CASCADE - Chapter 26
SOAPSTONE BOX
March 19, 2023
SOAPSTONE BOX
Mason arrived at six in the morning and surveyed the parking lot across the street for the FBI office. He thought, “I probably have an hour or so to wait until they start arriving for work.” He envisioned how he would complete the task. To his surprise, the door opened, and a short, blond-haired woman wearing glasses stepped out of the building. He looked at the picture. “That’s her,” he said to himself. “She must have been working overnight.” He pulled slowly from the curb.
Liz stepped out into the crosswalk. Just as she saw lights speeding toward her, she turned to jump out of the way.
Mason pressed the gas to pedal to the floor. He hit her with the right front fender of his truck. His heart racing, he continued down the street. Looking in the rearview mirror, he saw no movement. He continued to drive until he saw a Burger King, where he pulled into the parking lot. He exited the truck and walked to the front to inspect the damage. His front light was broken.
***
Liam turned down MacCorkle Street to the FBI office and saw the flashing lights of police vehicles. Yellow crime scene tape cordoned off an area near the crosswalk. Three policemen stood near the sidewalk. An officer was directing traffic into the parking lot. Liam got out of his car and approached the officers. One officer immediately approached Liam and commanded, “Sir, please stay behind the yellow tape.”
Liam took his badge from his pocket and clarified, “I am Special Agent Liam Doyle.”
The officer apologetically, “All right, Special Agent Doyle.”
Walking closer, Liam inquired, “What happened?”
The closest officer responded, “It looks like a hit-and-run.” He handed Liam a slip of paper and asked, “Maybe someone you know?”
Liam looked at the paper and read, “Elizabeth Baldwin.” He inquired, “Where did they take her?”
“She was transported to Memorial.”
“Thank you, officer.” Liam called the office on his cell phone, which went to voicemail. He left a message: “This is Liam. Liz had an accident and was transported to Memorial. I am on my way there now. When you get this, go to security and secure all the security camera tapes. As soon as I know more, I’ll call.”
Liam arrived at the hospital, walked directly to the ER, and identified himself to the nurse at the front desk. “A hit-and-run victim was brought here this morning. Her name is Elizabeth Baldwin.”
“Yes, she was brought in about an hour ago.”
“I need to see her regarding an ongoing FBI investigation.”
“Agent Doyle normally...”
Liam interrupted, “This will only take a few minutes. I must see her.”
“I’ll ask the doctor. Please wait here.”
After a few minutes, she returned, opened the door, and said, “She is in POD A, Room 3.” Then she raised her eyebrows and instructed, “You have five minutes.”
“Thanks.”
Liz looked like she was sleeping, but as he approached, she turned her head and mumbled, “Hey, Liam.”
“Liz, I was so worried when I found out. We are trying to track down who did this.” He observed that her leg was in an air cast, and her head was bandaged.
Liz was groggy from the medication, and she whispered what sounded like, “Look in the box.”
Liam was confused. “What?”
Liz whispered again, “On my desk. A box.”
The nurse entered, “Times up, Agent Doyle.”
***
Back at the office, Liam sat down at Liz’s desk. He placed his hands in front of his face as a prayer. He surveyed the desk and saw the soapstone box he had purchased as a gift so many years ago. He remembered. His mind drifted to the market in Kandahar. He picked up the box. His fingers traced the smooth stone elephants carved into the sides. He opened the box, and inside was a thumb drive and a piece of paper. He unfolded the paper and read Liz's note.
Liam,
After the security alert last night, I learned the threat originated in a rustic area southwest of Naoma. I have concluded logically that the blackout, the apartment fire, Necro Metallum Corporation, Colvin Miller, Patrick O’Sullivan, the Buffalo Creek Disaster, Robert Wingate, and Robert Wingate III are all connected. I am still trying to piece together how Clay Mathews relates to this. Both he and Colvin were in Afghanistan and were discharged on nearly the same date; then, both dropped out of sight for about three years.
Years ago, I greatly appreciated your gift to me in Kandahar. At the time, I doubted myself and my contribution—perfect timing on your part. When I discovered you would lead this new unit, I immediately requested a transfer to the Charleston office. I am happy with my decision.
Your friend, Liz.