“That is absolutely horrible,” said Jamison.
“But effective, if mass death over a long period of time is your goal,” pointed out Blue Man. “It’s no wonder they eventually buried it in that bunker. They probably didn’t know how to destroy these weapons safely. You couldn’t burn them or blow them up without risk that some of the airborne contaminants would escape. And once they did, they could be there a long time waiting to kill the unsuspecting. And with prevailing wind patterns, storms, and unsuspecting, contaminated people moving here and there, it could have affected a far larger area than simply North Dakota. It would have been truly catastrophic and beyond this country’s capability to adequately respond.” He smiled at the pair. “But you two and your brother-in-law managed to stop it.”
“My brother-in-law deserves the credit there,” said Decker.
“Decker,” admonished Jamison, “if you hadn’t figured it out, Stan would have had no chance to stop it.”
“I think there’s enough credit to go around,” noted Blue Man. He looked expectantly at Decker. “Now, it’s one thing to stop such a plot. It’s quite another to catch those who did it.”
Decker said, “We’re talking deep pockets. The mercenaries they’ve used aren’t cheap, and neither was paying for the land and all the equipment to do what they almost succeeded in doing.”
“We’re making inquiries, but I’m afraid it will be a long and involved process and it may well be that no definitive answer comes from it. And even if we do determine who was responsible, our options may be limited in how to respond.”
“That’s bullshit,” said Jamison.
Blue Man smiled demurely. “And it’s also the nature of geo-politics. For better or worse, some of the players undoubtedly behind this are countries we need in other areas to keep the world relatively stable.”
“So they’ll get a pass?” said Jamison. “If there are no consequences, what will stop them from trying again?”
“I didn’t say there would be no consequences,” said Blue Man. “But there may be no public consequences.”
“So a cover-up?” exclaimed Jamison.
“And since I know you were a journalist, every molecule of your nature rises up in protest at the very thought of such a thing. And I can’t say that you’re wrong. I can only say that the matter is complicated and not everyone in power believes in transparency. Or if they do, it’s their version of it.”
Jamison shook her head in resignation but said nothing.
Decker said, “We still have the matter of finding out who killed Irene Cramer and Pamela Ames, and abducted Hal Parker. And who probably killed Ben Purdy and did murder his mother.”
Jamison added, “And who was also blackmailing Walt Southern. It has to be the same people behind the biochemical weapons scheme.”
“It could be that someone local was working with foreign elements to bring this plot about,” said Robie.
“I think that’s exactly what happened,” said Decker. “Now we just have to find out who the local is.”
DECKER, BAKER, AND JAMISON were having dinner at the OK Corral Saloon that evening.
“Don’t think I’ve been poked and prodded that much since I was in boot camp,” said Baker as he sipped on a bottle of beer.
“Well, it could have been a lot worse,” noted Jamison. “We could be in a morgue.”
Baker nodded. “So do they know what’s down there? Saw a big crew poring over the place until they put up these screens to block the sight lines.”
“Let’s just say it was some serious shit from the past that never should have been put down there in the first place,” said Jamison.
Baker shook his head. “Damn military playing God like always. I mean, when are they gonna learn?”
“Don’t hold your breath,” said Decker. “I suppose you heard about Hugh Dawson?”
Baker nodded, looking sad. “I tried to visit Caroline at the hospital, but they said she was still medicated and asleep. How’s she doing?”
“It’s going to take time,” said Jamison. “She’s been through a lot.”
“Shane lost his father, but it wasn’t the same situation,” noted Decker. “Although we’ve learned Hugh was no saint.”
“Considering Hugh Dawson killed McClellan, I think they both have it pretty bad,” Jamison countered.
“What the hell are you talking about?” exclaimed Baker.
Decker quickly explained what had happened.
Baker sipped his beer, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Guess it shows you money can’t buy happiness. I mean those two were rolling in it, and now they’re both dead and won’t enjoy a penny of it.”
Decker looked up as the door opened and in walked Kelly, Shane, Liz Southern, and, surprisingly, a tired-looking Caroline Dawson.
“Look who’s all together again,” commented Jamison.
“The sister and her two honorary brothers,” added Decker.
“Brothers who would rather be something else, you mean,” countered Jamison.
Kelly spotted them and led the others over to their table.
Baker stood and reached a hand out to Dawson. “I tried to see you at the hospital, but you were asleep, Caroline. I’m so sorry about, well, everything.”
“Thank you, Stan, that’s very kind of you,” she said, her voice low and unnaturally slow.
To Decker, her unfocused eyes and feeble manner showed that she was not yet fully recovered from her ordeal.
Jamison, noting this, said, “Are you sure you should be out? You look like you should still be in the hospital.”
Southern said, “I told her that until I was hoarse, but she wouldn’t listen.”
Dawson said, “I didn’t want to stay there anymore. I was feeling claustrophobic.”
Shane interjected, “The docs said it was okay. She just needs to take it easy.”
“Do you want us to drive you to your condo?” asked Jamison.
Dawson said, “No, I’m going to go up to my room here, and—”
Kelly said quickly, “You want me to come with you?”
“Or I can,” added Shane.
“No. I’ll be fine, thanks, guys.” She looked at Southern. “Thanks for coming to stay with me at the hospital, Liz. I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
“Sleep well,” said Southern kindly.
She headed off as they all watched. Then Shane, Southern, and Kelly sat down at the table.
“She doesn’t look good,” said Baker.
“Well, she’s been through hell and back,” said Southern defensively.
“Shane has, too,” pointed out Kelly. “Lost his dad and all.” He glanced at Shane. “And considering how he died.”
Shane shrugged at this and motioned to the waitress and ordered the same beer Decker was drinking. “It’s not like my old man thought much of me. But he didn’t deserve to die like that, either.” He eyed Decker. “You really think Hugh killed him?”
Jamison answered, “I don’t know why he would write a suicide note saying he did if he didn’t.”