Otkroveniye Complex // Book 1 of the Takaryev Series

Chapter 89

Urvi shot out her arms to keep anyone from stepping any closer to Everett's body. This was unnecessary to keep Artem away. He stood, feet frozen to the ground, eyes wide. 

Everett's dead? 

"No one get any closer!" Urvi warned. "This could be a case of polonium poisoning, and if we try to investigate without hazmat suits, we'll probably pick up radiation." 

"Polonium?" Eric raised an eyebrow. "That's kind of obvious, don't you think? Only the Russians have easy access to polonium!"

"Sure, it's obvious." Urvi said. "But it kills within days and is nearly undetectable. They must've slipped Everett a huge dose, whoever they were." 

"Where was he last night?" Haywood asked. "We could trace any nuclear substances back to who killed him." 

"Well, Artem stayed overnight at his house." Urvi said, turning around to glare at Artem. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?" 

"I'm clean, I promise." Artem said, trying to keep his cool. "You won't find any nuclear material on me." 

"Everett was back at HQ late last night, then he left. I think he went to Wendy's." Haywood added. "And, Miss Aggarwal, there's no need to accuse Artem of anything yet." 

"Well," Urvi began, "I'll call in a hazmat team. But for now, we all need to get out of here." 

"Well, let's go then." Eric said, turning and opening the door. He held it open for Urvi, then left, followed by Artem and Haywood. 

Urvi stopped Artem on the front porch. "Listen, Takaryev." she said. "You are not off my radar. So don't count on getting away with anything." 

Artem didn't really know what to say in reply, so he just kept quiet, nodded to show he understood, then followed Eric and Haywood up the driveway. He spoke not a word on the way back to headquarters.