S i b lings, p.10
S.I.B.lings, page 10
“What makes you think I am withholding information?”
She smiled. “You Mr. Tyson are the epitome of internal wealth of knowledge. Like you, I have reviewed every word in the binders you have. I have been through every autopsy report where the serum was used to take a life. Read every word written on the murders your parents were convicted of. I’ve listened to Rachel's version of what happened in Roanoke. With all of that information, I know there is a significant portion of the story that has not been revealed. I need you to tell me about the origin of the serum.”
“How do I know I can trust you with that information?”
Sapphire took another drink of her beer. “Do you believe in the ability to reach into things unseen to find answers to challenging questions?”
“I do,” Wade smirked.
“So, tell me, what does your tree tell you about me?”
Wade took a drink of his beer as he contemplated her question. His gut and the stars were telling him this is the one person who would be able to bring all this craziness that was happening to a head, maybe even to an end. “What do you need to know?”
“I need to know the origin of the serum. You have that knowledge. Once you share it with me, it will not go any further.”
Wade exhaled, closed his eyes, then began sharing the information his mother wrote in her journal.
That information combined with the information she had gathered filled in grey areas giving her at least a starting point to tracking down the serum. “Have you come across the name Rolfeman?” she asked once he finished talking.
“You are looking for a government connection?”
She nodded. “I pray that I am wrong, but I’m pretty sure I’m not.”
“I don’t think you are either, but the legal connection, one that would hold up in a court of law is not there yet. What will you do if that theory is proven to be correct?”
“My job.”
“No matter the consequences?”
“The alternative of letting it ride could be worse if we do not hold those responsible accountable for their actions, when it is against the citizens of the United States.”
“What will you do with the serum if you find it?”
“When I find it,” Sapphire corrected. “I believe leaving it in production is dangerous to the United States. If it were up to me, I would destroy it. Would it bother you to know I would destroy your mother’s creation?”
“That drug is not my mother’s creation.” Wade stated. “The original formula was intended to assist Alzheimer patients with memory loss. It was created for good. She altered it to use on me only, to suppress my memories as a way of protecting me. Chambers altered it for evil. He used it to kill children, and the other formula to control people's minds. That type of drug is not needed in our world.”
Sapphire smiled as she took another drink. “We are going to be good friends Mr. Tyson.”
“Call me Wade.”
She nodded. “Call me Phire.”
Chapter 17
“Mr. Tyson, thank you for agreeing to meet with me,” Federal Prosecutor Skylar Burrell stated as she walked into the foyer of his home.
“Please call me Wade. With everything that is happening in the city, I thought it would be best to meet privately.” Wade replied as he closed the door behind her. He held his hand up guiding her to his home office. “I hope you do not mind, but I requested my brother and attorney, Montrell Tyson to sit in on our discussion.”
“No,” Skylar stated as she entered the office.
Monty stood then extended his hand. “Prosecutor Burrell, it is a pleasure to meet you in person. Just to get it out of the way, in my humble opinion you should be gracing the covers of magazines along with your sister.”
Skylar smiled as she shook his hand. “Believe me when I tell you, my clumsy two left feet would change your mind the first time I attempted to walk a runway. There is an art to it that I never acquired.”
“You mean the art of walking,” Rachel said as she entered the library with a tray of beverages that she placed on the stand next to the door.
“Hi Rachel,” Skylar hugged her in greeting. She glanced at the glasses of what appeared to be sweet tea. “No tequila today?”
“Girl, I had my fill the last time we met," Rachel replied. “We are not going back down that road again.”
“I did try to warn you,” Skylar laughed.
“Please, why don’t we all take a seat,” Wade stated. He took a seat on the sofa in front of the window as Skylar and Monty sat on the one across from him. Rachel gave each a glass of tea, then took a seat next to Wade.
“Thank you, Rachel,” Skylar placed her glass on a coaster on the table, then sat back. “I would like to state up front, this is a fact-finding interview and nothing more. You are not the subject of the investigation Mr. Tyson, nor is any member of your family.”
“Thank you for clarifying that,” Wade replied. “Rachel has shared your situation with me. I am more than open to assisting in any way that I can. Where would you like to start?”
"As you may, or may not know, the medical examiner of Virginia has determined that the serum used to take the life of District Attorney Alex Burnett was the same serum used in an attempt on Rachel’s life. In addition, several bodies of children who were discovered in the Bristol, Virginia case have been linked to the serum. It has also been determined that the serum was found in several bodies here in the Richmond area. We believe there are more. As you can imagine the existence of a serum that causes the death of human beings at will, is of concern. As a federal prosecutor I am tasked with investigating and prosecuting the creator of that serum, and anyone connected to its production and distribution. In connection with another agency, I have been asked to assist with finding an antidote or counter-serum to reduce or stop its effectiveness. The information I am about to share with you is confidential. I will ask that each of you in this room not share it with anyone for any reason. This is an ongoing investigation, and I will not have it hampered by leaks to the public or the people we are attempting to locate. Do we all agree?”
