Chapter 12
The two aircraft adjusted course simultaneously and sped up. Within nine minutes, the stopped train became visible and then the Blackhawks were setting down in open fields just south of the tracks.
Despite their speed of arrival, at least seven West Virginia State Police cruisers were already on the scene, along with three fire trucks and a pair of ambulances.
“Rao, check with the state police on the prisoner,” Steele directed. “The rest of us need to spread out and find out what happened to the passenger who stopped the train.”
Fifteen minutes later, the story emerged. The Sinclair family had sat directly in front of where Oscar Wymer was found sedated. They had been in front of a girl who had to be Cassandra Blake, albeit a black-haired version. Same size, same eye color, same friendly manner.
“She said she was majoring in Economics and Political Science,” Mrs. Sinclair said.
“Did she mention why she was headed to Washington?” Agent Steele asked.
“She hoped to follow some politicians or other around,” Mrs. Sinclair said.
“Federal people, Mom. She said federal people, not politicians,” the daughter, Asa, said, clearly excited to be part of such a huge event.
“Oh, yes, she did say that. She seemed like such a nice girl.”
“You say that like she changed,” Asa said. “So she tranqed a criminal and escaped. Why is she no longer a good girl, Mom?”
“Brian, one of the local field office people just spotted our suspect in the center of the town a mile down the road,” Leah Frayer said in his earpiece.
“Did she see him?”
“Yes… she waved.”
“Could he follow her?”
“She hasn’t moved. She’s sitting on a bench, eating tacos. He said it looks like she’s waiting.”
“Waiting for what?”
“Us. You. The FBI.”
“Chen, Kessler, Carmine, with me. We’re taking one of the local SUVs,” Steele said, turning from the family and heading for the line of official government vehicles. “Leah, we need more people around her in case she bolts.”
“My team is already on the way. Why are you so slow?” Agent Frayer asked in a dry tone.
Steele met his team at the first Chevy Suburban in line, Kessler already in the driver’s seat. They took off at speed, flashers and siren going before everyone was even buckled in.
Seven minutes later, a sign welcomed them to the village of Diadon, West Virginia.
The town was so small that it only had three signal lights on the main street.
It did, however, have a tiny triangular patch of green space that all told was probably only half an acre in size.
Sitting on a concrete and iron bench a third of the way up the triangle-shaped park was a young woman with black hair and sunglasses, wearing a reflective safety vest, a dark gray pack on the bench beside her, eating the final bites of a taco.
The screening agents reported their readiness in the team’s earpieces but the girl, who Brian could see looked much like the picture his sister had taken, was simply watching their car as it pulled to a stop directly in front her bench.
Brian was out of the vehicle before it had fully stopped moving, Chen and Carmine on his heels.
“Agent Steele. And Agent Chen. Or do you prefer Doctor Chen? And unknown agent lady with the serious face,” Cassandra Blake greeted them.
Brian was aware of Leah Frayer approaching, but his eyes were locked on the girl, who was wiping off her hands with a paper napkin.
“Did you find my gift? Oscar’s gun is in my pack,” she said with a nod at said pack even as she set her empty hands on her jean-clad legs. “Also, full disclosure: There’s another syringe of Ketamine in the top sunglass pocket.”
Carmine instantly picked up the pack and stepped away from the girl, who casually pushed her sunglasses up on her head and met all their stares with bright hazel eyes.
“Oh…” she said, looking at Frayer with a frown, then glancing around the park. “Two task forces, maybe?” she asked, glancing at Steele.
“This is Special Agent Frayer. She heads up Major Crimes,” Brian said, finding himself bemused.
“Oh. Major Crimes… do you do serial killers then, Agent Frayer? I think I’ve got a doozy for you,” Cassie said.
“Serial killer?” Frayer asked, glancing at Brian, then back to the girl.
“Yeah, I think so. Highly likely. But don’t worry, Agent Steele; I bet there are some terrorist cells we can find too. Although this serial thing might be a big deal.”
“Cassandra, are you alright?” Dr. Chen asked.
“Yes. I’m fine. Puzzled, though. How did Oscar find me, and how did you guys arrive so fast? Oh, and no one calls me Cassandra. It’s Cassie.”
“Is that why you waited for us?” Chen asked.
“Absolutely, Doctor. I was going to keep going but as I thought about it, I realized I need your group… groups,” she added with a nod to Frayer, “to figure out who directed Oscar to me and who directed you to the two of us. Unless the same actor did both.”
“Cassie, I’m going to have to take you into custody,” Brian said. “For your safety and because you have repeatedly demonstrated knowledge that has national security implications.”
“Agent Steele, I haven’t even started my demonstration yet.”