Page 65 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“The Chemist –our number one subject. The initial target. The big guy. With him in our custody, the rest of this empire will crumble. Nothing moves unless he moves it. We’re certain of it. According to his profile, he is arrogant. Calculated. He lacks remorse and empathy. He is someone who has impeccable schooling.

“A scholar. He’s possibly the head of a major pharmaceutical company, fucking drug administration board member, or something. The bottom line is, that he’s into drugs. The science of it all. He’s a fucking genius,” Brad explained, completely enamored.

“Can we move forward?” Macy asked, seeing his eyes blossom as he discussed a man we were all fascinated with.

“He’s a ghost. According to his profile, he’s hidden in plain sight. He’s someone we’d walk past and never suspect committed a crime his entire life. Keep an eye out for him!”

“Noted.”

“Next is possibly his right-hand man. The person who does all the dirty work. He doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. The Hunter. He is as deadly as he sounds. More than likely very quiet. Says less. Acts more. He’s readily available whenever his boss needs him. No one is off-limits. Not even us, so please be careful.

“Find the quietest in the room and it will likely be him. He’s connected to this killing, we’re certain.” Bradford pointed at the crime scene of a murder we’d yet to solve, mainly because the suspect was on the list with seven others we were trying to get our hands on.

“Bradford, I need to be out of here in ten minutes or less.”

“Right. Right. Speeding this up. The therapist. No therapist at all. Actually, a fucking nightmare. You never want to see him. His tactics are far worse than we’ve seen in the military, foreign countries– anywhere.

“By any means, he will extract information from you. You’ll find he is most likely a very caring being. Possibly an actual therapist in his daily life. He’s inquisitive. It’s in his nature. One to ask questions. Expound on theories. Work your brain before you even know he’s working your brain. This man is a fucking weapon.”

He shook his head. “Please, steer clear of this one. We do not need him picking any part of your brain. If so, we’re all toast.”

“Got it.”

“The Handler. Profile says he’s resourceful, very. Can handle anything you put in front of him. Very good at cleaning messes, along with the next one on the list. The Cleaner. Likely in the legal realm. A paralegal. Lawyer. Something. He cleans the legal messes.

“If we could find someone under their wing who has had legal trouble, I know we can find him. We’re just not sure if it’s one person or an entire fucking team of cleaners. The workload must be massive.”

“I doubt it. They are wise. Very. I doubt they get into much trouble,” I reminded him.

“Didn’t think of that. You’re right.”

“The Madam, we’ve learned is a woman. Her sophistication will likely be the red flag. She’s a woman of class, one that’s not easily impressed. According to her profile, she’s a take-charge woman. She has demands and expects them to be met.

“She gets her way. She’s outgoing. Charming. Likeable, but deadly if crossed. The women she employs are loyal because she is good to them. Generous. And has the potential to change their lives at the snap of a finger.”

“I concur.” I nodded. They were blindly loyal. I’d never seen anything like it. It wasn’t a cult, but it felt like it at times. The way they cherished their leader and protected her at all costs.

“We fall flat there.” Bradford pointed to the last of the list.

“We’re aware there are at least two others involved, possibly four. But, we have nothing. Absolutely nothing on either of them.”

The —

The —

The final names on the list were blank, but we were holding space for them because we knew they existed. With time, we’d have them pinned on the board alongside their occupation, too.

“After tonight, we might have answers. Don’t worry, team.”

“We have faith in you, Johanson. We’ll stay out of your ear so you can pay attention. We’re here to listen.” Jack concluded.

“I need to get out of here. Debrief tomorrow?”

“Yes. See you tomorrow,” Bradford confirmed before logging off.

I did the same. Attire was provided, so I stepped out of the door dressed in a black co-ord set that would be perfect in the gym. I made a mental note to revisit it before I made use of the state-of-the-art equipment downstairs on the amenities floor.

It was Ego Ella May who led me straight to Roulette where I parked in the designated area for the women who made the place the success it was. I’d spent three weeks within the upscale exotic establishment and it lived up to every bit of the hysteria of the city. It wasn’t the average strip club. Nothing about it was average.

---