Hot Ice

53

The flashing red, blue, and white lights gave an otherworldly pall to the residents of the condominium complex who had piled out into the street at the sounds of sirens and large diesel engines. Two fire trucks, half a dozen police cars, and an ominous, boxy-shaped truck with BOMB DISPOSAL UNIT stenciled on the side blocked the street already closed by yellow crime-scene tape. Four men in heavily padded uniforms had entered Judith’s garage as the crowd murmured and waited.

A burly black cop in uniform made his way through the assemblage to where Jason and Judith stood. “You Ms. Judith Ferris, the owner of that condo?”

Without taking her eyes off the place where the four bomb-squad members had gone, Judith nodded. “That’s Dr. Judith Ferris and yes, I am.”

The policeman produced a notepad, turning to Jason. “And you are?”

“Jason Peters, a friend of the doctor’s.”

The officer seemed to struggle to get this down on his notepad. “You the one who called 911?”

“Yes.”

The policeman nodded to a pair of men in cheap, off-the-rack suits who were making their way through the spectators as he shoved the pad back into his pocket. “I’ll have some more questions when they finish.”

The two were like Laurel and Hardy. The thin one, Laurel, was black and appeared to be in his forties. Hardy, white and losing his hair, was wheezing from the exertion. As though on cue, they both flashed their creds.

Hardy announced, “Franklin. Firearms, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Explosives.”

Laurel said, “Johnson. Firearms, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Explosives.”

Jason said nothing.

Hardy asked, “You got ID?”

Both Judith and Jason produced driver’s licenses.

Franklin handed Judith’s back. “Mr. Peters, your license shows an address in Chevy Chase. That your residence?”

Jason shook his head. “That’s my US address. I reside outside of the US.”

Franklin and Johnson exchanged glances.

“And just where might that be?”

“Most recently, Italy. My employer requires I live abroad.”

“And just who might that be?”

Jason handed them a business card with his name on it. Below that was “Contract Defense, Inc.” If anyone checked, they would find the company in good standing with the State of Maryland. A closer inspection would reveal a lawyer in Baltimore was the sole agent named in public documents, all that was required for a corporation whose stock was not publicly traded. The attorney-client privilege would block further inquiry.

Johnson put the card in his wallet. “Any idea how that bomb, if it is a bomb, came to be in Dr. Ferris’s condo?”

“None whatsoever.”

Johnson’s eyes narrowed. “But you did recognize it as an explosive device, did you not, Mr. Peters?”

“People don’t usually leave gifts wired to other people’s cars.”

A sharp elbow from Judith dug into his ribs. “And I spent some time in the military. I have a good idea what a potentially explosive device might look like.”

Franklin opened his mouth just as the bomb squad emerged from the garage, signaling for their truck to move up. Both Johnson and Franklin turned away.

“Stay put,” Johnson said in what could be construed as a command. “We’ll want to talk later.”

Judith watched them go. “Do you always smart-ass federal agents?”

“Only when they ask stupid questions.”

She took a step back, looking him up and down. “Just who are you, Jason Peters?”

“You know who I am.”

She shook her head. “I thought I did. Oh, I know what your service jacket says and that you work for a ‘private contractor’ who does jobs for the government. But what kind of work? I had to kill a man to save your ass and I almost got killed myself in San Juan. Now people are putting bombs under my car. What next, I get machine-gunned down on the street? I like you, Jason Peters, maybe even a little more than that. And I appreciate the excitement you’ve brought into my life. Oh, man, that scene on the George Washington campus was a total rush. But enough is enough. Whoever you are, I’m not willing to die for you.”

Jason had the distinct feeling he was being told good-bye in much the same manner he had departed from a dozen or so women. He didn’t like the feeling of being dumped.

“Meaning?”

“Meaning I don’t like the odds of my reaching retirement while I’m around you. Looking over my shoulder the rest of my life isn’t what I intend to do.”

“I told you, once GrünWelt is exposed as a criminal organization, you have nothing to fear.”

“And in the meantime? And what about whatever is involved in your next ‘contract’? I’m getting nothing but negative vibes here. Either I’m with you, risking my neck or I’m sitting home wondering if you’re coming back. Not very attractive options.”

Jason started to say something but she put up a hand and continued. “It would be all too easy to fall in love with you, Jason. Then I’m hooked, really hooked. Let’s say I’m cutting my losses here.”

“I understand.”

The hell of it was that he really did.

He backed away slowly. “Tell our two federal friends whatever you want when they come back. In the meantime, I’m outta here.”

“Leaving me holding the bag to explain everything?”

“Your idea, not mine.”

“But they have your business card; they’ll track you down.”

“Better men have tried. It’s been great.”

By this time, Jason was at the periphery of light from the condos and the emergency vehicles. Another step and he disappeared like a phantom, leaving Judith to wonder if she had done the right thing.