very high levels. That’s why your friend clammed up.” She looked down at her

hand and then up at him. “I’m not used to having my side against me.” “You think

I am?” “This is scaring the crap out of me, Puller.” “Okay, let’s get back to

investigative basics. We have some facts to work with. Something happened at

Fort Monroe in Building Q. The results of that were four women being murdered,

and the powers that be covered it up. And if that is the case, the powers that

be are probably no longer in power. They might be dead after thirty years.” Knox

shook her head. “Even if they are, there is no way the government wants this to

come out. Think about what it would do to current projects. Even if these guys

aren’t around, it would ruin their reputations. And some of them might still be

around. And in power.” “Which would explain the stonewalling, the shuttered

investigations, Hull and me getting pulled off the case. They don’t want it to

be solved.” “Four murders unresolved,” said Knox. “Four families with no closure

because someone’s rep might take a hit.” “Five families, maybe,” said Puller

quietly. “Yeah, maybe five,” she replied, looking at him closely. “I know how

hard this must be for you.” They were both silent for a while until Knox said,

“So how and where do we start?” “I told Shireen Kirk to get the hell out of

Dodge.” “Why?” “For the same reason I’m telling you to do the same thing.”

“You’re not serious?” she said, obviously stunned. “I’m very serious, Knox. I

have a reason to follow this up. You don’t. I’m not going to let you put your

career and maybe your life on the line for this. You nearly died already helping

me and my brother.

 

I’m not going to risk that happening to you again.” “Puller, I’m already

involved. I’m already here.” “I appreciate what you told me. It gives me a place