“Good start. Something made the victims targets. And why were these attacks downplayed?” He repeated what happened with Boyle to Zach, then showed him the stack of files.
“I want to speak to James Richmond again before I head out,” Troy said.
“Saoirse and I are staying until you’re on your feet. With the direction Gwen gave you, I have a feeling the victims will talk now that they’re being believed,” Zach said. “I’ll grab Wes and make a schedule to repeat the interviews with the victims.”
Troy blew out a harsh breath. “My interview with GNN is going to be shot live tomorrow at 2100 hours—primetime. Trask, I don’t mean to blow your Sunday night. And Zach…”
Zach raised a brow. “Shut up. I already have a plan, and Trask confirmed with me he will be there. One step ahead of you, my friend.”
“Pieces of the interview are being repeated on Monday during their daytime programming, and then in total at 2000 hours on Alec’s regular show. I also have a meeting with the doctors tomorrow morning. Monday, I’m calling a medical meeting to go through my logistics.” Troy ran a hand through his hair. “I’ll see you for dinner. Fani said seven.”
* * *
Troy was aboutto head down the hall when his desk phone rang. He deliberated whether to let it go to voicemail in case it was a mystery caller. Verna, dressed to leave, stood in his doorway. “Dr. Aron Bamberger for you on line two. Do you need me to stay?”
“Have a good night.” Troy waved and picked up the phone. “Dr. Bamberger, my name is Troy Bremen with Chase Security International. I appreciate you returning my call.”
“What can I do for you?” the doctor asked.
“I was wondering if you remembered a patient from 2013, Gwendolen North?” The sound disappeared. “Doctor, are you still there?”
“I’m sorry. Yes, I remember,” the doctor replied stiffly.
“No easy way to say this, but we’re seeing a spate of similar injuries here, and Gwendolen is receiving threats. I was hoping you may have DNA or other physical evidence,” Troy’s voice cracked.
“Mr. Bremen—our countries—this requires permission from the courts. I wish you were asking for her complete laboratory reports to help her medical condition,” Aron said.
“I can have a physician’s request to you in thirty minutes,” Troy sighed.
“Very good. It will take me at least that long to put them together. I will have them express mailed to you. How is she?”
“Brave and beautiful,” Troy said.
“I’m happy to hear that. Please give me your address.”
Troy ended the call after exchanging the information, then locked his office and proceeded toward the health tower. James Richmond was sitting in a recliner when Troy entered his room. “You’re looking better. How’s the pain?”
“Tolerable. I even took a walk today,” James said. “And my head is a little less scrambled.”
“That’s good. I’ve got some more questions. Are you up for them?” Troy pulled up a chair.
James nodded. “Um, Troy. Um…”
“Speak freely.” Troy made eye contact with the young man.
“The show on TV yesterday. Was it…um…real?”
“Yes.” Troy inhaled.
“I’m sorry. What do you need to know?” James’s lips formed a sympathetic smile.
“Thank you. I’m going to read you some names. Do you know any of them and how?” Troy proceeded to read victims’ names, watching James carefully for signs of recognition, especially the woman attacked one week before him. “Diana Ragbir.”
James’s hand twitched. “Next,” he said.
“Let’s stay with Diana. James, she was badly injured in an attack one week before you were. Help me stop these people,” Troy pleaded.
“I know her,” he said.
