“You are welcome.”
Before she could ask what was going on, Roland said, “And you’re sure we weren’t followed, Stonewall?”
“I’m certain, Ro. Striker is protecting the south, Quasar the north, Andrew’s got the west and I’ve got the east.”
“Drew?” Roland asked.
Lennox figured they were discussing Andrew Logan, another friend of theirs who was a detective for the Alexandria Police Department.
“Yes. Just so happens he was off today. He heard about what happened and you know Drew.”
“His wife is expecting,” Roland said, as if that fact should be relevant somehow.
“She’s here, too, visiting with Sheppard, Carson and the princess.”
“Okay, just make sure you guys are watching our backs.”
“How can you doubt us?” Stonewall asked. “My wife is attending that meeting, too. And if anyone touches one hair on her head, there’ll be hell to pay. By the way, Grayson heard about last night and wanted us to let you know if you need him to just call.”
“Thanks.” Grayson Prescoli was a friend from his military days. He owned one of the most famed tactical training schools in the country and was where Roland sent all his hirees for training. Stonewall and Roland then ended the call.
After hearing the exchange between Stonewall and Roland, Lennox was even more confused. What kind of meeting was this? “Where are we?” she asked again.
“FBI Headquarters.”
Lennox’s eyes widened. “FBI Headquarters? Why would we be dealing with the FBI instead of local police?”
“Your guess is as good as mine, but I’m sure Joy will answer all our questions. Something must be up though--she alerted Striker, Quasar and Stonewall to make sure we weren’t followed.”
“So now we go inside?” Lennox asked glancing around.
“No. According to Joy, someone will escort us in.”
No sooner had the words left Roland’s mouth than a door to the connecting building opened and two men appeared, walking alongside Joy. Lennox had worked enough cases to know the two men dressed in suits were federal agents. What had she gotten herself into?
• • •
“What are you saying?” She shook her head, as if trying to clear her ears.
Roland, like the others, knew Lennox was still in shock. At first, she’d simply sat in her chair, as if emotionally unable to move. For a few moments, he’d thought she would pass out.
He knew how badly she’d wanted to believe that the note had been a hoax. At least now, she was talking. And he suspected she would begin asking questions. He glanced around at the agents in the room and wondered who was going to provide answers.
He and Lennox had been escorted inside to a huge conference room that was located in the basement of the FBI building. The room’s fluorescent lights were so bright they were almost blinding. Roland figured the bright lighting was needed--there was no telling how deep beneath the earth they were. This must be serious, indeed. Joy hadintroduced the two men who’d come to get them as FBI Special Agents Cobb Warner and Marvin DuBose.
“I know this isn’t what you want to hear, Lennox,” Joy said, crouching down in front of her, “but whoever wrote that note was telling the truth. Dr. DeWalt Bellamy’s death was not an accident. He was murdered.”
“There appears to be quite a lot about this case that even I don’t know,” Joy said in an agitated tone as she stood. “Therefore, I’m going to have Special Agents Warner and DuBose provide more details.” She turned to the two men. “Gentlemen…”
Agent Warner came forward. “First of all, I want to convey my sincere regrets about what went down last night. We had hoped it wouldn’t come to this.”
Lennox stared at the man and then held up her hand. Roland sensed, from the look on her face, that all hell was about to break loose.
“Hold up,” Lennox said angrily. “Are you saying you’ve known all along that DeWalt was murdered?”
“Yes, the FBI had its suspicions,” the agent responded.
A deeper frown settled on Lennox’s face. “What does that mean, that the FBI had its suspicions?” she snapped.