Plain Truth (Military Investigations) (14 page)

“I—I’m not sure. Pushed, or maybe it was the number of people. With the crowd moving forward, I was caught in the swell...”

He turned to study the crowd, just as she had done.

“It was an accident,” a man standing near them told his friend.

But Ella had felt the pressure on her back. Someone had wanted her to fall. Someone had known the train was approaching, and he’d shoved her off the platform.

FIFTEEN

Z
ach should have known the Atlanta police wouldn’t be convinced that someone had tried to kill Ella. At least the officer took down the information and seemed relieved that she had survived.

“You’re fortunate, ma’am,” he said, as if Ella didn’t realize death had been a breath away.

He turned to Zach. “Sir, you did the right thing. That space under the platform is an emergency area in case someone falls onto the tracks. Glad it offered the protection you needed. You know about the third rail?”

Zach nodded, thinking of how close Ella had been to the live power source. His heart pounded as he recalled hearing the shouts of the onlookers and realizing, almost too late, what had happened.

Seeing the approaching train, and Ella lying paralyzed on the track, he didn’t have time to think; all he could do was react.

As the memory flashed through his mind again, Zach put his arm around her and let out a stiff breath.

The cop stared at him for a moment. “You okay, sir?”

“It was a close call.”

“Yes, sir. You got that right.” He turned to Ella. “Regrettably, the security camera in this area of the platform is broken. Unless you can identify the person who shoved you, ma’am, there’s nothing the Atlanta PD can do at this point. I encourage you to be vigilant and on guard.”

He handed both of them his card. “Don’t hesitate to contact me if you think of anything else that might have a bearing on what happened, or if you feel threatened in any way.”

“Thanks, Officer.”

“Where are you folks headed?”

Ella told him the location of the symposium.

“I’m going that way. I’d be happy to drive you there. After what you just experienced, I have a feeling the last place you want to be is on a MARTA train.”

Zach appreciated the officer’s thoughtfulness and thanked him profusely when he dropped them at their destination.

“Let me know anytime you’re in south Georgia,” Zach said as he shook the man’s hand. “I’ll show you around Fort Rickman. We’ve got a nice museum, lovely Amish community and a friendly town, called Freemont. The fishing’s good in the river that runs through the area, as well as a lake that’s not far from post.” He gave the officer his card.

“I’ll take you up on the fishing,” the cop said with a smile. “You folks stay safe.”

As he drove away, Zach glanced at his watch. “It’s twelve forty-five,” he told Ella. “I doubt we have time to grab some lunch.”

“Not if we want to hear Nancy speak. We can wait until afterward to eat, but I’d like to clean up a bit in the ladies’ room.”

She patted her purse. “And I’m still grateful for the Good Samaritan who retrieved and returned my handbag.”

They hurried into the building. Ten minutes later, Zach ushered a freshly cleaned-up Ella into the presentation room and toward two seats on the far aisle, where he would have a clear view of both the crowd and the door.

The director was tall and slender and wore a wide smile as she hurried to give Ella what appeared to be a sincere hug of greeting.

“It’s wonderful to see you,” the woman said, her gaze warm and welcoming. “I know you probably think I twisted your arm, but I wanted to have Quin represented with the rest of the team. He did so much on this project.”

“Thank you.” Ella introduced Zach.

“Nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“You’re a friend of Ella’s?” Nancy Vaughn’s eyebrows rose ever so slightly.

“We met recently, and Dr. Jacobsen thought I might be interested in learning more about your Amish Project. I’ll be sharing the information with the commanding general when I return to Fort Rickman. He’s committed to improving relations between the military and civilian communities, especially our Amish neighbors. If there’s anything we can do to help you folks while you’re in Georgia, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you so much, Special Agent Swain. I’m having a gathering in my hotel suite before dinner this evening,” the director said. “It’s listed on the program Ella received. I hope you’ll join us.”

He smiled. “If Dr. Jacobsen is there, I will be, as well.”

“Wonderful. Now I’d better get to the podium. Why don’t you move closer to the front?”

Zach smiled again. “You’re so thoughtful, but we’ll be more than comfortable right here.”

