Nemesis: Innocence Sold (8 page)

That really didn’t sound like something a doctor would say. Sandra looked him up and down. “In those few minutes you not only took out three guys but also checked the area?”

“If you’re not convinced that I’m one of the good guys, take this.” He held out the pistol. “Nine-millimeter Beretta. The magazine’s full—fifteen rounds—one in the chamber. The safety catch is here. Leave the safety on for now—the trigger on this is damned sensitive. And before you ask—I often work in crisis regions and am familiar with common weapons.”

Although he explained the weapon to her with calm objectivity, Sandra realized her distrust had hurt him. She couldn’t blame him; she probably sounded ungrateful.

“Can you handle that?”

“Yes. But what about you?”

“One of them had a revolver, .38 caliber. It’s heavy and unwieldy. I thought you’d like the nine-millimeter better.”

It was only now that Sandra noticed the bulge in his waistband. “Yes, I would. But why didn’t you use one of the guns to neutralize that guy?”

“Because he touched you, and it was a pleasure to knock him down. And now I’m going to take another look at the hut. We still need something to restrain these guys for when they wake up. If you like, you can make a phone call in the meantime.” He pulled a cell phone from his pocket and handed it to her.

“Where did you get this?” She turned his cell phone around, examining it. Hers was significantly thinner and didn’t have this tiny stub of an antenna, but the device in her hand didn’t really look outdated.

“I’ve had that since I put it in my pocket this morning in my sister’s guest room. These guys aren’t exactly pros, or they’d have searched us for weapons and phones, but I’m not planning on complaining.”

“Neither am I. But until we know where we are, it makes no sense to call anyone.”

“As you like. I’m taking a look at the hut.”

Sandra could have sworn he had whistled as he walked the short distance to the hut. He looked through the window, felt around the doorframe, and then stepped back a few feet. His casualness had disappeared in a second.

Sandra quickly ran to him. “What is it?”

“I couldn’t think of a sensible reason why someone would store drums in here. First I thought about foresters. Diesel or gasoline for vehicles or machines. But the road here doesn’t look as if it’s used regularly. I worry it has to do with something else.”

He reached into his pocket and took out a folding knife, then furrowed his brow and cursed. “Go to the van and get the flashlight.”

“Where did you get that knife?”

“The blond guy loaned it to me. I need the flashlight.”

“What flashlight?”

“The one your boyfriend just dropped. It rolled in front of the van.”

It surprised her less and less that Daniel, unlike herself, knew his surroundings and exactly what to say and do. She was reaching for the flashlight when she changed her mind and climbed onto the driver’s seat of the van. It was time to prove to Daniel that she could do more than follow instructions. She maneuvered the van until its headlights bathed the front of the wooden house in bright light.

Daniel turned around and gave her a thumbs-up. “Good idea. Now wait by the trees over there until I signal you to come over.”

Puzzled, Sandra climbed down from the cab. “Why would I do that?”

“Because the whole hut could blow up at any second. I have no idea whether there’s a simple switch or a time-delay detonator. Don’t argue. Just do what I say.”

Sandra stayed where she was and tried to process the information. Murmuring something incomprehensible, Daniel walked over and gave her a quick kiss. “You’re distracting me. Go away. Please.”

She didn’t know what had surprised her most, the kiss or his commanding tone. Without objecting, she walked off and watched as Daniel used the knife to pry open the door and disappeared into the hut. A few moments later he appeared again, but it felt like half an eternity to Sandra. It wasn’t until she felt a burning in her lungs that she realized she had been holding her breath.

Daniel waved to her, and she immediately ran to him. Without thinking, she embraced him. “Are you all right? How do you know about these things? What’s really going on here?”

He returned her embrace and smiled. “Drums of gasoline and a little charge that would have exploded if someone had opened the door. Simple but effective. What it means is really something you should tell me. And please don’t move so fast—think about your ankle. Right now the adrenaline’s keeping you from feeling the pain, but the sprain’s still there.”

Daniel’s words seemed to have a direct effect on her hurt ankle. Seeking a distraction, she looked at the hut as if the answer to her questions were in there.

With some cables in his hand, Daniel turned away from her. “Take some time to think about whether you want to tell me anything, and if so, what. I’ll take care of the guys and bring them here. Those three are little fish. This is something of an entirely different caliber. This rigged bomb was probably intended to pulverize both them and us. I bet they’ll talk when they see it.”

Shivering, Sandra drew her shoulders up when she realized the danger she’d been in. Daniel turned to her again and took off his sweatshirt. Before she could protest, he’d already put the warm garment over her. “See you soon.”

