Page 66 of Todd
“It’s okay,” Sadie said softly, her perceptive eyes reading his reluctance with the accuracy that made her such an exceptional operative. “I’m not going anywhere, and you need to hear what they’ve discovered. This investigation is far from over. Plus, I need to call for a nurse to assist me to the bathroom.”
The rational part of his mind knew she was right. Dr. Selinski’s operation had tentacles that extended far beyond Serenity Dunes, and federal authorities would need every piece of intelligence they could gather to ensure the conspiracy was completely dismantled.
But where they now were in their newfound relationship status, he was the man who wanted nothing more than to barricade the door and climb into bed with her.
“Ten minutes,” he said, the words carrying the weight of a promise as he leaned over to offer a brief kiss that he hoped conveyed future possibilities. “I’ll be back in ten minutes, and then we’re not leaving each other’s sides until we’re home in Montana.”
Cole and Cory flanked him as they made their way down the sterile hospital corridor, their presence providing the kind of tactical support that had become second nature during their years of working together.
Agent Rodriguez waited in a small conference room near the nurses’ station, a room the hospital had provided for her use. Sisco stood with her. The exhaustion around her eyes spoke to the massive scope of the investigation that had exploded from their infiltration of Dr. Selinski’s facility. Her professional demeanor suggested she’d been coordinating complex operations since first getting the call.
“Gentlemen,” she began without preamble, consulting the tablet attached to her hand. “I wanted to update you on theoperational status following your intelligence gathering. As of eight hours ago, we’ve taken complete control of Serenity Dunes and initiated systematic processing of all evidence.”
Todd leaned forward. “What’s the status of the remaining guests?”
“All twenty-three guests currently at the facility have been transported here to Phoenix General for medical evaluation,” the agent replied. “Most are showing various levels of pharmaceutical manipulation, although the majority were claiming they felt good and could tell they had sharper mental acuity.” She pursed her lips. “Whether or not they truly do or just think they’re supposed to, I don’t know. Two others were experiencing nausea and are being treated now.”
“Are they cooperating with the investigation?” Cory asked.
Todd nodded at his fellow Keeper’s question, realizing the complications of managing multiple witnesses with compromised cognitive function.
Agent Rodriguez’s expression tightened slightly. “Yes. Most of the guests are threatening lawsuits against the facility. They’re upset that they were used as guinea pigs, even if they were pleased with the results.”
“What about the mining facility?” Todd asked, his mind shifting to the remote location where they’d found Melinda and the horrific evidence of Dr. Selinski’s final solution for problematic guests. “Ms. Torkel mentioned overhearing conversations about bodies buried on the property.”
Agent Rodriguez’s expression grew even more grim, her fingers moving across her tablet to access what was clearly disturbing information. “Our crime scene team has entered and begun processing the site since dawn. So far, the teams have used ground-penetrating radar and identified burial sites in the area behind the main structure, consistent with Ms. Torkel’s testimony about recent disposal activities.”
The clinical language couldn’t disguise the magnitude of what they’d uncovered—women who’d sought wellness and rejuvenation, only to disappear into unmarked graves when they’d grown too suspicious or resistant to Dr. Selinski’s experimental protocols. Todd’s stomach clenched with the knowledge that without their intervention, Sadie could easily have become another victim buried in that desolate stretch of desert.
“The forensic team estimates it will take several weeks to properly excavate and document each site,” Agent Rodriguez continued, her professional composure barely masking what appeared to be personal revulsion at the crimes they were investigating. “We’re treating the entire facility as an active crime scene until we can be certain we’ve located all the victims. Dr. Selinski’s operation appears to have been disposing ofproblemsat that location for at least two years.”
Two years.The timeframe meant there could be more victims who’d simply vanished after luxury spa vacations. Todd slowly shook his head. “What about the staff? The housekeeper, Nina… she was the one who helped us escape.”
Agent Rodriguez nodded as she consulted her notes. “Yes. She’s being questioned to gain more insight into what the maintenance staff knew.”
“And the other high-level employees?” he asked, his mind moving to the human infrastructure that had enabled Dr. Selinski’s operation.
“Yelena Mirov and Dr. Marvin Selinski were arrested at their respective residences without incident,” Agent Rodriguez reported, checking her notes with professional precision. “Both are in federal custody and have invoked their right to counsel. Most of the remaining staff are being interviewed as we process the evidence you gathered, though we expect many will cooperate in exchange for reduced charges.”
The mention of evidence sent satisfaction through Todd’s chest. Despite the personal cost and fear for Sadie’s safety, they’d accomplished their primary mission. The intelligence they’d gathered would ensure that Dr. Selinski’s conspiracy was dismantled and that justice would finally be served for his victims.
“However,” Agent Rodriguez continued, her tone shifting to carry a note of concern that made Todd’s protective instincts flare, “we have one significant problem. Dr. Saanvi Patel, the spa’s medical practitioner and Dr. Selinski’s primary collaborator, hasn’t been located. Her residence shows signs of hasty departure, and we believe she was warned when our initial teams arrived at Serenity Dunes.”
Fury flooded Todd at the thought of Dr. Patel, who possessed intimate knowledge of the experimental compounds that had been used, having managed to escape federal custody.
“Any leads on her location?” Sisco asked.
“We’re coordinating with international authorities and monitoring all transportation hubs,” Agent Rodriguez replied, though her expression suggested the search was proving challenging. “Dr. Patel has significant financial resources and professional connections that could facilitate her disappearance. We’re treating her as a flight risk with access to foreign safe havens.”
A soft chime from Agent Rodriguez’s phone drew her attention to what appeared to be an urgent message. Her expression darkened as she read the update, and Todd felt his stomach drop in anticipation of whatever new crisis was developing.
“What is it?” he demanded, unable to maintain professional patience when Sadie’s safety might be at stake.
“Strange timing since we were just talking about her. Security footage from Phoenix Sky Harbor,” Agent Rodriguezreplied, her voice tight with frustration. “Dr. Patel boarded an international flight to Mumbai three hours ago, using documentation we hadn’t flagged. She’s beyond our immediate reach.”
The news hit Todd like a physical blow, knowing that Dr. Patel had escaped justice. But as he looked down the corridor toward the room with the woman who’d just agreed to build a future with him, one thought rose above all others.
At least she’s alive, and we’ve acknowledged what we felt before it was too late.