Nancy waved to a man who had just entered the room. “Ella, be sure to say hello to Ross. He, probably more than anyone, has felt the loss of Quin’s passing, as you can imagine.”

Tilting her head toward Zach, the director added, “Quin and Dr. Underwood worked together. They were a good team. Losing Quin was like losing a friend and a brother, as well as a fellow researcher.”

The man approached. He was six-two, well built and handsome, and for half a second Zach was jealous when he put his arms around Ella and kissed her cheek.

“It’s been too long,” the researcher said.

“Pennsylvania is far from Georgia, Ross. I’m glad you decided to release your findings closer to my new home.”

“With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, we knew many of their scientists would be interested. The medical symposium was already scheduled, so we piggybacked on their event. Of course, they were most gracious about fitting us in, knowing the importance of the Amish Project. I just wish...”

He paused and smiled. “Well, you know how I felt about Quin. If only he could be here with us today.”

“That’s kind of you to say.” Ella seemed a bit flustered. Perhaps the mention of her husband brought back too many memories.

She introduced Zach.

“Nice meeting you, Mr. Swain.” After kissing Ella’s cheek again, Underwood joined the director near the podium.

Ella smiled at a number of people who streamed into the room. “You made points with Nancy,” she said to Zach. “But are you sure the commanding general would be interested in the Amish Project?”

“He’s a very philanthropic guy. His wife started a craft fair with the Amish, and they both love kids, so you never know. Plus I didn’t want the director to ask any more questions. I’d prefer her to think I’m here as a friend and not as a CID agent.”

“Thank you again, Zach, for protecting me. I’m losing count of the number of times you’ve saved my life.” Ella smiled at him, then turned her attention to the front as the director was introduced.

Zach followed the introductions and explanation of the preliminary work that had been done on the project. But when the director mentioned various enzyme deficiencies and how they played into the molecular and physiological well-being of the children, he turned his attention to their surroundings rather than the medical discussion.

He glanced at everyone who entered the room, and searched the audience for someone, anyone, who looked suspect. Ella was in danger, even in Atlanta, and he had to be on guard to keep her safe.

* * *

When Nancy Vaughn finished speaking, she was soon surrounded by many members of the audience, individuals who probably wanted to offer congratulations or ask follow-up questions.

“Let’s go,” Ella said to Zach.

“Did you want to talk to anyone else?” he asked, glancing around at the crowd.

She followed his gaze. Some of the people hurriedly left the room, perhaps moving on to the next presentation on the agenda. Others mulled about, chatting among themselves.

Ian Webb stood near the door. He smiled and headed her way. She extended her hand as he neared. “Ian, it’s good to see you.”

“Ella, a pleasure as always. The director mentioned that she had dropped an invitation to you in the post. I had hoped to see you, but you left Carlisle before I had a chance to stop by.”

“I needed to move on with my life. I hope you understand.”

“Be assured that I do.” He glanced at Zach.

Ella made the introductions and again provided a reason for Zach accompanying her. “The military is interested in helping the Amish community where my clinic is located. I thought the symposium, and this talk especially, would shed light on the work being done with genetic diseases that impact Amish children.”

Ian nodded. “Our hope from the onset has been to increase public awareness.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m off to another lecture. I’ll see you tonight?”

“We plan to attend.”

“Till then.” The Brit made his way from the room.

Ella watched him leave. “Ian was my husband’s assistant,” she told Zach. “I think he’s a great guy, although Quin sometimes saw him in a different light.” She smiled sheepishly. “As you’ve probably picked up from the comments I’ve made, my husband was faint on praise.”

“Where’s Webb from? I noticed his accent.”

“Somewhere in the UK.”

“The assailant last night had a muffled voice, and you mentioned an accent. Could it have been British?”

Ella shook her head. Zach had jumped to the wrong conclusion. “Ian is a good man,” she insisted. “It wasn’t his voice I heard.”

“Are you sure?”

A chill settled over her. She couldn’t be certain of Ian. Couldn’t be certain of anyone right now.

Maybe coming to Atlanta had been a mistake, if danger had followed her here. She glanced at Zach, who had left her on the train platform to answer a phone call. Could he have returned unnoticed in the midst of the crowd? Could her protector also be her assailant?

