And a moment later Lancer fell to the floor, unconscious.
Chapter17
SHE’S BEEN TAKEN TO Anearby hospital,” Andrews reported to Decker and White as he got off his phone.
They were standing in front of the building housing Gamma Protection Services. After Lancer collapsed, an ambulance had been called, and she had been taken away without regaining consciousness. Roe and her entourage had disappeared back into the secure halls of Gamma, and Andrews and the others had been escorted out by an armed man in a security uniform.
Decker said, “When can we talk to her?”
Andrews shrugged. “I don’t know. Soon, hopefully.”
“And the files on any threats?” Decker added.
Andrews snapped, “Look, Decker, a lady just collapsed. I’m hoping she’s okay. Why not focus on that for a minute, okay?”
Decker glanced at White, who was giving him a curious look. He said, “Who else at Gamma can we talk to?”
“I think it was just the Lancer woman,” replied Andrews.
“Out of this whole big, fucking company, she’s the only one who knows anything?” demanded an incredulous Decker.
“That very well may be the case,” said Andrews. “Need-to-know philosophy.”
White said, “Maybe I’m being overly paranoid here, but is it a weird coincidence that the only person who knows anything faints dead away before she can talk to us?”
Andrews said, “Oh come on, that’s a little out there, isn’t it? I mean, these are legitimate people we’re dealing with here. Gamma has a sterling reputation.”
“What about the Slovakian banknotes and Kanak Roe being from there?” said White. “Just another coincidence?”
Decker said, “And for the record, I don’t believe in one coincidence, much less two.”
Andrews looked less certain. “Well, that onewasstrange, I will admit.”
“I think it’s more than strange. I think it’s a clue that’s screaming at us,” said White.
“Well, let’s not rush into anything,” said Andrews. “We don’t want to waste time chasing down the wrong alley.”
Decker said, “Alan Draymont had old Slovakian banknotes stuffed down his throat. Gamma was founded by a guy from what is now Slovakia. His daughter’s name is basically Slovakian, and they have an office in the capital city of Slovakia. If that’s all a coincidence I’ll retire from the FBI and go flip burgers somewhere, naked.”
White snorted at this remark.
Andrews said, “Okay, I’m there with you. So does that mean this whole thing was directed at Gamma, and Draymont was killed because he worked there? And the judge was collateral damage?”
Decker said, “We need to determine if Draymont was a symbolic kill, or whether he was personally targeted for a reason other than his affiliation with Gamma.”
“How do we find that out?” asked Andrews.
“By doing our job. What hospital did they take Lancer to?” asked Decker.
“They didn’t say.”
“Then call them back right now and find out which one. Because when the lady comes to, we’re going to be there.”
Andrews did so and said, “Okay, I got the info. We can drive over now. It’s not far.”
Twenty minutes later they were walking into Harden Hospital near Coral Gables. It was four stories tall and outfitted far more luxuriously than any hospital Decker had ever been in.
“Harden?” said Decker.