Behind the Mask Read online

  Mike showed a second video that LAPD had recovered from an alley surveillance camera a couple of miles away from the crime scene. The video showed what appeared to be a female smashing a piece of equipment and discarding it and her gloves in a dumpster. He told the group that the FBI Evidence Recovery Team recovered the items and sent them to the FBI laboratory for analysis.

  “Based on the level of security at the lab, the FBI and the UCLA police are investigating the possibility this was an inside job,” Mike explained. He showed photos of a badly charred body. “This is our victim: Brian Woods, a thirty-four-year-old father of three. Brian was working in the south side of the lab when the fire broke out. It appears he ran in the direction of the fire, probably to render assistance to anyone working late at the lab or possibly to try to save the animals. Woods became trapped and was unable to make his way out of the burning building. Agents interviewed his wife and discovered he wasn’t supposed to be working the night of the fire. He traded shifts with a coworker so that the coworker could go to his son’s ball game. We have an agent checking into the coworker’s background. We’re also checking the backgrounds of all individuals who had access to the lab.”

  Mike showed a photograph of Brian Woods with his wife and children. A knot tightened in Lexie’s stomach. The victim had a name and a face now. This innocent man would never return home to his three small children.

  Following Mike’s presentation, the group participated in an investigative strategy session. Lexie was stunned at the suggestions that people were offering. Trying not to show her annoyance, she smiled and nodded at most of the ideas. The only person who seemed to have a real understanding of the extremist security culture was the FBI intelligence analyst, Derrick Dorn. Derrick was a soft-spoken domestic terrorism subject matter expert. During the group discussion, Derrick made eye contact with Lexie and rolled his eyes, which made Lexie smile.

  The meeting adjourned and Kate grabbed Lexie by the arm. “Let’s get out of here.”

  “I’m two steps ahead of you,” Lexie told her.

  After they were away from the office, Lexie vented. “What a ridiculous dog and pony show. Everyone in that room seemed to have an opinion on how we should be running this investigation. What a bunch of jackasses.”

  Kate started laughing.

  “What are you laughing at?” Lexie asked.

  “You. Surely you’ve been in the bureau long enough to realize most people in management are idiots. They didn’t get to the top because they were outstanding investigators. They blue flamed to the top, and none of the people in that room, with the exception of Adam, has ever made a case in his career. To them, it’s all about the title they hold, not the work. It’s no different in my agency,” Kate explained.

  “I guess you’re right, but it’s annoying when people who don’t have a clue what’s going on try to tell me how to do my job. Did you hear the moron who suggested that I pretend to be a bomb expert? They act like they know more about these people than I do. They don’t know the first fucking thing about them or their way of life.” Lexie took a breath.

  “Boy, you are wound up!” Kate laughed.

  “I know! I had to sit in that stupid meeting with my mouth shut, listening to all those ridiculous ideas for so long, when what I wanted to do was stand up and tell each and every one of them they were all full of shit.”

  “Maybe we should get you a margarita instead of lunch.”

  Lexie laughed. “I guess I sound like a raving lunatic.”

  “Nope, you sound like a frustrated FBI agent just trying to do her job.”

  “Kate, sometimes I wonder if I made the right career decision.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I joined the FBI to make a difference. To help keep our nation safe.”

  “That’s what you’re doing, Lexie.”

  “Is it?” Lexie said. “The bureau is top-heavy with managers, and there’s so much red tape involved in every decision.”

  “You’re simply frustrated, and that’s understandable.”

  “I don’t think that’s it. These animal activists that I’ve befriended seem so . . . I don’t know, real. They have a mission in life, and they’re passionate about that mission.”

  Kate gave Lexie a sideways look. “Their passion caused the death of an innocent person. You can’t lose sight of that fact.”

  “I know. But what if that was a mistake? What if they didn’t mean for that to happen?”

  “We could what if this topic to death, but that fact is, Brian Woods, a father of three, is dead.”

  “It’s not so black-and-white,” Lexie said.

  “It is black-and-white, Lexie. You’re in the best position to find who set the fire and gather the evidence. It’s our job to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice. It’s not our job to decide if they were right or wrong.”

  Lexie sighed. “You’re right. I’m being weird.”

  “You have to kick it into high gear now,” Kate said. “All eyes are on you. The fire ratcheted up this investigation, so Adam is going to be under a severe amount of pressure to produce results. We can’t keep the bureaucrats at bay forever.”

  Lexie rested her head against the car window.

  “What else is bothering you?” Kate asked.

  Lexie wanted to tell Kate that she felt like she was betraying her only friends, but instead said, “I don’t know. Maybe I’m just lonely. I underestimated the amount of alone time I would have on this assignment.”

  “You need to tell me when you’re having these feelings. It’s normal for an undercover agent to feel isolated and alone. My job is to support you and to help you when you’re struggling. You have to trust me.”

  “I do trust you. And I appreciate everything that you do for me. It hasn’t gone unnoticed how much interference you run between me and the front office.”

