Blood Money Read online

  “Well, I know that, silly. You shouldn’t be concerned, though. You’ll do just fine.” She smiled as she said it.

  “You know that it’s not the course that’s bothering me, smartass. It’s because I’ll be away from you at a time that I most want to be here for you. Especially with Mel Tarkington still on the loose. I know he is probably thousands of miles away by now, and I know that you are well protected, but I’m concerned nonetheless. I don’t want to make another mistake when it comes to your safety.”

  “You’re so sweet,” she said as she touched his cheek. “Everything will be fine. I have the best specialists in the country treating me. You need to go do this training with nothing else on your mind but passing with flying colors. You hear?”

  He gave her a mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “You can get away for most weekends. We will see each other. Then, once your finished, we get to spend at least a month together while you familiarize yourself with my programs. If you’re slow, you will have to stay even longer. That is something to look forward to. Right?”

  “I can’t wait.”

  She stood up and they hugged. They kissed for a very long time before she pulled herself away. She smiled as she said, “Any more of that and I’ll have to lock the door.”

  “And what would be so bad about that?”

  “Nothing, but I’m not sure my shoulder could handle it. There will be time enough for us. I look forward to the day when this will all be behind us.”

  “So do I, my darling”

  A nurse stuck her head in the door. “Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time for your therapy session, Susan.”

  “Okay, Betty, I’ll be with you in a minute.”

  Mark looked at his watch. It was time for him to leave. “Well, I guess this is goodbye for a week. I will call you every day.”

  “You’d better. I want to hear how your training is coming along. I’m sure you’ll ace it.” She looked deeply into his eyes and said softly, “I’m really going to miss having you around.”

  They held each other as close as her shoulder would allow while they enjoyed one more kiss.

  “I love you,” he whispered into her ear.

  “I love you, too. Take good care of yourself.”

  “You too,” he said as he left the room.

  Mark returned to Susan’s condo and packed a bag. He hid his gun and computer discs at the bottom of the clothes hamper and covered them with two shirts and several days of underwear and socks. He had about a six-hour drive ahead of him. He packed a few energy bars and bottles of diet coke in a small travel cooler, picked up his shades, fired up his 2002 Honda Accord and hit the road for Mark Matthews’ big adventure

  CHAPTER 37

  New Agent training begins at the FBI Academy housed on the United States Marine Corp Base at Quantico, Virginia. The facility is situated on 385 acres of land, assuring the security, privacy and safe environment necessary to provide the diverse training required. The main complex has three dormitory buildings, a classroom building, a Forensic Science Research and Training Center, a 1,000-seat auditorium, a chapel, Administrative offices, a large gymnasium, an outdoor track and a fully equipped garage. Also situated on the complex is a mock city known as Hogan’s Alley, which consists of facades that replicate a typical small town. “The Alley” is used to simulate actual investigations.

  Mark was scheduled for the basic seventeen weeks, plus a week of brush-up training with the Investigative Computer Training Unit. The instruction was divided into four major areas: physical training, defense tactics, firearms and practical exercises. It had been a while since he had been in a classroom environment. He expected that it would take some adjustment, along with the 8-4 o’clock days, Monday through Friday, and no Denny’s. Thank God we have weekends off.

  The agent-in-training must pass a series of tests: academic, physical training, defensive tactics and the use of firearms. Graduation from the FBI Academy is determined by the successful completion of all these classes and the achievement of required scores.

  He settled in and waited for the welcoming ceremony on Monday. It promised to be a long four plus months, but when it was finished he’d be sworn in as a Special Agent. It would be worth the hard work. As he walked around the facility with a printed guide in his hand, he looked like a tourist visiting a strange city. The campus was nicely laid out. There was easy access to classrooms, and field areas which would make it easy to move from one class to another. He recalled the hassle he went through at Indiana State having to get across the campus; sometimes within minutes. He set a record for being late for class. His grades were so good that it did not become an issue, however. Mark had a good feeling about being there. This was the right thing for him at this stage of his life. He was determined to buckle down and make Susan and Dennis proud of him.

  CHAPTER 38

  Susan’s operation was scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday. She knew about the operation for several days before Mark left for Quantico, but had decided not to worry him during the start-up of training.

  The top two orthopedic doctors in the country were performing the arthroscopic surgery. To a layman, this would appear to be overkill, but the damage done by the shattered scapula was extensive. Skill rather than risk was the issue here. Sue was expected to be under the knife for three to four hours while the damaged bone was replaced with metal and plastic materials. Dr. Miles Porter made the six-inch incision in Susan’s shoulder to begin the operation. Over the next hour and a half, he and Dr. Jason Anglais methodically removed each of the eight pieces of shattered bone that the CT showed. The replacement procedure took an additional two hours.

  By two o’clock, Susan was stitched up and moved to the recovery room. The hard part was behind her.

  Dennis was at her side when she awoke. “Well, it is over. The doctors stopped by about ten minutes ago. They both had commitments back at their hospitals. Their prognosis for you is a complete recovery within three months. In fact, they went as far as to give orders to release you on Saturday if everything checks out. Can you believe that?”

