Chapter 24
“Deputy Wild, I’m afraid you’re too late,” the caller said in a gleefully smug voice.
“Whoops. I lied. Sue me.”
I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle the guy. “Your credibility just went out the window.”
“No, it didn’t. My threats are more credible than ever. Don’t be mad, Deputy Wild. You didn’t think this game had rules, did you?”
Rage boiled my veins.
“I’m glad you survived. I quite enjoy this. It only gets more interesting from here. I’ll be in touch.” He ended the call, and I wanted to smash the phone.
Red and blue lights flashed as patrol cars screeched onto the scene. EMTs and paramedics were close behind, followed by the medical examiner, and Paris Delaney and her crew.
First responders attended to the victims and searched the rubble for survivors. I didn't think they'd find any inside the building. There wasn't much left but piles of dust and debris. Sonic Temple was a memory.
Special Agent Thompson arrived on scene with his team, and I gave him a full debrief. He was angry. We all were.
“You said we had 12 hours.”
“I never said that. He did.”
A frustrated sigh escaped his mouth. "Well, at least this didn't go off when the venue was full. This could have been so much worse."
It was a tragedy, but I didn't disagree. The venue could hold thousands of people. Packed inside for a Wild Fury show, it could have been devastating. Still, it didn't make it any easier to stomach.
Paris approached, and her camera crew closed in. I gave her a look that said, not now. Paris was not one to take no for an answer. "Deputy Wild, what can you tell us about the explosion? Is this related to the bombing at the wharf and the device at Big Tony's?"
"I urge anyone who has any information about the bombing to contact the FBI, ATF, or the County Sheriff's Department."
I stepped out of frame, not wanting to answer any more questions.
Brenda examined the remains, and her crew bagged bodies. There were no survivors. No casualties to triage.
Emily arrived on scene with a mortified look on her face.
She scanned the debris in absolute horror.
"I got here as soon as I heard. I'm sorry I haven't been able to come up with a detection device.
It's going to take some time to build one, and even then, I don't know how sensitive it would be.” Her face contorted with sorrow. "This is all my fault."
"How so?”
"I should never have published that paper. I should never have pursued this technology.”
"I don't think it would have made a difference."
Her brow wrinkled with confusion.
"Somebody else would have come up with the technology sooner or later. It always happens. Ideas are floating around in the atmosphere. Sometimes we happen to get lucky and pluck them out first. But technology can't be stopped.”
She frowned.
Jack called. "I'm watching this thing on the news. I just can't believe it. Are you okay?"
"Yeah. I think if I had gotten here a little bit sooner, I'd have been vaporized.” I exhaled a frustrated breath. "This guy’s playing with us, and I don't like it."
"Have you talked to him since the bombing?"
"Yes. He couldn’t resist the urge to gloat.”
"Did he give you any clues when the next bomb is going to be?"
"Our conversation didn't last that long. But one thing is certain. He's not stopping here."
"I’m going to get online and make a statement about the bombing on behalf of the band. Offer our condolences to the loved ones of the victims. I think we should set up some kind of fund.”
"I agree.”
"I’ll call some venues, see if we can move the show. We can donate all proceeds to the victim’s families. Don't worry, I'll handle everything.” He paused. "What's your plan?"
"I'm going to wrap up here, then head back to the boat. I don't think there's any need to stay at the Seven Seas. If this guy really wanted us dead, he could have done it. Like you said, a drone attack would be almost indefensible.”
“This guy is taunting us.”
“I agree.”
“What’s his motive?”
My lips tightened. “Entertainment. He’s getting a rush from all this. The destruction, the games, the media. It’s validating.”
“He’s baiting us.”
“Could be.”
"We’ll check out here, and I'll meet you back at the boat with Henrik,” Jack said.
"How's he doing?"
"Just fine.”
I told him I’d see him later and ended the call.
I looked at Emily and thought for a moment. “You’re a theoretical physicist. What’s your take on quantum gravity and time dilation?”
A quizzical expression knitted her brow.
“A little off topic, I know, but…”
“I suppose you’re asking in reference to time travel.”
I nodded.
“Theoretically possible, but not practically feasible with current technology. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve got someone you might enjoy talking to.”