“Cassie woke up,” Ian said.
“My god. And?”
“She’s confused, but she recognized me.”
“Who could forget you? Have faith. Give her time.”
“I know. We’ll put this all together during the meeting in the morning.” After writing some notes and checking his e-mail one more time, Ian headed back to the pool house. Tomorrow would be the time to push for answers.
* * *
The next morning, Kieran, Ian and some of the staff shared breakfast while waiting for the executive team to gather for a meeting.
The door flew open, and Monique swept into Kieran’s lap. With love, he placed a hand on her belly. She nuzzled him back and grabbed a raspberry from his plate.
“Okay, you two, we have work to do.” Julian elbowed Lincoln, looking at Kieran’s hand with a questioning eye.
Outside, the skies were dark gray with fierce clouds, announcing a storm was coming. It matched Ian’s emotions.
Lincoln looked up at his boss. “You look like shit. Are you sleeping? How’s the little one?”
“She woke up last night for a few seconds. She was confused but hasn’t awakened again. Hunt and the orthopedic surgeon are planning to finish her shoulder repair.” Ian paced in front of the windows.
When all were present, Ian took his position at the head of the boardroom-sized table. “Good morning, everyone. I realize the time constraints I put you under, but the longer we’re in the dark, the more danger Cassie is in. Before we share any data, I assure you I’ve read every report you submitted. I invited Detectives Blake and Ruiz to join us. Christian Paulsen told me Blake has knowledge of what occurred six years ago. Last night, at Jamie and Eric’s urging, Rachel Paulsen signed a release for information, authorizing the police to discuss all information without restraints.”
“Her brothers are going to go nuts,” Kieran said.
“I hated backing Rachel into a corner. Does anyone have another idea?” Ian shrugged.
Andy Blake and Javier Ruiz were seasoned police veterans. As detectives, part of their job was to know how to play in the Beltway sandbox. When a powerful man like Ian Chase requested a meeting, they made time. Ian’s late-night phone call was cryptic, advising Andy to bring all the files about Cassie.
Esther welcomed the men and escorted them into the boardroom, where coffee and fresh fruit sat in the center of the table. The detectives seemed surprised by the size of the group waiting for them. Kieran introduced the fifteen men, Monique, and technical analysts.
“Mr. Chase, when we spoke yesterday, you said you had information about Cassie Modine. Care to enlighten us?” Andy’s tone was wary.
Ian shoved a picture of Cassie from six years ago in front of them. “I think we need to start at the beginning.”
Blake looked at it, then his eyes flashed to Ian’s. Ian handed him the signed release for information and a copy of Rachel’s power of attorney, granting Luke or Rachel the privilege.
Blake fingered the documents, “I never expected this,” and passed the release to Javier. “I don’t need to look at the file. I’ll never forget. Tiny, beautiful woman, Cassiopeia Ellis. Beaten and sexually assaulted, tortured, strangled and drugged. Bites all over her. No DNA, no fibers, and no memories.”
Andy took another set of papers from Ian. A picture of Sebastian Ames was on top. “We believe Sebastian Ames was one of Cassie’s rapists.” The word “rapist” scalded his tongue. Ian tapped the photo to show a new bite next to one of her bite scars. “Our forensic odonatologist confirms they match.”
Javier poured a mug of coffee. “You told us Cassie gave no indication of knowing Mr. Ames. Senator Bynum stated Mr. Ames claimed he met Cassie at a bar called Houseman’s. She apologized for not remembering him. Perhaps this coupled with jealousy provoked the attack?”
“Detectives, do you believe that? Explain to us what she meant by ‘Cassiopeia is dead’?”
Andy Blake grasped his chin and thought for a long minute. “You have us at a distinct disadvantage, Mr. Chase. Was Cassie Modine a Chase Security client? Tell us what’s going on.”
Ian passed both men the Eagle’s Talon business card. Unlike those of Chase Group, Chase Ventures, or Chase Security, an Eagle’s Talon’s card was a simple white card with a picture of an eagle’s talon and a phone number. “Shit. What does the Eagle’s Talon have to do with Cassie? Was she working for them? You?”
Ian remained passive. “No, she’s now a client under their protection. This is personal. Cassie is a friend.”Is she? What do I call her? Mine!
“Ah, the non-relationship kind of relationship.” Andy rubbed his brow.
Martin slipped into the room. “Detectives, this is Martin Bailey. He has been working on cleaning up surveillance tapes from the night of the stabbing.” Kieran darkened the lights.
“We were told it was taped over,” Javier said.
