“Kidnapped and ransomed?”
“Nope.”
“Then you’re the right man for this kind of work. If it’s boring, you’re just gonna have to wait for the next one.” Rusty closed the file. “Don’t worry. Sooner or later, something interesting always turns up.”
The phone rang in the front lobby. Gayle answered. Grant stood to leave as the call transferred back to Rusty’s desk.
“Redmond Guardian Service. Rusty speaking. How can I help you?”
Grant carefully opened the filing cabinet to store the report, trying not to make any noise as Rusty talked. He closed the drawer and started walking toward the exit.
“Easy, easy, ma’am” Rusty said. “I know Officer Roberts. It sounds like you’re in a bit of trouble. We can help. Where are you now?”
Rusty snapped his fingers to get Grant’s attention. He beckoned him over to his desk.
“The Chorivirus vaccine?” Rusty said. “Flux Pharma, yeah, I saw the news conference.”
Grant looked at Rusty with anticipation.
“Murdered?”
Grant edged closer, trying to hear through the receiver. Rusty grabbed a pencil and a notepad.
“Don’t worry. I’m sending one of my guys to your location. We can talk about the details later. Right now, let’s make sure you’re safe. Give me your full name and your address.” Rusty scribbled on a notepad. “I think I got it. We’ll be there shortly. In the meantime, don’t talk to anyone and don’t call anyone. When my guy gets there, ask for identification. His name is Grant. Stay put, he’s on his way.” He hung up the phone and looked at Grant. “Well.”
“Who was that?” Grant said. “She sounded scared.”
“She was panicking. I could barely make out what she said. You wanted excitement, right?”
“You know I do,” Grant said, leaning against his desk. “Do I get this one?”
“Does that mean you’re accepting my job offer? Officially?”
Grant rolled his eyes, but smiled. “Fine. Yes. Give me the contract and I’ll sign my name on the dotted line.”
“Yes!” Rusty said, his fist in the air. “Welcome aboard. Got a live one here,” he said, holding up the note. “Woman developing a vaccine for the Chorivirus. Holed up at a hotel after her supervisor got murdered – the same woman from Flux Pharma we saw on TV the other day. She’s been shot. This one thinks she the next target. We’ll work out the details with her later, but right now I need you to get her to a safe house. Take the car. Assess the situation and we’ll go from there.”
Grant took the note and read it. “Faith Mullhems. That name just keeps following me around.”
“What? Faith?”
“Yeah. Remember the girl I left behind? Her name was Faith.”
“Weird coincidence. Or, maybe, it’s the universe giving you another shot? Just don’t leave this Faith behind.”
“I would never.”
“Good. Now get going.”
“With pleasure. Finally, something fun!” Grant said as he grabbed the car keys.
“No one’s fault but yours if it wasn’t fun last night!” Sawyer called after him.
“Mistakes were made. I’ll make up for it next time,” Grant said. He grabbed his coat and dashed out of the office. New York may not be a war zone, but at last, his adrenaline level raised, making him feel alive again.