  “No worries, girl. That’s what I’m here for: to keep you sane in an insane world.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Savannah

  Savannah was sitting on her bed watching the morning news when Haley came back from the shower. Savannah had been crying.

  “What’s wrong?” Haley asked.

  “On the news they showed the person killed in the fire. He was a security guard with three small children.”

  Haley sat down on the bed next to Savannah.

  “We killed him,” Savannah sobbed.

  “Pull yourself together. We didn’t kill him. He was a casualty of war. It’s regrettable, but sometimes innocent people die in war.”

  Savannah couldn’t believe her ears. “Do you seriously believe that?” she snapped. “He died because of what we did.”

  Haley took a deep breath and turned toward Savannah. “Listen to me. We did not kill that man. It was an accident. If anyone is to blame, it’s the vivisectionists who work in that awful lab hacking up innocent animals in the name of science. We didn’t set out to hurt anyone. In fact, we were trying to save as many lives as possible from the lab.”

  Savannah was still crying when Haley reached over and wrapped her arms around her. “We’re going to be fine. You need to quit thinking about it. We have to stay strong together. Remember the motto, ‘Nobody talks, and everybody walks.’ We’re going to take care of one another, and we’ll be fine.”

  The words didn’t make Savannah feel any better. Her insides were in knots.

  “Are you okay?” Haley asked.

  “I will be,” Savannah answered. “I guess I need to quit watching the news.”

  “Things will get easier,” Haley promised.

  “What about Badger?” Savannah asked.

  “What do you mean?” Haley asked.

  “I mean what will happen to Badger? He was the one who got us into this mess. He was the psycho who started the fire and almost killed all of you.”
<
br />   “He’s underground, where he’ll stay until all the heat clears. No one knows where he goes to hide out. Probably in Oregon. How about if I buy you breakfast?” Haley offered.

  “Thanks, but I have to be in class in an hour. I can’t afford to miss any more classes this semester.” Savannah covered her eyes. “My parents are not going to be happy with my grades. I need to get serious about studying and lessen my activist activities.”

  Savannah got up and gathered her clothes.

  “Chin up, girl,” Haley called out.

  Savannah gave Haley the thumbs-up sign without turning around. She didn’t want Haley to see she was crying again. Savannah went into the bathroom and texted Lexie, Want to have coffee today?

  Savannah was throwing on her clothes when her phone buzzed and showed a text from Lexie. Sure. When and where? I’m free all day.

  Savannah had already planned to skip her morning classes, so she texted back, Coffee Bean on Main St. in Santa Monica? I can be there in an hour. Savannah slapped on a little blush and some lipstick. Her phone buzzed again with the answer, Perfect, see you then.

  Savannah grabbed her backpack so Haley would think she was going to class. She needed to see a friendly face and knew Lexie would fill the bill. Haley was in the bathroom when Savannah left the dorm, so she hollered goodbye through the door. She didn’t wait around for a response. She headed out the door and made a beeline to her car.

  After Savannah left the dorm, Haley came out of the bathroom and sent Nick an encrypted message stating, We need to meet. Alone. We might have a problem with S.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Alexis

  With shaking hands, Lexie punched in the numbers to call Kate.

  “Hey there, girl,” Kate answered. “What’s new?”

  “Holy shit, Kate, I think this might be it!”

  “What it?” Kate asked.

  “The it!” Lexie exclaimed. “Savannah just texted me for coffee. I know she has morning classes today, so something must be up for her to want to skip her classes and meet me. I have a weird feeling she’ll want to talk about what happened at the lab.”

  “That’s wonderful, Lexie! You might be right. Take a breath, and let’s talk this through for a minute.”

  “I have a button camera ready to go,” Lexie stated.

  “Good girl. Where are you meeting her?”

  “At the Coffee Bean on Main Street in Santa Monica,” Lexie responded.

  “Outstanding. I’ll be in the area. There are tons of places I can blend in around the Coffee Bean. If she starts to talk, remember to let her. The more she says on tape the better. Is she coming alone?”

  “I assume so. She didn’t mention anyone else coming.”

  “Okay, good luck. Text or call me when you’re clear,” Kate instructed.

  “Will do.”

  “And Lexie,” Kate added. “I know you like Savannah, but keep in mind the mission. These activists killed a human being.”

  “I know. It’s weird because part of me doesn’t want Savannah to be involved in this mess, but part of me wants to solve the case and bring the culprits to justice. I’m torn.”

  “It’s a tough position to be in, but ultimately you have to do your job.”

  “I know and I will. I’m an FBI agent first and foremost.”

  Lexie checked her equipment one last time and left her apartment. When she pulled up to the Coffee Bean, she saw Savannah’s car parked down the street. After parking, Lexie activated her body wire while in the car. When she was sure everything was working properly, she walked to the coffee shop.

  Savannah was seated at a corner table and had a coffee sitting in front of her. Perfect, Lexie thought. Couldn’t have picked a better table myself. She waved at Savannah and indicated that she was going to get a coffee. Lexie grabbed a large vanilla soy latte and joined Savannah.