“More than you could imagine,” Wade replied.
Skylar scanned the occupants of the room to ensure she had each of their understanding and cooperation. “Rachel, you are a reporter. I need you to agree this is all off the record.”
“You have my word. This meeting is off the record,” Rachel nodded.
“Good,” Skylar pulled her tablet out of the bag she was carrying. She opened it, then turned it on. “To ensure we all understand the seriousness of what we are dealing with,” she turned the monitor to face Wade. “These are the number of victims we have found to date whose cause of death have been linked to the serum.”
Monty spoke, “Does your monitor have a share feature?”
“It does,” Skylar nodded as she pushed a few buttons.
Monty pushed a button on the remote control that was lying on the table. “Why don’t we put it on the monitor.” A monitor slowly lowered from the ceiling.
They all turned to the large monitor. As the multitude of bodies appeared the room grew still. No one moved or said a word as pictures of women and a few men scrolled across the screen.
“Please note, this report does not include the children’s bodies from the Roanoke area.” Skylar stated then turned back to look at Wade. “I need you to tell me all you know about the serum.”
Wade's eyes held hers. For a long moment she wasn’t sure what or if he would respond. His eyes shifted from her to his brother, then to Rachel. He stayed on Rachel for a brief moment, then turned back to her.
“I am not comfortable telling you all that I know at this time about the serum. However, I can get you enough information to start the process of finding an antidote and possibly a lead in finding the people responsible for weaponizing the serum,” Wade stated.
“To find an antidote we would need the breakdown of the compounds of the serum. You have access to that information?”
“Before he answers that question,” Monty spoke, “we need a few assurances from you.”
Skylar glared at Wade then at Monty. “You know how this serum came to be?”
Wade nodded. “I do.”
Skylar hesitated, then slowly nodded as she looked at Monty. “What assurances?”
“First the origin of the serum is to be kept confidential. It is not to be written on any document or mentioned in any report until permission is given by Wade Tyson. Second, the ownership of the original serum, once established, will remain with Wade Tyson.”
“Is that it?” Skylar raised an eyebrow.
“No,” Wade sat up. “There is one more I would like to add.”
The frustration of the conditions was working on Skylar. However, to work on her case she needed the information he claimed to have. “What else?”
“I need assurances from the government that once the weaponized form of the serum is located, it will be destroyed. Every ounce of it has to be destroyed. I do not want to hear any reasoning on how that serum could be beneficial to the government or covert operations.”
Skylar nodded. That request was reasonable to her. “I give you my word on that.”
“I’m afraid you cannot do that, Ms. Burrell,” Wade stated. “You are a federal prosecutor. You have to answer to people who work for the federal government. If they decide to rule against your suggestion, you will not be able to keep your word. I am afraid the only person who can guarantee my request is the president of the United States.”
“And we will require that in writing,” Monty added.
Skylar chuckled nervously. “I am not even certain the president is aware of this situation.”
“Due to the gravity of it, I would suggest somebody reach out and tell the man,” Rachel stated. “From the number of attempts on Richmond's Chief of Police, Frank Williams, who happens to be dating the current president’s mother, I think the man needs to be told on so many levels.”
“You lost me there,” Monty stated. “What does this have to do with Chief Williams?”
Wade nodded. “Make the connection Monty. Alex Burnett’s death was by that serum. Members of RPD believe the people behind his death, the death of several judges, and the attack on RPD were by the organization the mayor spoke of during his press conference.”
“Exactly,” Rachel stated. “What he did not mention is that all or most of the deaths connected to the case RPD has been working on were at the hands of the P.I.E. organization. Their weapon of choice is the serum. Do you think for one moment P.I.E. would hesitate to use the serum on the chief or the president’s mother?"
“Or, lord forbid, possibly the president one day.” Wade exhaled.
"My role in this case began with District Attorney Alex Burnett. I was working with him on the case involving the judges when he was killed. As a result, I was contacted by Assistant AG Haskell who advised me there may be a conspiracy involving an organization who is working against the democracy of this country. We have all come to believe that case is connected to the serum. In order for me to continue investigating and eventually prosecuting those involved, I need to uncover all that I can about the serum and its origin." Skylar nodded in agreement. “I believe you can assist me in doing that. Your request will be conveyed to the AG’s office. Is there anything that you could give me to get me started prior to receiving that in writing?”
She watched as Wade sat forward. “Bradford Chambers is the man who altered the serum to become a deadly weapon. However, before he got his hands on it, there was a formula developed to assist Alzheimer patients with memory loss. That formula was the basis for another to suppress memories. It is the second formula that Chambers altered. According to documents, the formula was used to suppress the memories of children who were discarded from an experiment called The Society of Intellectual Beings. I can give you that formula. Which will allow you to, at the very least, begin the process of finding an antidote. For that, my only request is that you allow my brother Ross to assist in locating a scientist who the family will approve.”
