Page 41 of Night Justice

“It’s what was in the briefcase, wasn’t it?”

She gave him a quick nod, still trying to decipher what was displayed. “Probably. I had it the whole time but only found it this morning. What’s on it?”

Devin offered his hand, and she put the device on it. He turned and started pushing things around in what appeared to be a workstation. He found a cable, plugged it in the device and went to what seemed to be the biggest computer around.

He typed a few keys before bringing a chair closer to sit. Orla leaned over him until she saw the same codes as before appeared on the bigger screen. Shown like this, they seemed more like a chemical formula. “What is it?”

Devin grunted. “I didn’t learn that sort of science, never cared for it, but wait a sec. If I copy part of the formula and do a quick search on our beloved Internet…”

Pages flew until a name popped. “Haloperidol. What on earth is that?”

Devin continued typing. “Seems to be an antipsychotic drug. Very powerful. Part of the formula refers to haloperidol. Interesting, as it’s used to stop manifestations of several psychotic disorders, but one of the main side effects from it are hallucinations, seizures, dementia, and movement disorder.”

“Those are the same effects that Phantom supposedly causes. This must be a part of its composition. Someone must have scanned it.”

“Scanned Phantom? Well, the unknown provider keeps that drug so close to the vest, it’s no wonder some greedy soul would try to work out the recipe. What I don’t understand is why somebody didn’t try it sooner. Phantom has been rampant in Europe for months. Why not use one of these things and become a distributor?”

Wheels were obviously squeaking in that geeky head of his. Devin seemed to ponder it before taking it back in his hands and examining it. “Well, molecular scanners exist on a commercial scale, but from what I know, they’re not that precise. We’ll need to have a chemist look at the formula, but I doubt it would offer much in-depth information. No brand, no markings. If I didn’t know better, I’d say it’s one of a kind. Governmental secret project or a private researcher. Can’t say. Leave it with me, and I’ll send it to the guys.”

It was a possibility, but not one Orla was considering. “You can download whatever you find in there, but I’m taking it with me. I need to give something to the cops and write an article. And as I can’t talk about you guys, I need that option.”

The hacker wasn’t pleased, but it wasn’t his decision to make.

Pouring back over his computer again, he completed the download process before unhooking the device. “I’ll forward this information. On a related topic, I’ve got a bit of bad news. My buddies haven’t caught White. At least not yet. Until they do, be really careful. He must have opened the briefcase by now as the GPS has been disabled. You crossed him, and I’m certain he won’t forget that. Ever.

Years of covering wars across the globe had taught her that much. A wounded predator was at his most lethal, and Mr.White, whoever he was, wouldn’t be any different. “I may have lied, but I’m pretty sure the sudden appearance of your friends infuriated him more.”

A little smile tugged at his lips. “Will you continue to be our informer?”

Orla put the scanner back in her bag. “I haven’t decided yet. But I’d rather have a partnership, where you share information with me, too. And so far, I don’t think any of you have held up your end of the bargain.”

“You’re not fair, Orla.”

“I know. This is more complicated than I know, yada, yada, yada. You, your boss, and Sam have told me so often enough.”

Devin had the worst poker face she’d ever seen, and Orla had her confirmation as surprise crossed his features before he blanked his expression. “Don’t worry; he didn’t betray you all. I just connected the dots. And I suppose Sloane is also part of your team. I see no use in revealing any of this to anyone. I owe you all my life. And even more importantly, we’re on the same side. I’ll contact you if I find anything useful. I’ll be careful.” Her hand on the door handle, she hesitated a moment. “And please, pass on the same advice to your team.”

She was about to twist the door handle, trying to sort thought the confusion in her head as to what to do next, when Devin coughed behind her.

“Nice pendant. It’s good to know where it came from.”

That made her pause, her free hand went to her half-crescent moon. “What do you mean?”

Devin leaned against his overloaded desk, making a pile of papers fall like snow. “I saw him rubbing that thing often when he thought no one was looking. Whatever happened between you two, Sam isn’t a bad man. He’s a thief, and if he didn’t care, he wouldn’t have returned it to you. Or cared so much about you.”

Orla sighed and opened the door. “I respect his decision, but maybe he should’ve kept the pendant as a lucky charm after all. I fear he needs it more than I do.”

ChapterNineteen

His body wanted to collapse,but Sam kept going. Inside the lair’s gym, his only goal was to exhaust himself, to push his body until he found his center again and from what he felt, it wasn’t happening any time soon.

Josh had sparred with him, giving a good beating before tapping out. Sloane was next, and the vicious former cop gave him a good fight, but still, it wasn’t enough. Others lurked nearby but left him alone. Sam knew he wasn’t his usual, easy-going self and he didn’t yet know how to get him back.

It was due to White’s escaping. Each time Sam thought how the fucker vanished, red-hot anger rose. They’d been so close, and yet they’d failed.

Over the last few days, Phantom had hit the streets, it was only a trickle at this stage, but it was another sign they couldn’t prevent its spread. He’d been on standby in case he was needed. His time as a vigilante had ended for now and another had taken his place.

It wasn’t about Orla. For her, he’d made the best decision. Since that night when he’d last seen her, he’d remained part of the support team and had turned into an angry bear. He didn’t know what was worse, staying away from her or watching what she was doing.

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