Page 69 of Blind Prophet

“But you believe it’s sabotage?”

“It’s a new helicopter, top of its class, and we assume it’s well-maintained. Hydraulic lines are relatively easy to fuck with. Sabotage is the rational conclusion.”

“Who do you think would do it?” Somewhere out there, there’s a suspect list forming.

“I don’t know,” she grumbles. “Our source let us know he’s not so sure Dorian is the guilty party. He’s second-guessing his original conclusions. If the syndicate is no longer considering Dorian a threat, then maybe something related to Zenith would provide incentive to sabotage his helicopter. Or maybe someone isn’t happy he’s on the short list for chief of staff.”

“The persons of interest list must be a long one.”

“NSA isn’t sharing. Local police in the crash vicinity are preparing for the incoming storm. The investigation into the helicopter crash isn’t a priority.”

The jurisdictions and authority chains are complex. Local LEOs, FAA, NTSB, possibly FBI, given Dorian’s profile. The bureaucratic maze could work in someone’s favor.

“For the record, I believe you should leave.”

“I understand, but…Sophia, I feel like I owe him this weekend. And maybe I owe myself this, too.”

“I guess a near brush with death can make you realize something like that. Are you considering getting back with him?”

“No.” The answer rushes out of my mouth faster than my brain processes the words, but the memory of the kiss heats my skin in direct contradiction to my spontaneous answer. “I mean, we just…” I exhale and exit the bathroom to avoid my reflection. “It’s complicated. Communication isn’t our strength. It’s one reason I left. I think I just want closure. Does that make sense?”

“I guess so.”

“I’m going to be upfront with him. I’m going to share what’s going on.”

“You want to read him in? Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Someone tried to kill him. Isn’t that evidence he’s not the person behind the planned attacks?”

“Why would that be evidence?”

Her annoyance comes through, and once again, I don’t have the answer.

“He’s not the person you’re looking for,” I state. “Even your source is second-guessing his information.”

As certain as I am the sun will rise tomorrow, I am certain he’s not the psycho orchestrating a multipronged attack on the free world. Yes, he could conceivably have a financial motive, but he has more money than he can spend in a lifetime.

Sophia’s disappointment in me comes across in her audible sigh. “He could’ve staged the issue to appear innocent.”

“Sophia, come on.”

“The point is, we don’t have adequate intel. You need to be careful. Emotions cloud judgment.”

“Even if he’s involved, he’d never hurt me. I’m absolutely positive about this.”

“We have evidence that links communications from his compound to North Korea and Russia. He’s in regular contact with Russia.”

“That doesn’t mean he’s guilty. They’re probably clients. He’s an influential person with contacts across the globe.”

“There’s also his father,” Sophia says it as if this fact is a piece of evidence. “Our source hasn’t ruled out his father.”

Mr. Moore’s office in New York City had photos of him with world leaders ranging from presidents, prime ministers, and yes, I recall one photograph of him and Putin in tuxes. I didn’t ask questions, but I distinctly remember the photos in silver frames on the wall where his executive assistant sat.

“His father is ninety-two. According to public flight records, the elder Moore hasn’t been to New York in years.” And we both know the Moores aren’t the type who travel long distances by car.

“Our source claims his father is still heavily involved in syndicate matters. Caroline, I get that there’s a personal component here. If I hadn’t seen Fisher in years, I’m sure I’d be just like you. But remember, you left Dorian for a reason. The relationship died for a reason. And even if he’s not the mastermind behind these attacks, he’s involved somehow. Don’t lose sight of the facts. You were with him a long time ago. People change.”

“I know,” I say, sufficiently scolded.

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