  “That’ll be a relief. I’m not complaining, believe me. Everyone here has been so great, but it’ll be nice to go home. Will I be able to move around much, do you know?”

  “I’m sure that nurse Betty will catch up with you when you’re moved back to your room. The doctors apparently left a small folder with a recommended regimen. If I heard them right, they are calling for a program of increased activity, which they want started as soon as tomorrow. Your shoulder has been inactive longer than they would have preferred.”

  “That’s all good news. Now, what am I going to do about Mark? He’s going to be furious with me.” She hesitated a minute and gave Dennis a “little girl in need of help” look. “Do you think you could call him and explain everything?”

  “Oh, no. You’re not getting me in the middle of this. If you remember, I was all for telling him last Saturday. You are the one who said no. You can’t deny that.”

  “I know, and you were probably right, but I just don’t want him getting upset with me. It would be a lot better if you were the one telling him. After all, you have a vested interest in keeping up Mark’s morale during his training.”

  “That’s dirty pool.” Dennis hemmed and hawed for a few minutes and finally gave in. “Okay, I’ll do it, but on one condition, and I am very serious about this.”

  “What is it?”

  “I need you to promise me that you will follow the doctor’s instructions to the letter. That means doing everything they want you to do and not doing the things they tell you to avoid, and without griping. Do we have a deal?”

  She thought about it for a minute. “You drive a hard bargain, but I agree.”

  “I’ll call him as soon as he’s out of class. I’ll do the best I can to explain the situation, but if I were you, I’d be ready for a hoppin’ mad Mark Matthews when he calls you later. You’re on your own, then.”

  “I he
ar you. Just do the best you can. Thanks Dennis.”

  “It’s the least I can do under the circumstances. You get some rest now. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

  “Thanks, again, Dennis.”

  CHAPTER 39

  Muncie, Indiana was the last city on Mel’s itinerary. From here, he would travel the 280 miles by car to strike his target and then return to this temporary sanctuary. He used a driver’s license and credit card with the name Martin W. Gordon when he registered at the Beacon Motel. It was situated one block from a Bally’s Fitness Center, where he purchased a month-to-month pass for use of their weight room. On his original visits to check out Bally’s, he observed that the gym was crowded most hours of the day. Normally that would bother him, but it was good thing for someone wanting to blend in temporarily. He intended to do just that for as long as it took. There was no room for any mistakes.

  Mel used his usual network of informers to get an update on Susan’s progress. He now knew that Susan was scheduled to leave the hospital soon. The time was getting near. He wondered whether she would continue to get police protection. That complicated things, but it would not prevent him from doing what he had set out to do. He would keep a watch and eventually find an opening, and when he did, Susan Harrigan would be dead meat.

  CHAPTER 40

  Mark received a call from Dennis around five o’clock. He kept asking about the training. Mark kept asking about Susan. He could tell by the way Dennis was evading his questions that he was holding something back. Finally, Mark got right to the point.

  “Dennis, what is going on? Is anything wrong with Susan?”

  “No, she’s fine. In fact, there’s some good news. She was operated on this morning. They removed the shattered bone and put in the replacement scapula. She’s in recovery now. Her doctors are optimistic that she will be able to be released this weekend. How is that for good news?”

  “That’s great, but how come they were able to operate on such short notice? Susan said it might take another two weeks before they would have the replacement parts designed and built. What changed?

  Dennis was too quiet. Slowly, it occurred to Mark.

  “She knew it was going to be today, didn’t she?”

  “Yes, but don’t be mad at her, Mark. She just didn’t want you to be distracted from your class work. I agreed with her, so I’m just as guilty. She was afraid you might do something stupid that would jeopardize your training. You understand that, don’t you? Wouldn’t you have done exactly the same if your roles were reversed? Be honest now, before you answer.”

  Mark calmed down. “Yes, of course I would. Thanks for telling me. When will I be able to speak with her?”

  “She hasn’t been transferred to her room yet. Call around six o’clock. She should be settled in by then. Be gentle with her, Mark. She did what she thought was best for you. Anyway, having the operation completed successfully and her early release is the important thing. She made a promise to me that she will do everything the doctors tell her to do. I believe her. She just wants the whole thing over as soon as possible. She is very anxious to get back to work.”

  “You’re right, of course. I won’t even mention it. What is done is done, and the important thing is that she will finally be able to go home. I am very thankful for that. I will be there Saturday to take her home.”

  “Thanks for understanding. I think that’s the best approach. Put it behind you. I guess that’s all for now. Crack the books and get that training completed. I know it seems like it will take forever, but you will be surprised how the time will fly.”

  “I sure hope so. Goodnight Dennis, and thanks again.”

  “You’re certainly welcome, Mark”

  * * *

  Nurse Betty handed the phone to Susan. “It’s Mark,” she whispered. As she left the room, she said, “I’ll give you some privacy. Good luck!”

  “Hello Mark,” she said with a little hesitation.

  “Hello, Irish. How are you doing?”

