Page 30 of Crocodile Tears
I’m too far away to intervene directly.Even if I could reach them before they complete the abduction, my sidearm would be useless against their superior numbers and firepower, and I can’t risk hitting her in the crossfire.The smart tactical decision is to gather intelligence and coordinate a response with appropriate resources.I have to fight to do that because every instinct is screaming at me to rush the van and save Becci, whatever the cost.
The van disappears toward the main road while I’m still calculating approach angles and response options.It was a professional kidnapping completed in under ninety seconds, executed with the kind of precision that suggests significant planning and detailed knowledge of Rebecca’s routines.
I need access to the building’s security system and any information about Rebecca’s research that might explain why South American paramilitaries would be interested in a geneticist studying cellular regeneration.The university’s security guard might be helpful, depending on his training and willingness to cooperate with someone whose credentials are murky, at best.
The main entrance lobby is empty except for an older security guard who looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.His name tag reads “Frank,” and his posture suggests he’s seen enough strange situations to be appropriately cautious without being immediately hostile.
“Excuse me, Frank.I need to report a possible security incident and get access to the research building.”
Frank looks up from his crossword puzzle with an expression like he’s dealt with late-night academic emergencies before.“What kind of security incident?”
I produce my credentials, choosing the most impressive one from a carefully curated selection of identification cards from various private security firms I’ve worked with over the years.Nothing official enough to cause complications but impressive enough to suggest legitimate authority.
“My name is Calvin Hargrove.I’m a security consultant working with Dr.Rebecca Lawson on threat assessment protocols.”The lie comes easily, supported by enough genuine detail to be convincing.“I just witnessed what appeared to be a coordinated abduction in the faculty parking garage.”
Frank’s expression shifts from bored skepticism to genuine concern.“Abduction?Are you sure it wasn’t just—”
“Six men in tactical gear, specialized equipment, and professional execution.”I keep my voice calm and authoritative.“Dr.Lawson was forcibly removed from the premises approximately five minutes ago.I need access to her lab and the building’s security footage immediately.”
“I’ll have to call this in—”
“Frank, every minute we spend on protocols is time the perpetrators use to increase distance from the scene.”I lean forward slightly, projecting the kind of confident authority that comes from experience in crisis situations.“Dr.Lawson’s life may depend on how quickly we can gather intelligence about this incident.”
He studies my credentials again and then makes the decision that experienced security personnel learn to make when situations exceed normal parameters.“Building access requires keycard entry.I can get you to the research floor, but I’ll need to stay with you while you’re in the building.”
“That’s acceptable.We’ll also need access to security footage from the parking garage and building entrances for the past hour.”
“I can do that from the main security office.”
The elevator ride to the research floor gives me time to organize my approach to Rebecca’s lab.I’m looking for anything that might explain why professional kidnappers would target a cellular regeneration researcher—research notes, correspondence, or data that suggests military or commercial applications for her work.
Rebecca’s lab is exactly what I’d expect from someone whose professional intensity matches her personal passion for scientific discovery.Her equipment is arranged with methodical precision, her research protocols organized in clearly labeled filing systems, and there’s a general atmosphere of focused productivity.
Her computer is still logged in, displaying an unfinished experimental protocol that she apparently abandoned mid-sentence.The cursor blinks after “phase two implementation requires additional safety measures for enhanced genetic expression in reptilian subjects… ” which suggests she was interrupted while working rather than completing her normal shutdown procedures.
“Frank, can you show me the security footage from the parking garage approximately fifteen minutes ago?”
We return to the main security office, where Frank pulls up the digital recording system with the practiced efficiency of someone who’s dealt with academic security issues before.The footage confirms Rebecca’s abduction was carried out by professionals who knew exactly what they were doing.
“Jeez,” Frank mutters as we watch the specialized taser drop Rebecca mid-shift.“Is that Dr.Lawson?What the hell kind of equipment was that?”
“Military-grade electrical weapons designed specifically for shifter physiology.”I study the tactical gear and movement patterns visible in the footage.“These weren’t random criminals or opportunistic kidnappers.This was a targeted operation by people with detailed intelligence about Dr.Lawson’s research and personal routines.”
“Should I call the police?”
“Yes, but this is going to require resources beyond local law enforcement.”I’m already mentally organizing the contact list of people who might be willing to help with an off-the-books international incident.“Frank, I need to make some calls.Can you secure Dr.Lawson’s lab and make sure no one else accesses her research materials?”
“I can do that.But what kind of people kidnap university professors?”
“The kind who think her genetic research is worth more than her personal safety.”
I’m in Rebecca’s office reviewing her research notes when I hear footsteps in the hallway.Frank should be securing the lab area, which means either he’s returned with additional security personnel or someone else has gained access to the building.
The footsteps approach Rebecca’s office with the kind of purposeful stride that suggests familiarity with the building layout.I position myself behind the door, ready to assess whether this is a friendly contact or a potential threat.
A young woman with short dark hair enters the office and immediately stops short when she sees me standing behind Rebecca’s desk.“Who the hell are you and what are you doing in Dr.Lawson’s office?”
Before I can respond, she grabs a heavy-duty stapler from the desk and hurls it at my head with surprising accuracy.I duck, and the stapler impacts the wall behind me with enough force to leave a dent.
