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Michaela opened the door before the second knock, Angel at her side, his tail wagging furiously. Angel loved Slade McKane and Slade loved the dog. What Michaela didn’t know was what to do with Slade. They’d been an item a few years ago, but Mic wasn’t sure she wanted to travel that long road again. Of course, we are older and more settled now... Mic’s heart fluttered a bit as she looked into Slade's gray eyes that held so much promise and asked, “What brings you out so bright and early?"
Mic looked beautiful. She wore a loose-fitting greenish-blue linen pantsuit and a pair of silver sandals, silver jewelry and a clunky, silver and turquoise necklace. All in all, she looked ready for a day in town. "Is the coffee ready?" he asked as he focused on business.
Michaela nodded as the pair made their way back into the kitchen. She’d made fresh coffee and the smell made his mouth water. One thing Slade loved about Mic was her ability to cook just about anything — and he always made himself a willing participant to taste anything Michaela cooked.
Slade waited eagerly as Michaela poured him a cup of coffee and placed coffee cake on a white luncheon plate. "Yum, that looks and smells wonderful," he said as he accepted the plate, his eyes shining in anticipation. “I guess we’re not gonna eat the doughnuts I bought?”
Mic shook her head. "Let's sit at the table. You look like you’ve got a lot to say and that’s a big file in your arms."
Slade nodded, "Yeah, unfortunately I do and not much of it is good."
Mic's stomach did another flip-flop. "Un oh, is this about the poisonings?"
Slade nodded as a dark shadow crossed his face. "Word on the street is that General Stuart Rothrock hired you to look into his mother's death. Is the rumor mill correct?"
Mic shook her head and smiled. "Yeah, it is, as always. I talked with him and Congressman Lee last night. General Rothrock is sure his mother was poisoned. Apparently, MCV hasn't gotten all the lab tests back, but they’re leading him in that direction."
Slade put down his coffee cup and said, "You make a great cup of coffee, Mic, no question." He paused a moment as if savoring the taste in his mouth and added, "I think General Rothrock is right. Unfortunately, one of the three women poisoned at lunch died this morning and the other two are in critical condition. St. Mary physicians think she was poisoned as well."
Mic’s mouth formed an “O” as the knot in her stomach hardened. "Oh my, Slade, that's two murders."
Slade looked into her eyes and said "Yeah and my guess is there’ll be more. Most likely the other two ladies that were poisoned yesterday will die, I’m afraid," he said in a low voice.
Michaela stared into her empty coffee cup and rubbed Angel's neck. Angel knew his mistress was upset and had come over and sat next to her. He knew Michaela like a book, better than she knew herself. He licked her hand to comfort her and she spoke to him softly, taking comfort in rubbing his back.
She looked up at Slade and said, "Well, it looks more and more like a local killer. I think the general and the congressman were ruling out some sort of act of international terrorism directed at General Rothrock."
Slade shook his head and said, "You never know. It could be an international terrorist threat. It wouldn’t be unusual for a terror group to retaliate by killing others."
Mic nodded and said, "Yeah, I've thought about that. But still, we can’t rule out terrorism against Rothrock, at least not yet.”
“That’s right,” Slade agreed. “Terrorists are diabolical and organized and these crimes are planned and orchestrated well.”
“Yeah,” Mic agreed. “No question. Last night I went down to Biddy’s and we secured the taproom, the kitchen, and storage areas as best we could. We doubled security and I hired several RPD officers to be on duty twenty-four-seven. I have them stationed between the kitchen and storage room. I just can’t be too careful.”
Slade nodded his approval. “Good. You can’t be too careful. You don’t need this crap happening at Biddy’s. It’s probably more vulnerable because it’s a police hangout.”
Mic shrugged her shoulders. “Yeah. I thought about that. We also installed a keypad on the taproom door and only three people can enter to change the taps or refill beer kegs. That’s pretty much all I know to do," she finished wistfully. "Do you have any more ideas on how I can secure the kitchen and storage areas?"
Slade considered this for a moment and said, "You've got good security camera surveillance everywhere, right?"
"I do, but I could use a few more in the back of the restaurant. If anyone comes and tries something, they’ll most likely come through the back, don't you agree?"
Slade looked uncertain. “Well, you’d think so but who knows. Still, you should get your security company over there ASAP. Can you access your camera feed from your phone and computer?"
Michaela nodded. "I can and I look at it a lot. I always like to stay at least three feet in front of the Virginia Alcohol Control Board laws."
Slade laughed, "Yeah, there're some tough guys over there. You never want to get on their bad side because from what I hear, they never let you alone."
Mic nodded. “Yeah. That's what I hear too. So, are you headed out to meet with the poison investigative team, or whatever they’re called? The combination of local poison people and the Feds’ poison team?"
"Yeah. The FBI has sent their poison forensic team. You are welcome to come with me. It’s this afternoon. I’m sure the general or Congressman Lee can get you a seat at the table. I'll share what we’ve got with you now, which isn't much." Slade stopped and picked up his phone that signaled a text. His face paled, "Oh my God, Michaela. We've got a class full of elementary school students passed out at the Busy Burger downtown near the Capitol. They’re on a class trip and stopped for an early lunch."
Mic jumped up from the table. "Kids, oh no.” A look of dismay and fear flashed across her face. “We're dealing with a serial poisoner, a maniac. Come on, Slade, let's get over there.”
"I'll drive. Angel can ride in the back," Slade said as he grabbed a pastry to go. He looked at Michaela who grabbed her purse and sunglasses and said, "Set your security system and all the bells and whistles you pay for each month."
Mic nodded, "I'll be out in a minute. Oh, my God, a school bus full of kids. This guy is pure evil.”
Slade gestured to the door. “Hurry up.”
Michaela nodded. “Take Angel and start the car. I’ll be right there as soon as I arm my system."