In the beams from the headlights, she could see how muscular he was. His tight sleeveless T-shirt clearly showed that he worked out consistently, but he didn’t resemble one of those apelike bodybuilders. Although he wasn’t particularly large, his narrow hips and broad shoulders appealed to her; he was certainly well proportioned. She realized the van’s windshield reflected whatever was in front of it, and he had noticed her staring. Suddenly his shoulders shook. “Glad you like the view,” he said without turning around.

CHAPTER 8

After he had dragged the two men to the van, Daniel was winded and found the cool night air refreshing. He checked the cables he had used to restrain the three men to ensure that they would hold and wiped his sweaty forehead.

Sandra had calmly watched his movements, but he could see that she had reached a decision. He couldn’t stop thinking about her casual comment regarding an accountant with hand-to-hand combat skills. There was a strong probability that she was referring to Dirk. He was looking forward to hearing her explanation.

“What’s up with those guys?”

“Nothing. At worst they’ll have headaches after they wake up, but certainly not as bad as the ones we had after inhaling the chloroform. Are you doing all right?”

“Yes. As long as I don’t think about it, nothing really hurts. What happened in front of the supermarket earlier wasn’t a coincidence, was it?”

“If you ask me, no. In the store I already had the feeling someone was watching you, but I wasn’t sure. And outside it looked more like an attempted abduction to me than an accident.”

“And that’s why you got there so quickly? And drove me home? And stayed with me?”

Daniel was hearing a trace of disappointment; thanks to years of experience with his sister, he had an idea of what Sandra was thinking. “No. I was almost certain I was imagining everything. If I hadn’t enjoyed being with you, I wouldn’t have stayed and eaten that spinach stuff. I’d have gone home and eaten the pepperoni pizza in peace.”

Sandra smiled and loosened up. Daniel hated the thought of destroying her relaxed mood, but it was time to get some answers. “What was that job interview you went to today? Also, I had the sense earlier that you know what all this is about.”

“I’m afraid so, and maybe now someone will take me seriously. I have a completely unimportant job at a station in Hamburg, and my boss is the biggest asshole you can imagine. For some months I have believed that children are being systematically kidnapped in Northern Germany. Contact with customers is through the Internet, and the victims are almost always members of marginalized social groups so that often a missing-persons report is not even issued. I had no proof, only indications, and no one was interested. This morning I found out that the son of an officer with the LKA was almost abducted. After that I was only able to think about whether I would have been able to prevent that.”

Sandra’s self-reproach was unmistakable. Finally she managed a shaky laugh. “Of all the ways I could have heard about this kidnapping attempt, it was during the job interview. After that I was done for. I couldn’t think clearly. The interview was for a spot on the drug unit. I sort of know the department head, and he’s a friend of the boy’s father. It was all so stupid of me. The job was really important to me, but at the same time . . .” She let out a snorting laugh. “Maybe I should have just explained my theory to Stephan and asked him if the boy had blond hair. The age would fit. The ending couldn’t have been any worse, but maybe now someone will finally listen to me. Sorry I’ve made this so complicated, but what I actually wanted to say is that I think this has to do with my private investigation.”

Daniel was silent for a long time because he was having difficulty processing the information.

“Do you think I’m crazy now?” Sandra asked, breaking the silence.

“No, I don’t, but some things still need to be cleared up.”

“What do you mean?”

“Tim, Dirk’s son, who appears to be the child you’re referring to, has blond hair and brown eyes, and I guarantee you his father is not the only person who will listen to you.”

“You know Dirk?”

“Yes. Please give me the phone for a second.”

Although Sandra obviously wanted to ask a number of questions, she handed him the phone. Daniel pressed a button, switched the phone to speaker, and handed it back to her. “Stephan will be on the line shortly. They’ll already be on their way here. Just ask him when they’ll be here, and tell him we have the situation under control.”

“You know Stephan?” Sandra furrowed her brow. “Forget the question—if you didn’t you wouldn’t have his number.”

A few seconds later she heard Stephan’s obviously concerned voice. “Daniel?”

“No, it’s Sandra Meinke.”

There was silence for a few seconds. “Are you all right? Where did you get this phone? Are you alone?”

“Yes, I . . . We’re all right. And no, I’m not alone, a . . .”—she gave Daniel an apologetic look—“. . . a friend is with me and has made sure we have the situation under control.”

Daniel listened with satisfaction to Sandra’s calm summary of the events that had taken place.

