The Planck Factor

Chapter 50

Jessica

The following morning, I reported to the Boulder police station to review a line-up of suspects in Fred's murder. As a uniformed officer escorted George and me to the room, I saw the elderly woman who lived across from Fred's apartment step into the hallway, talking up a storm to the officer with her.

"That was him. I'm positive," she said. "I remember seeing him hanging around outside, waiting. Of course, I didn't think much about it. Plenty of people lurk about . . . ."

Her voice faded as she walked away. I looked at George before we entered the room.

"Well, here goes nothing," I said.

George nodded and opened the door. The room was dark and I could see several men standing in a line through the one-way mirror.

The officer who'd escorted the neighbor returned.

"It's him," I said. "Number Five."

George and the officer looked at each other. I thought George might kick up his heels with joy.

The man identified as Number Five was definitely the beady-eyed Man with No Name.

"All right." George clapped his hands and rubbed them. Even though the Boulder police were handling the murder investigation, George would be able to look over their shoulders since it pertained to national security.

I tried to smile but felt less than enthusiastic.

We sat in a conference room, drinking coffee the color and consistency of burned diesel oil. If I hadn't disliked soda and craved the caffeine, I would've taken a pass. Eight packs of sugar helped a little. Even so, I grimaced with each sip.

A plainclothes detective stuck his head in the door. "We've got a lead on where he may have bought the weapon."

"Assuming he bought it," I said. The two men stared at me.

"Good going," George said. "I'll need a chance to question the suspect. Can you keep me posted?"

"Absolutely. We'll have him ready for you in ten minutes." The detective ducked back out.

"This should be fun," George said. "With a murder charge and other possible federal charges we can bring against this man, we should be able to cut a deal. We're going to nip this group's plans in the bud." He turned to me and added, "You helped make this possible, Jess. I can't thank you enough. Your country owes you a debt."