She shook her head, unwilling to think such thoughts. What was wrong with her? She was seeing danger everywhere, even in a man who had warmed a place in her heart.

Not Zach. He was her protector, and he’d saved her life more than once. She owed him her gratitude and appreciation. But what about Ian? What motive would he have?

She thought of Quin’s files. Was there something hidden that needed to be revealed? After she got home tomorrow, she’d unpack his office records and work her way through each scrap of information, looking for some clue as to why she was under attack. Until then, she needed to keep up her guard.

Zach took her arm and escorted her out of the room. Did she need to be on guard even around him?

* * *

“You need to eat,” Zach insisted, as they left the symposium.

“I’m not hungry.”

“Maybe not, but your body needs fuel, Ella. I would think a doctor would understand the importance of good nutrition. What would you tell a patient who refused to eat?”

“I’d tell them they wouldn’t get well without nourishment, but I’m not sick.”

“You’re running on empty, and you’ve been through a lot. Stress can wear a person down as much as illness.”

She sighed. “You’re right, of course.”

Stepping outside, Zach spied a sandwich shop on the next block. “Let’s head across the street. It won’t take long. Then we can catch a cab back to the hotel.”

“You don’t want to chance MARTA?”

“Do you?”

She shook her head. “A MARTA station is the last place I want to go.”

“Then we’ll take a taxi.”

They both ordered a pastrami on rye and sweet tea.

“I never thought a Yankee would like sweet tea,” Zach said with a laugh as she sipped from the chilled glass.

“And I wouldn’t think a guy who lives in the South would order pastrami.” Ella took another drink of tea and then asked, “So where’s home for you?”

“Wherever Uncle Sam sends me. But I grew up in Mobile, so you’re right about me being a Southern boy.”

“Without an accent.”

“I’ve moved around a lot in the military. Along the way, I dropped the drawl.”

They lingered over lunch, as if neither of them wanted to go back to the hotel. Tonight would be difficult for Ella, Zach felt sure. He’d noticed her tension during the medical address this afternoon. Something was bothering her, although she had yet to share what it could be.

Ella glanced at her watch. “It’s almost three o’clock. We need to head to the hotel. The director invited us to a gathering of the research team in her suite, starting at 5:00 p.m. I’m not overly enthused about going, but I appreciate Nancy’s thoughtfulness, and I need to attend.” She looked at Zach. “You’ll go with me?”

“Of course.” He smiled and grabbed her hand, which was resting on the table. He’d intended the gesture to be a source of comfort, assuring her of his support and willingness to stand by her no matter where she needed to go.

But something happened as their palms touched. He felt it as surely as he felt the chair he was sitting on. A spark, an electric current, a jolt of power passed between them.

From the way Ella raised her gaze and inhaled sharply, it seemed she noticed it, as well. They sat, fingers entwined, as if time had stopped to give them this brief moment of connection.

Then their waitress interrupted them with the check. Ella hastily withdrew her hand while Zach paid the bill. He asked the server for the number of a local taxi service and made the call as soon as she provided it.

“Thanks for a delicious lunch,” Ella said as they walked outside.

The serenity of their leisurely meal quickly evaporated as cars whizzed past them on the busy street. Zach moved protectively in front of Ella and kept his eyes peeled for anything that might look suspicious. A late model sports car carrying three older teens with long hair, tattoos and body piercings drove past. The bass on the vehicle’s sound system thumped in the afternoon air.

Zach watched them pass and turn the corner. When they circled by again, he told Ella to step inside the restaurant, while he walked to the curb and stared at the driver.

The kid behind the wheel glared back before stomping on the accelerator and laying a black streak of rubber on the asphalt. Zach watched the car disappear from sight.

Relieved to see the punks drive off, he searched the block and focused on a man leaning against a storefront on the opposite side of the street. He had a folded newspaper under his arm, but made no attempt to read it. Instead, he pursed his lips and eyed Zach until the cab pulled to the curb.

Ella hurried from the sandwich shop and crawled into the rear seat. Before Zach slipped in next to her, he glanced again at the man across the street, who continued to stare at them.

“Do you know that guy?” Ella asked as Zach entered the cab.

“I’ve never seen him before. How about you?”