“This is quite a surprise, and after seeing the condition your apartment is in, we feared the worst. We have a fix on the phone and will be at your location in about twenty minutes. Why didn’t you mention you knew Daniel this morning?”

Puzzled, Sandra looked at Daniel, who shrugged and didn’t know what to make of Stephan’s question. “Why? Do I have a duty to discuss my friends with you? Anyway, I haven’t told you who is here with me.”

Instead of reprimanding her for her insolent comment, Stephan just laughed. “You’re right, of course, but since his jacket’s lying on the floor of your apartment with his papers inside one of the pockets and you’re using his phone, I can imagine who your mysterious helper is. But I’m sure he appreciates your attempt to keep his name out of this. And another thing: your transformation from the policewoman who could barely open her mouth to the woman who pinned Lars to the floor and is staying cool in this situation appeals to me greatly.” The conversation ended with a click.

“Sounds to me like you got the job,” Daniel said.

“I don’t know. Maybe. We’ll see. I don’t see why I should have mentioned you. Apart from the fact that I didn’t know you at all at the time. I hope you’re not mad because Stephan knows you’re here and I said you were my friend.”

Sandra had unintentionally moved closer to him. The chance was too good for him to let slip away; he touched her shoulder gently. “What’s wrong with saying that?”

“I . . .” Frightened, Sandra turned around when she heard someone clear his throat behind her.

Annoyed, Daniel looked at the burly guy, who had rolled onto his side and was pulling at his bonds in a daze. “Lousy timing,” Daniel said. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” he said to the man attempting to free himself and pulled the man to his feet. “Come with me—I’d like to show you something.”

Without resisting, the burly guy went with Daniel to the hut. As Daniel explained the construction to him, the man let out a horrified gasp. “There was never any mention of that to us. What a bastard. I’ll get that guy. He’s not getting away with this.”

Daniel had a hard time interrupting the flood of curses. “Are we in agreement that you’ll talk?”

“Definitely,” the guy said.

“Then I hope you’ll remember that when one of my colleagues takes your statement. If not, it will be my pleasure to remind you. Understood?”

Daniel’s authoritative tone caused the burly guy to stand up straighter. “Don’t worry, man. I’m as good as my word.”

“Very good. Go back to your buddies, then. Explain to them that they’re going to be grilled. My colleagues will be here any minute.”

The bull trotted back. One of his buddies had already woken up. A kick helped the other one, and a lively discussion followed.

“How can Stephan get a fix on the cell phone so quickly? How do you know Dirk and Stephan? Who—or rather what—are you, Daniel?”

“A doctor?” he suggested, already sensing that he wouldn’t get away with that.

Sandra crossed her arms over her chest. “Probably, but that’s not all, right?”

“Listen, Sandy, I haven’t lied to you, OK? And I’m one of the good guys. Isn’t that enough for the time being?”

“Maybe you haven’t lied to me, but you’ve definitely kept quiet about a lot of things.”

Daniel saw flickering blue lights shimmering through the trees some distance away. “Let’s talk about it later. Stephan will be here soon.” And with his luck he would see his team leader, who would rightfully be hopping mad. He cursed his bad luck. On the other hand, he wouldn’t have wanted to miss his encounter with his little policewoman. He grinned at the thought of her reaction to his choice of words.

“What’s so funny?” she asked.

“I’ve just been thinking that you’re worth the trouble I’m sure to be in.”

“With Stephan?”

“No. He’s not a problem. On the contrary, his presence might keep my boss from beating me up.”

“Your boss? Why would he . . . ?” Sandra broke off and looked at the silver Mercedes that skidded to a stop next to the van, closely followed by a black Audi.

“Now this I don’t believe,” Sandra said, mostly to herself, as Mark jumped out of the car and looked Daniel over.

“Are you all right?” Mark asked with concern.

“Yes, sir. If the damned coatrack in Sandy’s apartment hadn’t gotten involved, I would have taken care of everything back there.”

“Then we should take the things into account at our next training session. Nice to see you in good health, Daniel. I wouldn’t have expected to see you here, though.”

Embarrassed, Daniel avoided his superior’s gaze, which had suddenly become considerably cooler. “Sorry, Mac, but I’ve only been back in the country a few hours and wanted to speak to you in person.”

“But certainly not here and now. What’s going on, Doc?”

Daniel got no chance to answer before Sandra punched Daniel in the stomach. “You damned liar. Doctor? If Rawlins is your boss, you’re one of those damned arrogant SEALs. I can’t believe it—of all people one of those . . .”

