The Killing Code (10 page)

Walker returned to his office still chuckling at the look on his subordinate’s face.
Alan shook his head then picked up the phone and pressed line four.

“
Mr. State’s Attorney? It’s Alan Beach, sir.”

“
Hello Mr. Beach. I’m pressed for time so let me get straight to the point. I’ve reviewed the agreement and it is legally binding and very thorough. If you reveal any intellectual property such as technological or scientific information discovered during your visit, thus causing financial loss or potential loss to Blue Sky Biotech, you may be sued in civil court and they could also press for criminal charges to be brought against you.

“
That doesn’t sound good. How am I supposed to…”

“
Please don’t interrupt detective; I haven’t got time. What I can tell you is that state and federal laws supersede any restrictions placed on you by this agreement. In other words, you are not obliged to maintain confidentiality if any information covered by the agreement directly relates to a felony or a threat to national security. Basically, you can’t talk to anyone outside Blue Sky about any intellectual property you see or hear of during your visit, unless it can be proven that it directly relates to your case. As a police detective, you are an officer of the court so if you find anything of that nature, it immediately becomes property of the court. Got it?”

“
Yes, I understand sir.”

“
Good luck detective.”

With that, the S
tate’s Attorney hung up the phone and Alan was left to ponder the situation.

“
Clear as mud?” Walker asked, leaning out his office door.

“
Thereabouts.”

“
Like I said; nothing to worry about. Just go and check the place out then take it from there. We’ll have your back if the shit hits the fan.”

“
I hope so!”

Blue Sky Biotech was about ten miles out of the city so he would need to leave at eleven fifteen the next morning to allow for traffic.
Alan finished up his report and found himself thinking about food. He had skipped lunch to do his notes and finish the report for his previous case and now found himself quite hungry. Tired of TV dinners at home, he decided to treat himself to a decent meal. He knew a comfortable place uptown with great char-grilled steaks so he grabbed his things and headed out the door. It was a short drive to the bistro style restaurant where Alan pulled into the small car park to the side, got out and locked his car. The aroma of beef on the grill wafted from the building and for the first time in a long time, the detective found himself savoring the thought of a good meal instead of just filling his stomach. It had been several weeks since he’d eaten at this restaurant so walking into the pleasant, inviting interior and breathing in the mouth watering aromas made him wonder why he’d waited so long to return.

“
Good evening sir. Do you have a reservation?” enquired the assistant manager.

Alan looked around and saw they were doing a good trade but there were still some empty tables.

“I’m sorry but it was a last minute decision.”

“
No problem sir. Are you dining alone or meeting someone? You can wait at the bar if you’d like.”

“
No thanks. Just a quiet table for one please.”

“
Right this way sir.”

The pleasant young man led Alan to a small table in the corner beside the window overlooking the main street.

“Is this alright for you?”

“
Perfect.”

“
Very well sir, your server will be with you shortly.”

Alan nodded thanks and sat looking out the window
while he waited. A moment later, a smooth and soothing voice spoke from beside him.

“
Welcome back. Would you like a drink while you look at the menu?”

Alan turned to the voice and saw a woman perhaps fiv
e years younger than he, with a very attractive face and soft, flowing brown hair to her shoulders. Her hazel eyes sparkled despite the low light and her full red lips formed an entrancing smile. He found her pleasing looks and easy manner disarming and looked at her quizzically.

“
I’m sorry but do I know you?”

“
No but I’ve seen you in here a couple of times before so I assume you’re a local. This is the first time you’ve sat in my section.” she smiled warmly.

Alan felt a wave of shyness come over him.
“I haven’t been here for a while; you must have quite a memory for faces.”

“
Only the ones I like. Oh, I’m sorry! That must have sounded very forward. I just meant that you have a kind face but your eyes seem somehow sad. Besides, you don’t see many well dressed, good looking men eating alone here. It’s more of a couples place.”

Now Alan was definitely disar
med. Never before had he just met a woman who spoke to him like this – especially not one so attractive. It was both disconcerting and charming at once, and he found himself floundering and lost for words.

“
I’m flattered miss but… I’m sorry; what’s your name?”

“
I’m Holly. What’s yours?”

“
It’s Alan… Alan Beach.”

“
Well, it’s nice to meet you.” She held her hand out to shake and Alan felt the softness of a woman’s touch for the first real time since he lost his wife. “So, about that drink…”

“
Uh yes, sorry. Do you have anything good on tap?”

“
Leave it to me Alan… Alan Beach.” she said playfully.

“
Just plain old ‘Alan’ will do fine Holly.”

“
OK Alan. I’ll bring you one of our best microbrews.”

Holly
handed Alan a menu, backed away one step smiling then turned and walked to the bar casting him a glance over her shoulder as she went. Alan was affected by her attractive appearance and delicate fragrance but mostly bewildered by her flirtatious behavior. His confidence with women had long ago faded and he couldn’t even be sure of his interpretations, let alone understand why a woman like her would show interest in him. He began to look at the menu but couldn’t help stealing glances at her as she moved around the room. On one occasion, Holly looked up from a table she was clearing to catch him staring at her and smiled knowingly as he jerked his gaze back to the menu. A few moments passed and he saw her approaching with his beer in a frosty mug.

“
Here it is Alan; our finest house ale - enjoy. Are you ready to order?”