  “I’m good, just a little groggy yet. They had me out for a few hours.” She was quiet for a minute, then added, “I guess you spoke with Dennis. I’m so sorry that I didn’t tell you before you left. You had every right to know, but I just couldn’t bring myself to worry you unnecessarily. I really hated not telling you.”

  “Let’s not talk about that. The important thing is that the operation was successful and you are going home in a few days. You must be very excited about that.”

  “I’m happy you feel that way. I thought you would be very angry with me for not telling you.”

  “I was at first, but Dennis explained everything. Like I said, the important thing is you are going home. I will be returning late Friday night. I’ll be there bright and early on Saturday to take you home.”

  “That’s terrific. I’m such a lucky lady to have such a wonderful man like you.”

  “Cut that stuff out, you know that it’s me who is the lucky one.”

  “Well then, it looks like we’re both lucky.”

  “I’ll settle for that.”

  “So how was your first day? Did you dazzle them with your footwork? What did you think of the instructors?”

  “Not much chance for any dazzling, yet. These people are really sharp. Many of the instructors are seasoned agents who have volunteered their time to help a bunch of greenhorns become Special Agents worthy of the name. I am very impressed.”

  “I felt the same way. They are a top quality crew.”

  “Well, I’m going to say goodnight, now. You probably need your rest, and I’ve got to crack the books. As you are well aware, they don’t give you much idle time during the school week. I love you, Sue. I am looking forward to Saturday.”

  “Me too. I love you, Mark. Goodnight!”

  They talked at least ten minutes every night. He noticed that as the week wore on, Susan sounded weaker. He chalked it up to the meds that she was taking. He didn’t realize how close to the truth he was with that conjecture.

  Instead of being released on Saturday, a totally unexpected crisis was on tap for Susan.

  CHAPTER 41

  Friday afternoon finally arrived. Mark was already packed and loaded, so he hit the road by four-fifteen. Traffic was surprisingly light. He made a quick calculation and estimated that he would reach Hudson by ten-thirty on the optimistic side. Two hours later he was sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic behind a big rig. He hadn’t moved in ten minutes. He was glad that he had filled the tank before he left. So much for optimism. He slid a Bee Gees CD into the slot in his dash and decided to make the best of a bad situation. It would take more than a traffic jam to spoil his mood. Mark made a mental note to check with AAA to see if there was a better route that would have fewer trucks. He doubted that there was, but it was worth checking, especially if this was going to be the norm every Friday. There were too many weekends to go before he graduated. He didn’t need this. Eight hours and ten CD’s later, he pulled up to Susan’s condo. He unloaded the car. It was too late to call the hospital, so he cleaned up and went to bed. The alarm was set for seven, giving him time for a quick breakfast at Denny’s before going to the hospital to pick up Susan. He really missed Denny’s cuisine. The food at Quantico was good by many standards, but couldn’t begin to measure up to an Extreme Grand Slam breakfast.

  He went immediately to her room. The policeman that was usually on duty was missing. Had Walt called off the coverage already? He found her room empty and the bed made. Mark went into a frenzy and rushed to the nurse’s station, looking for a familiar face.

  Nurse Betty spotted him and came over. She looked somber.

  “Good morning, Mark.”

  “Where’s Susan? What’s happened?” he asked, or actually demanded.

  “She is in Intensive Care. Her temperature shot up and her shoulder swelled. She started with a low fever the day after the operation. That’s not unusual. Fifty percent of patients with that type of o
peration react with either a slight fever, swelling or numbness. The problem is that we have not been able to bring her temperature back down. In fact, it was rising about a half degree every day, regardless of what we did. Dr. Porter came in yesterday to examine her and had her moved to IC. He thinks her body is reacting to medication she was given during the hour and a half required for the removal of the broken bone. Delayed reactions are rare, but not completely out of the realm of possibility. He has prescribed large doses of antibiotics, ice packs and complete rest. So far, the steady increase in temperature has abated. Right now, we’re trying to bring her temperature down to normal.”

  “I don’t care about all that. Can I see her? She was expecting me to take her home today.”

  “I know, Mark. She was very excited about it. When her temperature kept going up, she became very depressed.”

  “Well, can you blame her?”

  “Of course not, but we are keeping her on a mild sedative while we work on fighting the fever. I can’t let you speak to her right now, but you can look in on her.”

  She placed her hand on Mark’s arm and reassured him, “Everything is going to be all right. This is very temporary. These things happen sometimes.”

  Mark’s world seemed to be collapsing around him. When was this nightmare finally going to end? Nurse Betty and he got on the elevator and got off on the Intensive Care floor. She led him to glass window. The policeman that was usually in front of her door stopped him to check his ID. He felt like telling him to “buzz off,” but knew better. The guard nodded that it was alright to approach the window.

  Mark looked in at Susan. She was hooked up to an IV and several monitors. She looked very peaceful, but her skin was flushed from the fever. “If you were a betting person, when would you expect her to be released?”

  Nurse Betty replied, “I’m no doctor, but I think the earliest possibility would be next weekend. From experience, I find that doctors like to see at least two to three days of normal temperatures before releasing a patient. Unfortunately, she will probably be up here for another day.”