The Speed of Sound (Speed of Sound Thrillers #1)(56)

“Good afternoon to you, too, Detective Lieutenant.” He glanced over to Skylar, sitting next to him. She was keeping an eye on Eddie in the rearview mirror. He had tissue paper sticking out of his ears, but otherwise seemed to be doing okay. He clutched the echo box, which was now contained in a weathered old backpack Skylar correctly guessed was Butler’s from his school days. Eddie held the backpack tightly, like a security blanket, as he looked out the windows. He slowly rotated his head back and forth, trying to make himself feel comfortable.

Daniels wasn’t amused. “You’re on speakerphone with Deputy Inspector Nataro. We would both like to know why a federal warrant has been issued for your arrest.”

Butler realized he should have anticipated this. “I can explain.”

“I’m listening.”

“I have the first solid lead on the subway gas attack, with evidence to back it up.”

“How did you come by this evidence?” The detective lieutenant sounded surprised. Clearly, this was the last thing she expected to hear.

“It walked in the door of my favorite sports bar.”

Nataro and Daniels could be heard whispering. “You’re telling me it just walked in the door?”

“Yes, that is exactly what I’m telling you. I have a dozen witnesses who will confirm it.”

Anthony Nataro chimed in. “Detective, this is Deputy Inspector Nataro. What kind of evidence?”

Butler was glad he asked. “It’s something I’d like you both to hear.”

“A recording?”

“Something like that.”

“Bring it to the station.”

“I’m on my way to you now. I’m crossing the Williamsburg as we speak.”

Again, Nataro and Daniels whispered to each other before he asked, “Are Skylar Drummond and Edward Parks with you?”

“They are. Would you like to speak with them?”

Eddie shook his head as he continued looking out the windows. “She is a stranger. I don’t talk to strangers.”

The lieutenant could hear him. “Was that Edward Parks?”

“He prefers to be called Eddie.”

“Were you aware he and Dr. Drummond are in possession of stolen classified technology?”

“I was not aware that it was considered stolen.”

Eddie made his BUZZER sound. The statement wasn’t true.

Lieutenant Daniels was not amused. “What the hell was that?”

“That was Eddie, who can shut up now.”

“Detective, why are you helping these people?”

“It’s not like that. I’m working the subway attack.”

“I’m not following.”

“You will when you hear what I have to play for you.”

Daniels hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s going to be possible.”

Butler stared through the windshield, thinking. “They’re waiting for us, aren’t they?”

The deputy inspector didn’t hesitate. “With the promise of a whole lot more of them if we don’t provide full cooperation.”

Butler spoke clearly and concisely, so there was no chance of misunderstanding. “Sir, the subway gas attack was not random, and it wasn’t some nutjob. It was a hit on the professor, designed to look like a terrorist incident.”

There was a long moment of silence. Butler knew it sounded far-fetched. Far-fetched as hell. Which was why he continued. “The people waiting to arrest me are either involved or covering up for those who were, but I cannot prove it unless I’m allowed to play the evidence for you.”

Through the phone, Butler could hear Nataro tell Daniels, “It’s your call.”

She addressed Butler. “Park away from the station. Enter through the west emergency stairwell.”

“What about the alarm?” Butler asked.

“I’ll make sure it’s disconnected. Go to Interrogation Five. Call me when you’re there.”

She hung up the phone and turned to her boss. “Before we give them up, I’d like to hear whatever it is McHenry has to play for us.”

“You and me both.” Nataro removed something from his pocket and slid a device across the lieutenant’s desk. It was a handheld recorder. “Just be careful.”





CHAPTER 46

American Heritage Foundation, Alexandria, Virginia, May 27, 2:59 p.m.

Bob Stenson looked up from his desk inside the American Heritage Foundation as he heard three sets of footsteps approaching rapidly from down the hallway. They weren’t exactly running, but they weren’t exactly walking, either. “Easy there, people.”

Daryl Trotter, Jason Greers, and Caitlin McCloskey slowed their gaits as they reached their superior’s door. Trotter spoke first. “A federal warrant’s been issued for Skylar Drummond and Edward Parks for the theft of classified materials.”

Stenson slowly sat up in his chair. “Calm down, Daryl. I can barely understand you when you talk so fast.” He glanced at Jason as if to say, From now on, you do the talking.

Daryl Trotter handed his boss copies of the two federal warrants.

Stenson skimmed the documents, looking puzzled. “Why the hell would Barnes go and make his housekeeping public?”

“I believe the answer lies with an additional warrant, which was issued for a New York Police detective named Butler McHenry.” Daryl handed him the third warrant.