“
Yes please. I’ll have a Caesar Salad and an Alberta rib eye, medium, with a baked potato.”

“
Good choice; we’ve got the best steaks in town but I guess you already knew that.”

“
I can’t argue with you there.”

Alan watched
her leave again, almost hypnotically, until she disappeared into the kitchen. He took a long draw from his icy cold mug and enjoyed the complex flavors of the artfully crafted beer. The recent proliferation of microbreweries in the area was a welcome change to the usual mass produced bottled and canned beers and Alan enjoyed sampling the variety when time would allow. Sipping his beer and watching traffic and pedestrians pass by the window, he began to relax and feel some contentment creeping in for the first time in years.

“
One Caesar Salad and one Canadian rib eye, medium, with a baked potato.” Holly’s silken voice brought him back. “Would you like to try a different beer Alan?”

“
Thanks. I’ll trust your expertise again.”

“
Oh, I’m no expert but I do know what I like. Back in a minute.”

Alan pressed his knife into the thick, meaty steak and it yielded to the blade
almost like butter. Holly came back with a Pilsener style beer and set it down in front of him with that disarming smile before breezing off to tend to other customers. Alan couldn’t remember such a flavorful and satisfying meal. He had enjoyed the food at this restaurant on his previous visits but realized that Holly’s presence enhanced the experience to a new level. Scolding himself for not noticing her before, he finished the last bit of salad and drained his beer as she approached again.

“
You’ve got time for a piece of pecan pie before we start closing up, if you’d like.”

“
Is it that late already?”

“
It’s not late but we’re closing at nine tonight. The young guy that greeted you when you came in is the owner’s son. It’s his twenty first birthday party tonight at a friend’s bar up the road so the boss is letting everyone go early to celebrate.”

“
Well that’s good of him but no thanks on the pie.” Alan said patting his belly.

“
No problem detective.”

Alan looked down and realized his detective’s shield was still hanging from his belt.

“Sorry about that, I usually carry it in my pocket – must have forgotten to put it away.”

“
That’s quite alright, makes me feel safe to have one of Columbus’ finest around. So it’s Detective Alan… Alan Beach then.” she teased.

Alan just smiled back at her.
She looked into his expressive grey eyes and raised her left brow slightly.

“Why don’t you join us as my
‘plus one’?”

“
Me? But you don’t even know me.”

“
Like I said before, I know what I like.”

“
What about the birthday boy?”

“
He can get his own date.” she joked. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

Alan felt like he was being carried away on a carnival ride – and he didn’t want it to stop.
Before he could think, he had agreed to another beer while he waited for her to finish up and get ready. His head was swimming with thoughts. Sadness and guilt were supplanted by euphoria and excitement at the possibilities in front of him. This woman was so different; she had a very endearing sense of fun, she was bold yet demure, strong yet tender, and attractive yet modest. Alan had heard stories of instant attraction and whirlwind relationships but he’d never believed them to be true - Holly was beginning to change his mind. She returned in her street clothes, which showed off her firm but feminine form, and sat down opposite Alan. Her deep brown, hazel flecked eyes seemed to be sizing him up.

“
You were married once but not anymore.” she broke her silent study.

Alan was taken aback.
He hadn’t spoken of his wife since his final therapy session and didn’t want to now but he felt so disarmed and magnetically drawn to this woman.

“
She died a long time ago.”

“
I’m sorry. Do you miss her?”

“
Every day. Does that sound emotionally stunted? I went to therapy afterwards and the psychiatrist said I needed to finish the grieving process and move on.”

“
Psychologist.” She said matter-of-factly.

“
Pardon?”

“
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat sick people and may or may not do counseling. Psychologists may or may not be doctors who counsel healthy people with unhealthy thoughts or feelings. Since you can’t be a detective if you have a mental illness, I’m assuming it was a psychologist.”

Alan
found that his jaw had dropped leaving his mouth slightly agape. He realized how this must have made him look and quickly closed it.

“
Wow, you’re full of surprises! Why do you know so much about psychiatrists and psychologists?”

“
Because I am one… A psychologist, I mean.”

“
You’re a psychologist?!” Alan looked incredulous. “Why do you work here?”

“
Ah, the sixty four thousand dollar question. I’m currently completing my Ph.D, and working in this place allows me to gather data for my dissertation while providing an income to pay my rent.”

“
I’m sorry but you’ve caught me unaware. The only word that springs to mind is… wow!”

“
That’s OK; most people wouldn’t have a clue either.”

“
I knew there was something different about you.” Alan said.

“
What do you mean?”

“
Not in a bad way. I mean I’ve never met anyone like you before. You’re very refreshing.”

“
I’ll take that as a compliment. Speaking of refreshing, let’s take a refreshing walk up to the party.”

“
On one condition… No psychoanalyzing please.”

“
I promise.” she soothed.

The pair left the restaurant for the short walk up the road to the party.
Alan was so enthralled with Holly’s natural beauty and stimulating conversation as they walked, he didn’t even think about his car. The party was in a large but comfortable English style pub, complete with dart boards, pool tables and brass ornaments. They took a seat together at the bar and talked the night away. Several of Holly’s coworkers tried to interrupt them to play pool or darts but they were both so absorbed with each other’s company they politely refused all invitations.