Free Deadly Echoes by Philip Donlay

back to Aaron.
    â€œWe think she’s connected to one of the men photographed in Hawaii, the guy with the dark glasses and curly hair. It’s generally thought they’re Eastern European and over the last ten years or so, through vague descriptions and grainy images like this, we’ve linked them to at least a dozen deaths. We’re sure they’re professional killers, but we don’t know if they’re backed by some governmental organization or strictly freelance.”
    â€œA professional assassin was hired to kill John and Beverly?” Stephanie asked. “Was this woman also involved in the incident aboard the fishing vessel?”
    â€œWe don’t know how, but we believe the events are somehow related.”
    â€œWhat’s Mossad’s interest?” Lauren asked.
    â€œWe believe the woman played a part in the deaths of stafferswho worked at a medical clinic in Dusseldorf, Germany. The doctor there was a friend of Tel Aviv, and at times we called upon him for discreet medical needs. From what we’ve learned from our friends at the FBI and Interpol, Eco-Watch is being targeted, and if this man and woman are part of that equation—both of you are at risk.”
    â€œIs there anything we should be doing?” Lauren asked.
    â€œNo, just be vigilant. I’ve already spoken to Henri. Your protective detail understands the threat.” Aaron stood. “I have another pressing engagement and must leave. Again, I apologize for the hour. Good night.”
    Lauren and Stephanie stood as Aaron bowed and showed himself out. They didn’t speak until they heard the front door close.
    Stephanie faced Lauren and stood with her hands on her hips. “Now, back to the real question of the evening. Mossad drops in to say hello? What in the hell is going on?”
    â€œI’m not sure. But if Mossad is in the mix, Donovan should be told.” Lauren reached for her phone. After trying three numbers, someone picked up. She was greeted by the familiar voice of Howard Buckley.
    â€œBuck, it’s Lauren. I’m trying to find Donovan.”
    â€œIs everything okay?” Buck asked.
    â€œI’m fine. I just need to pass along some information.”
    â€œHe’s up in the cockpit with Michael. Hang on, I’ll go tell him you’re on the line.”
    â€œWhere are they?” Stephanie asked.
    â€œI dialed the satellite link onboard the
da Vinci.
So they’re flying somewhere.”
    â€œHello,” Donovan said as he came on the line.
    â€œSorry to intrude while you’re working, but I needed to talk to you,” Lauren said.
    â€œWhat’s up?” Donovan asked.
    â€œI’m here in the apartment with Stephanie.” Lauren chose her words carefully. “I just got a visit from Aaron Keller.”
    â€œOh, really?”
    During his one encounter with the Mossad agent, Keller had done nothing but lie and try to maneuver him. Donovan wasn’t a big fan.
    â€œWhat did he have to say?”
    â€œHe’s very interested and well briefed on finding the people who killed Beverly and John Stratton. Mossad thinks they have knowledge of one of the men in the FBI’s pictures. The guy with longish curly hair—he works with a woman. Aaron thinks they’re both assassins, and the woman is a person of interest in a case in Dusseldorf, Germany, where workers at a clinic were murdered.”
    â€œReally? What kind of clinic?”
    â€œA medical clinic. That’s where it gets interesting, Aaron admitted that the doctor there had ties to Israel, and did some work for Mossad. I gathered by his tone that it was all off the books.”
    â€œSo Keller told you about Beverly?”
    â€œYes, that’s so sad. Tell William that Stephanie and I are really very sorry.”
    â€œI’ll tell him. I can’t help but wonder if we looked at this clinic, we might be able to get a better clue who this woman is,