Daniel staggered back and caught her fist when she drew back again. “Shit, take it easy. I kept quiet about things, but I haven’t lied. I would have explained it to you—I had no way of knowing you knew my boss.”

“This bastard shot at me. Twice I tried to arrest him, but given the great friends he has”—she pointed at Sven and Dirk, who had watched the drama silently up to now—“it didn’t work, of course. But somehow he was right, but then again he wasn’t . . .” For a moment she was silent and chewed on her lower lip. “Now I understand Stephan’s question, too. You’re the blond man in the picture. Well, that’s great. Just be careful what you wish for—you might get it. Really great.”

Daniel took her firmly by the shoulders. “I have no idea what photo you’re talking about or what you mean. But if Mark had shot at you, he would have hit you. Explain to me later why seeing him makes you flip out. For good reason, I don’t talk openly about my job, but I’m really a doctor and have not lied to you, only kept silent about the fact that the US Navy is my employer. Lieutenant Daniel Eddings, US Navy SEALs, and damned happy to have met you today.”

For a moment she relented and leaned against him; then she whirled to face Mark. “What are SEALs doing in Germany?”

“Making sure nothing happens to German policewomen,” Mark joked. “Now calm down. That all happened a long time ago. Daniel? Report!”

Again Daniel got no chance to answer.

Sandra followed up coolly. “Since when do you take such a casual tone with me?”

“Since you’ve been using one of my men as a bodyguard and working for one of my best friends.”

Sandra gasped for air with such agitation that Daniel feared she might hyperventilate. But after taking a deep breath she had herself under control. “Are you done? I’d love to teach you some manners, but I think it’d be of more interest to Dirk that my investigation suggests there’s a connection between this shit and the attempt to kidnap his son.”

Mark grinned, and Daniel perceived a hint of approval.

Dirk ended the banter. “That’s why Sven and I are here: the van fits the description of the one the boys gave.”

Confused, Sandra pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “How do you know about that? I didn’t mention that on the phone earlier.”

Dirk’s smile seemed uncharacteristically forced. “After Stephan found Doc’s things in your trashed apartment, he had a flash of genius, and it occurred to him that your conversation this morning went off track at the moment when he mentioned the attempted abduction of Tim. He has spoken to Matthias, so we have a rough idea of your private investigation—and before you get mad at Matthias, you should know he almost went crazy worrying. If he hadn’t been on assignment he would have been here, too.” Dirk didn’t await Sandra’s answer but jumped onto the bed of the van and shook the metal box. “Damn it, it’s locked. But I have a bolt cutter in the car. That should open the thing.”

Sandra leaned against the tailgate and furrowed her brow. “Why don’t you leave that to the technicians?”

This time Dirk’s smile seemed more relaxed. “Because I want to know what’s in there. You’d better get used to it—we interpret regulations pretty broadly.”

Sandra looked at Mark over her shoulder. “And I have a pretty good idea whose bad influence is responsible for that.”

Daniel couldn’t help laughing quietly. Much bigger men with combat experience would have chosen not to take Mark on, but his policewoman, who was half a head shorter and quite a bit lighter, stood up to him as if she put officers in their place on a daily basis.

Mark rolled his eyes. “Lord, Daniel. Are you sure you know what you’re doing? It’s going to be a hell of a job training that girl.”

Sandra tilted her head back and looked at Mark. “Scared, big guy?”

Grinning, Mark was about to answer when he was distracted by his cell phone. The ringtone told Daniel that the call was from Jake. All signs of humor disappeared from Mark’s face. His gaze wandered to Dirk. “Stop, Dirk. Keep your hands off the box. Doc and I will take over.”

Obviously irritated, Dirk remained in front of the metal box with the tool in his hand. “What do you mean? Explosives? They would have detonated already when I rattled it.”

Mark shook his head. “Wait. Get away. I’m not kidding.”

Hesitantly, Dirk threw the bolt cutter to Daniel and made room for him.

Sandra greeted Dirk’s retreat with a smug smile. “Is he your boss now?” She was counting on a coarse comeback but not Stephan’s tense expression. “No. But Mark has his reasons, and I don’t like the expression on his face. Dirk’s the last guy who’s going to take orders from anyone. I hope you don’t intend to imitate him.” A wink softened the remark. Instead of using the opportunity to find out whether she actually had the job with the drug unit, she watched with increasing concern as Mark and Daniel worked on the box. Confused, she saw Mark signal to Sven that he should keep Dirk away from the van. At first she thought she had been mistaken, but then the officer from the LKA moved between his partner and the van, keeping a close watch on the box.