Page 65 of Enchanted Hero
Time to end this conversation. “I’m just a businessman, an ordinary yet successful man. My fame brings attention, and that’s how I ended up in so many police reports. I have nothing else to say.”
Agent Andrews turned to Everleigh. “Forgive me, Miss Lacey, for not greeting you earlier.”
“That’s okay,” Everleigh said quietly.
Andrews traded glances between Alexander and her. “Were you on the boat with Mr. Stone last night?”
Alexander stood up taller. “Now you’re going to interrogate her?”
“We’re not interrogating anyone.” Dr. Garrison moved even closer. “We’re just looking for answers.”
The type of answers that could shatter his life. Yet they’d caught his scent, like two vultures circling their doomed prey. “Yes, I was.” Everleigh’s voice was loud and clear. “Mr. Stone and I had a business meeting.”
“Were you together the entire time? Did he leave at all?”
Everleigh hesitated. A mere sliver of a moment, it was obvious. “He was with me the entire evening,” she lied.
“Was he?” Agent Andrews didn’t even pretend to believe her. “Perhaps we can talk later.”
“That won’t be possible.” Alexander placed a hand on Everleigh’s back, showing them – and her – she was under his protection. “Miss Lacey is busy with work.”
“I see.” Agent Andrews clearly saw more than he should. “Then we’ll seebothof you soon.”
“We’d like to talk more,” Dr. Garrison murmured. “After some research.”
Research into him? Agent Andrews’ scrutiny unnerved him, yet the scientist represented a far greater danger. The man literally wanted to put him on a lab table and study him. They reached the car, yet stopped. “I forgot to tell you.” Agent Andrews’ challenging stance was silhouetted against the sleek black vehicle. “The government has scheduled a press conference this afternoon.”
Danger soared from a whisper to a roar. “Why?”
“Have you seen the news coverage?” Andrews drawled. “Most of the time, these things die down, but the tornado is still the top story on every news channel. The government is discreet, but we can’t completely ignore the public. We have to respond, or they’ll believe we’re keeping secrets.” He focused his gaze. “We’re not the only ones who think the incidents involve a single man.”
No, they were the only ones who suspected him.
“You should come to the conference,” Agent Andrews said affably. “The officials wanted to extend an invitation, since you’re a leader in this town.”
Or they wanted to see if he’d give himself away. Every move would be watched, and if he slipped, the damage would be catastrophic and irreversible. “I’m afraid I have other plans.”
“I’ll be there,” Everleigh spoke suddenly. “It sounds enlightening.”
Damn.If they spoke to her alone… “On second thought, maybe I can make it.”
“Perfect.” Andrews lips curled up. “Three o'clock in front of city hall.” With a curt nod, he turned and entered his car.
Dr. Garrison paused. “I meant what I said before. We don’t want to hurt him. If he hadn’t been there yesterday, the night would’ve ended in tragedy. He rescued the family.”
Yes, he had. No matter the consequences, it had been worth it.
Dr Garrison put a hand on his shoulder, and Alexander fought not to back up. He must appear strong, impassive,normal. If they uncovered his true identity, their actions would be far more invasive. “If people discover the truth, he might need someone looking out for him. That’s all we want to do.”
He was clearly genuine, and Alexander softened. Still, he had to safeguard his people. “Whoever helped those people last night wants to remain anonymous. The best thank you is to let him be.”
“I’m afraid we can’t do that.” Dr. Garrison said quietly. He hesitated, as if deciding what to reveal. “There are other people at the Institute with different methods, including a man named Frederick Dane. He was involved in an incident with a caught elevator, interrogating some people we suspected were… more. Perhaps you heard?”
Alexander stiffened. Dane had almost discovered the truth about his people. He was as relentless as a guard dog, and just as vehement.
“He was put on leave after the incident, however he will be back soon. His methods are different than mine.” The scientist looked at him earnestly. “It would be better if the right people discover the truth, don’t you think?”
It would be better if no one discovered the truth, yet that grew less likely with every interrogation. He said nothing as Dr. Garrison gave him one last long look, before entering the car. A second later, the vehicle revved to life, and the men drove off, leaving no question of whether they would return.
