently puts her hand on Frisco’s arm. “I will explain everything to you later. Maybe I can meet you and Felicia at the Outback for dinner?” Robin suggests. “Right now I have an obligation to do my job.”
After a moment’s pause, Mac nods. Robin and Frisco continue on to the elevator. Once the elevator door’s close, Frisco pushes the emergency stop button, and pulls Robin into his embrace. She is shaking.
“You want off this case darling. Say the word. You know the boss won’t mind.”
Robin shakes her head. “I’ll be okay. Besides I like Edward and Emily. This case is too important for me to walk away from.”
“Just as long as your uncle doesn’t convince you to walk away from me,” Frisco says gently kissing her.
“No chance. Your stuck with me Jones.”
“Just the way I like it Scorpio.”
To be continued.