Skylar nodded. “A scientist who is, not really, but sort of out of the circle of notability, but one who has the integrity and understanding of the severity of the situation. One who can work under the radar of the scientific community. Just to show you we are all fighting for the same outcome, what if I also guarantee the funding to create this antidote is already in place and is not under government control. Would that convince you to share that formula with me?”
“You have a scientist in mind?” Monty asked.
“Yes,” she smiled up at him. “You can technically say she is a part of me.”
“Your sister, Tylar,” Rachel stood. “She was…is a scientist. After a news article about one of her inventions hit, she was plastered all over social media. Six months later she was in fashion magazines. She basically dropped out of the scientific field and became a fashion model.”
“Not quite…” Skylar hesitantly replied.
“Which part?” Monty inquired.
“Tylar never really stepped out of the scientific world,” Skylar stated. “Science is her first love. Modeling financed her laboratory. She has invented a number of items I am not at liberty to speak of, however, suffice it to say she is aware of the serum and has agreed to assist in finding an antidote. Until now we all assumed she would be starting from scratch. I believe if you have the information you stated, it will advance her findings exponentially.”
“We who?” Wade asked.
“Excuse me?” Skylar cleared her throat.
“You said we? We who?” Wade asked.
Rachel spoke up. “Is it the we who met with us at Cachée’?”
“Yes,” Skylar nodded.
“Wow,” Rachel held her eyes then turned to look at Wade. “You want someone you know, and trust involved on your behalf. I think Ross will be the perfect one to observe the process. He is discreet and doesn’t interfere unless necessary.”
“I will ensure your brother is in on the process from beginning to end,” Skylar stated. “The information you have can get us to an antidote while we also search for this Chambers person.”
Monty nodded in agreement. “We will give you limited information until we receive our terms in writing from the president.”
She closed her tablet and placed it back inside her bag. “For the first time in a while, I think we may have a break in this serum case. Now all I have to do is convince Agent Parker Anderson to help me find the S.I.B.s who were rescued from the lab in Bristol. Can you assist me with that?”
“While you call the AG’s office, I will place a call to Parker,” Monty replied.
Skylar stepped into the foyer of the house to place her call. The call was picked up on the second ring. "AG Haskell, thank you for taking my call,” Skylar spoke. “I believe that we have a good lead on the serum, however, the person with the information is requesting that they receive a guarantee from the president of the United States.”
“A guarantee from the president?" Haskell questioned.
“Yes sir. Please hear me out. The person is requesting that once the serum is located, it will be destroyed. I believe this person has the original formula that led to the making of the serum that is killing people. The very serum that is the primary weapon of the P.I.E. organization. This person is willing to turn that information over to us so that we can find an antidote. In return, he is asking that the killer version of the serum be destroyed.”
“How certain are you about this information?”
“For the first time since this case came to light, I'm beginning to see some sunlight. Is there any way we can grant his request?”
There was hesitation on the other end of the line. Skylar was certain that Haskell was running every scenario in his mind. The number one being how could he grant this request without involving the president. Not sure what the AG would do, Skylar came up with a backup plan. There was always the option of going through TA.
“Tell him what is needed to ensure his cooperation.”
Skylar hesitated. “I’m not sure what you are asking me to do here, sir. You want me to lie to him and say we will agree with his request without discussing this with the president? Or are you going to get the president’s signature agreeing to his request?”
“I will speak with the president,” he replied. “What I cannot guarantee is his agreement to the terms requested.”
Chapter 18
After the meeting with Skylar, Rachel pulled Wade aside. She wasn’t certain how to approach the topic but knew it had to be done. Since the brothers were inside the house and she was fully aware of their listening skills, she decided to step outside under one of the trees to talk.
“Wade, my darling, I want you to hear me out before you speak.” She exhaled. “You are the director of a news network. There is a hell of a story in our midst, and we are the only ones on the inside.” She held up her hand when he started to speak. “I’m not talking about you and these crazy ass powers you now have. I’m talking about what is happening in the city with these murders. As a news organization don’t you think we should be reporting on this serum?”
“It would be difficult to report on the serum and not give the full accounting of its existence or creation.” Wade replied. “Are you ready to divulge the truth to the public?”
“No, not about the creation of your mother’s serum which was used for good. This serum that is killing people was created by the sick mind of Bradford Chambers to kill children. Let’s think about that for a moment. This man, whose family’s life mission was to create children, wanted to kill them. In fact, we know he did kill a few. Maybe even more than we know. And let’s not forget he killed Kate and has distributed this deadly serum to an organization who is currently using it to kill anyone they perceive to be against them or in their way. Somewhere along the line, someone has to give a damn about public safety. They are eliminating people at will, Wade. Anyone who is in a position to derail their plans is a target. And we know this. How can we live with ourselves knowing this information and not informing the general public? Which, by the way, as journalists is our job.”
