TIRED AND DIRTY, WALTER KENT returned from Maljamar mid-afternoon Sunday. Because of the terror threat, it became another workday. The field investigation reminded him of the war he had fought years ago and tried to forget every day. He considered going by his home for a quick shower and a nap, but his concern for Ashley forced him to head straight to his office. He hadn’t heard from her since she promised to check with him hourly.
When he entered his office he startled Dorothy Hogan. "You look beat and smell like smoke," she said.
"And I feel like..." He caught himself from saying a four letter word...”well, you can guess." He stopped in front of her desk. "Have you heard from Ashley?'
"No, Mr. Kent. Bill Johnson arranged for an early flight to El Paso for her this morning. Should I have?"
Kent remained expressionless and shook his head. "No. No, I just wondered. Ask Bill to come up, would you, please?"
Johnson got the call from Dorothy and headed for the third floor. He entered her office and raised an eyebrow as if to ask Dorothy what was up. She raised a shoulder, shook her head in response, and pointed to Kent's open door.
"Afternoon, Walter. You look like you've been dumpster diving."
"Thanks. I needed that assessment." Trying to hide his anxiety, Walter asked, "Have you heard from Ashley?"
"No. Not since she left for El Paso."
Walter motioned for Bill to sit. "I asked her to keep me posted on her investigation, but she hasn't called. I don't like her out there alone. There’s too much going on all at once.”
"Oh, she'll be all right." He then leaned forward. "But I know what you're saying. How about me giving her a call. She'll probably chew me out for becoming a mother hen, but I'll take the chance."
"Okay, do that. Let me know what you find out." He shuffled papers on his desk. "Fast-tracked preliminary DNA results should be in today. The more I think about her hunch, the more I fear she might be right about Bashir. Those lab reports will confirm who survived and who didn't." His face hardened with concern. "If Bashir's alive, Ashley will have plenty of company whether she wants it or not.