The Assassin's Trail

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Authors: J.C. Fields
him in an ambulance. That’s how I know.”
    “You said two.”
    “Yeah, the other one didn't make it. Look, I was at a crime scene in Washington a week ago that may be related.”
    “How?”
    “Two other high profile businessmen were killed in Washington, D.C. Guevara fits the profile, but this is an extreme way of killing him. The others were executed, one with a close range double tap, and the other with a rifle from long range.”
    Franklin looked at Kruger, sighed and said, “Go home, clean up, and be in my office this afternoon at 4 p.m. I’ll arrange a conference call with Washington.”
    Kruger glanced at his watch, but it wasn’t there. He had left the condo so fast, he’d forgotten it. Walking west on 48th Street, heading back to their condo, he saw Stephanie helping several women sitting next to a building. She had apparently followed Kruger after he rushed out of the condo. As he got closer, she saw him and rushed into his arms.
    “Sean, thank God you’re okay. I was so worried.”
    “I'm fine, Stef, what are you doing here?”
    “When you bolted out of the apartment, I started hearing the sirens and thought I needed to go and help in some way. I found several people wondering around in a daze, so I got them to sit down until the EMTs arrived. Where’ve you been?”
    “The explosion was in front of O’Dowd’s. It's bad, Stef, really bad. Neil and Frank were there waiting for Guevara. Neil is on his way to the hospital.” He paused for a second, “Frank... I’m sorry. Frank didn't make it.”
    Stephanie looked at him with terror in her eyes and then buried her face in his chest. He could feel her sobbing. Taking her hand, he started walking back to the condo. Halfway back he thought of something. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number in Washington, D.C. The call was answered immediately, “Lab, Luke Riley speaking.”
    “Luke, it’s Kruger.”
    “Hey, Sean, I haven't run that picture yet. Hope that’s okay, your email said it wasn't urgent.”
    “Yeah, I know, Luke. About thirty minutes ago, it jumped to Urgent High Priority. There's been an explosion here in KC, and the guy in the photo may be someone of interest.”
    There was silence on the phone, and then Luke said, “It's on CNN right now. Looks bad.”
    “It is, Luke. I know of at least four dead, and the total may climb before the day is over.”
    “Okay, Sean, I'll run it right now. Is this official or what?”
    “Luke, I hate to ask you this, but I would prefer you keep it between you and me for now. If this person is not involved, I'm the only one who will catch the heat.”
    “That's why everybody likes you, Sean. You watch out for us backroom guys. Not too many agents do that anymore.”
    “I appreciate the kind words, Luke, but I just need to know as much about this guy as I can. He may have just killed a friend of mine.”
    “Understood. I'll email the results as soon as I have something, okay?”
    “Works for me, Luke, thanks.” Kruger ended the call just as he and Stephanie reached their condo.
    When they were inside, Stephanie turned to him and said, “What photo?”
    Kruger crossed the room, pulled the sliding glass doors shut, closed the blinds, turned to Stephanie, and said, “There was somebody following Guevara yesterday. He had a listening device in his ear. Probably eavesdropping on Guevara's conversations. He may be involved with this, or maybe not. I took several pictures of him with my phone and sent them to the lab in Washington. That was the lab tech, a good man, and if the software can find him, Luke will do it.”
    Stephanie nodded. “How bad was Neil?”
    “Not sure, but it might be a good idea for you to head over to the hospital to check on him. I have to be on a conference call at the KC office at four. I’m not sure how long it will take either. Plus, if I get a response from our guy in Washington, I might have to take a quick trip to Springfield.”
    “JR?”
    Kruger nodded.

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