Martin made his one phone call. "I'd like to speak to Undersecretary Brynn Hackman, please. This is Martin Bailey. Tell her it's an emergency."
Brynn came on the line. "Bailey, what's going on?"
"I'm under arrest. The police believe I murdered Talbot Reed and another person. Brynn, I have more."
"I'm in DC. I'll call Ian. He'll retain an attorney. Hang tight and don't say a word."
"I understand. I don't feel well—they’re taking me to the hospital." Keeping to the plan, he added, "Brynn, we need to talk. I figured something out."
"I'll call Ian. Put the custodial officer on the line."
"Lieutenant, Martin Bailey is in the process of retaining counsel and has invoked his right to remain silent," Brynn said.
En route to the hospital, Murray made a call. "Young, Bailey is sick. I'm taking him to Horizon for a fit for confinement."
At Emerson’s notification, Ian contacted Terry Newsome, who called his sister. Cordelia's firm dropped Talbot after he lied regarding his relationship with Elizabeth. He made another call. "Zach, Cordelia Snow is coming in from Des Moines. Martin is in Silverton PD custody. He's been arrested for two murders—Hal Dufour and Talbot Reed."
Zach, expecting a protection order violation, choked, "I'll make the notifications.”
"Mike, we have a SNAFU. I don't have all the details yet, but Martin was arrested for double homicide—Reed and Dufour. Where's Elizabeth? Someone will be heading to notify her soon."
Mike ran his hand through his hair. "Zach, we need to find out where the plan went wrong. Go to the scene and nose around. I'll reach out to Ian. Patrick is due to meet me in the cafeteria with more news about Troy. I'll notify Julian."
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Shaun Murray and Officer Elvis Donner, Emerson’s cover name, escorted Martin to the ER with Pellegrino and Forrester. The bombing precautions were reduced in visibility in an attempt to draw the bombers out. Shaun registered his prisoner, and they were escorted to a private examination room. After Martin was ordered to sit on the stretcher, Emerson loosened one handcuff and attached it to the bed.
Dr. Lou Miranda joined them. "Mr…Bailey? What brings you here today?"
"Hi, Doc. I am nauseated and a bit groggy. I think someone dosed me."
"What makes you think that?" she asked.
"There is a sore spot on my right calf, and I lost some time."
"Let's look at you." Patrick opened the curtain. "Dr. Hedges, Mr. Bailey states he is nauseated and groggy. He believes he's been drugged. What do you make of this?" She exposed his right calf.
Patrick gloved and examined the irritated area. "It's a puncture wound. I want to swab and excise the area. But first, I want blood and urine samples."
Martin had been in the ER two hours when the firm voice of a woman penetrated the glass door. "I am the patient's attorney. Officer, if you don't let me meet with him, I will have your badge."
Shaun Murray allowed the woman to enter. "My name is Cleo Nolan. I've been retained to represent Mr. Martin Bailey."
"Ma'am, for my safety, I need to check for weapons." Shaun's demeanor turned forceful.
"Fine." Cleo allowed Shaun to search her. "May I speak to my client now?"
Shaun closed on Cleo's space. "Speak away. I am not leaving this room."
"Hello, Mr. Bailey. I am Cleo Nolan. We've met. I’m here at the request of Cordelia Snow and Terrence Newsome. They asked me to advise you I will represent you through the morning. Mrs. Snow is en route. You will be held overnight and arraigned before a judge in the morning, either in the hospital or in court, depending on what the doctors say. Other than your demographics and what kind of soda or sandwich you want, say nothing. Do you understand?"
He lifted his chin to ask a question. Instead, he said, "Yes, ma'am."
"Martin, I must warn you: this is capital murder. You will be remanded to custody. They will not grant you bail. You are accused of killing the former Governor of Iowa and a prominent businessman. You violated an order of protection by going to the Reed residence. I will do my best, but I need you to be realistic. Let the doctors check you out. Mrs. Snow or I will see you here or in court. Can I do anything for you?"
"Could you ask Julian Dupart to make sure Elizabeth and Lola stay safe?"
"Ian, I received a call from Martin Bailey. The Silverton police arrested him." Brynn Hackman’s attempt at sounding upset was a poor acting job.