  “Hey! How are you?” Lexie asked.

  Savannah got up and hugged Lexie. “Better than the last time you saw me.” Her voice sounded ragged.

  “I was worried about you.”

  “It was just a twenty-four-hour stomach bug. I’m feeling much better now.”

  “How’s chemistry class? Are you doing any better in it?” Lexie asked.

  “That’s a giant NO. I seem to have a mental block when it comes to that freaking class. I can’t understand the Chinese professor. He sounds like he just got off the boat. I swear I don’t think he’s even speaking English. I’m majoring in cinematic arts, film, and television production. Why do I even need chemistry?”

  Lexie laughed. “I have an instructor from India who I can’t understand. Since you and I are both from the South, maybe it’s a Southern thing.”

  Savannah laughed and almost choked on her coffee. “You might be right.”

  Savannah shifted nervously in her chair and twirled a piece of her hair.

  “What did you get?” Savannah asked.

  “Oh, you know, my usual.”

  “Let me guess: a soy latte with a shot of vanilla?”

  “Am I that predictable?”

  “Yes, you are, but there’s nothing wrong with being predictable,” Savannah reassured her. “I could use a little predictability these days.”

  Lexie leaned closer to Savannah and talked softer.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure. What’s on your mind?”

  “You’ve been stressed out the last couple of days. Is anything wrong? I feel like we’ve grown close, and I want you to know if you need to talk about anything, I’m here for you. I would never tell anyone anything you told me in confidence.”

  Savannah teared up, so Lexie decided to strike. “I know since you moved to Los Angeles, you and Nora have drifted apart. I understand what it’s like to move away from home and not have anyone in your life you can trust. You can trust me.”

  Tears were streaming down Savannah’s face. Her nose was red and running. Lexie reached into her purse and pulled out a travel pack of tissues and offered them to Savannah.

  “Thank you,” Savannah uttered as she took a tissue. “I do trust you, Lexie, and I know you would never betray our friendship. I’m so thankful I met you.”

  A wave of nausea hit Lexie. She was, in fact, planning to betray the poor girl.

  “The people in this city can be so plastic,” Savannah continued. “I know you’re a true friend and a genuine person. I really love you, Lexie, but I’m not ready to talk about it yet. But when I’m ready, I’ll tell you.”

  Lexie smiled at Savannah. “Call me day or night, and I’ll always be here for you.”

  “I know you will,” Savannah acknowledged.

  Lexie, not wanting to scare Savannah off, decided to move on to another subject matter. “Let’s talk about boys,” Lexie stated.

  Savannah laughed. “Now that’s a subject I can totally get into!”

  Lexie entertained Savannah with her latest attempt to talk to the totally hot dude who sat next to her in her photography class.

  Savannah laughed hysterically at Lexie’s story.

  “You’ll meet the right guy someday,” Savannah said.

  Lexie started thinking about how nice it would be to have someone to go home to each evening. Her job made dating difficult. She shook herself back to the present.

  “Wow, that was some reaction,” Savannah stated. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

  “Oh, you didn’t. I’m fine.”

  Savannah reached across the table and took Lexie’s hand. “You don’t have to hide how you feel from me.”

  “I can’t seem to find a nice guy. I want someone that I can be myself around.” How ironic, Lexie thought.

  “I know how you feel,” Savannah said. “Until Nick, I never understood how two people could be so drawn to one another. I’m lost w
ithout him and utterly terrified I’ll wake up one morning and it’ll be over. I have to have him in my life. A couple of days ago, Nick took off with a friend and went on a short trip. I almost died, being away from him.”

  “Don’t you and Nick talk on the phone or text when you’re separated?”

  “Are you kidding? Nick hates talking on the phone. He hates almost all technology. I can’t get him to talk or text when he’s away from me.”

  Bingo, Lexie thought. “Really? That’s surprising,” she said.

  Savannah looked around erratically, as if looking to see if anyone was watching.

  “What’s wrong?” Lexie asked.

  Savannah got up and moved around the table so she was sitting on the bench seat with Lexie. “If I tell you something, will you promise never to say anything to anyone?” Savannah asked.

  “Of course. What is it?” Lexie took Savannah’s hand. She could feel her shaking. “Tell me, Savannah.”

  “Promise me you won’t judge me. I . . . I don’t want you to think I’m a bad person.”

  “I would never judge you. You’re my best friend. I’m here to support you, not judge you.” Lexie remembered Kate telling her to let Savannah talk, not to interrupt. It was difficult for Lexie not to console Savannah with words. She quietly sat at the table with her hand still resting on Savannah’s hand. She squeezed her hand to show encouragement but remained silent. After the longest minute of her life, Savannah spoke again.

  “I did something bad, Lexie. Really bad, and now I don’t know how to fix it.”

  “What did you do? Whatever it is, we can fix it together. I’ll help you.”