“I’m sure that’s what the toxicology report says.”
Taylor added, “It showed up in a hair sample, which has a ninety-day window.”
The lieutenant thought a moment. “That’s surprising.” Then he added, “The major seemed dissatisfied with the focus of the work here. With how it was more centered on my end of things—robotics—than his. You asked me what I think happened. I think maybe—and I have no evidence of this—but maybe the major selected a unit to experiment with. And that led to the malfunction.”
So, Lieutenant Lehner had come to the same conclusion as Caroline Dixon. Interesting. Did that lend the theory more weight? Brodie recalled how complimentary Ms. Dixon had been of Lehner, which would be the right thing to do if they were engaged in a conspiracy. Have someone you vouch for repeat your own story. A double helping of bullshit. Then again, maybe they were just two independent people coming to the same obvious conclusion.
Brodie and Taylor peppered the lieutenant with a few more questions about his colleagues and the nature of his work, but nothing jumped out as material to the case. Once they were satisfied, they informed the man they would be following up and walked to the front door.
As they were about to leave, something occurred to Brodie and he turned to the lieutenant. “The day of the major’s death, Number 20 malfunctioned. It wouldn’t move. Your two superior officers brought the unit to the lab and proceeded to run diagnostics. Did either of them call you?”
“No.”
“They didn’t call Ms. Dixon either. Do you find that odd?”
Lehner met Brodie’s gaze. “Yes, Mr. Brodie. I find that very odd.”
“Why?”
“We were only a four-person team, and this was the most extreme malfunction of our entire mission thus far. Ms. Dixon or I could have provided some insight. Me especially, if it was a mechanical issue.”
Taylor asked, “Is there anything you would like to share with us about Captain Spencer?”
Lehner took a moment. Then he looked Taylor in the eyes and said, “The captain was extremely loyal to his good friend Roger Ames.”
“And would he do anything that the major asked of him?”
Lehner didn’t respond, then opened the front door. Brodie and Taylor looked outside across the cul-de-sac to their house, where Captain Spencer was sitting on the stoop, watching them.
Lehner waved to his superior officer, then said to the agents in a low voice, “I’ve speculated enough. Good evening.”
CHAPTER 12
BRODIE AND TAYLOR APPROACHED CAPTAINSpencer, who checked his watch as he rose and announced, “Your dinner is in thirty minutes.”
Brodie said, “Taylor’s low-maintenance and I’m no-maintenance. Thanks for waiting.”
“Was the lieutenant helpful?”
“Yes,” replied Taylor.
Spencer seemed to be waiting for something more, but when he didn’t get it, he led them to the door, which was equipped with a digital keypad. Spencer told them the six-digit code, Brodie unlocked the door, and they entered a small foyer. Their two suitcases were on the floor.
The captain said, “The fridge and pantry are fully stocked. The commissary is closed due to the lockdown, and the mess is running on a skeleton crew just to serve the barracks, so for prepared meals you’ll have to rely on MREs, unfortunately. Those are also in the pantry. There’s a landline phone in the living room with an on-base directory. Dial nine to call out, but be mindful of what you discuss, as I’m sure you already know from your briefing. There’s also a TV, no cable or streaming but you can pick up some dish channels. Each of your rooms is equipped with a programmable safe for securing your sidearms and any valuables. Is there anything else?”
Brodie said, “I think we’ve got it from here, Captain. Thank you.”
Brodie watched the man walk away and then he shut the door. He asked Taylor, “Is everyone a suspect, or should they have called IT instead of CID?”
“Time will tell.” She asked, “Cui bono?” Who benefits?
“Someone who wanted this program shut down. Or Major Ames committed a very elaborate accidental suicide by scrambling Bucky’s brain.”
“I can’t believe you pelted it with a water bottle. Twice.”
“Don’t tell me you didn’t want to.”
She thought a moment. “This is freakish, Scott. Worse than I could have imagined. Those things make my skin crawl.”
