The man scrutinized the documents, then spoke to someone behind the door. "José, comply." He looked back to Gene, then pulled aside his jacket. He leaned forward so that Gene could remove the handgun holstered inside. He then pulled up a pant-leg and displayed his ankle holster for similar treatment. Gene passed the weapons one-by-one to Carl, who tagged them with bar codes from some kind of handheld widget and put them in a duffel bag.
The man behind the door appeared, a large Latino with an enormous black bushy mustache. He held his weapons by the barrels. Gene took them and passed them back.
The first bodyguard accepted a walkie-talkie from José. "Mike," he said into it, "it's the FBI with a warrant authorizing them to detain us. Come on down weapons-safe, over." His accent was all Virginia.
The device crackled into life. "On my way. Out."
Within minutes, all three men had been frisked and sat on the couch. They had ID, weapon permits, and company cards showing they worked for Old Dominion Security Service, all of which Sam verified. Nonetheless, Gene stood guard with Paul as Jerri and Carl searched the house.
The first guard's name was John Brussard. "So," John said, "what are you guys looking for? Maybe we can just tell you where it is."
"Why does Dr. Lefkowitz need five security guards?" Gene asked.
"Eight. Why does anyone need guards?"
"What do you know about him outside his practice?"
"Agent Palomini, we can't speak to law enforcement without a company attorney present, other than at the request of our client. Now, I know that's a pain in your ass, and it's not how I mean to be. But the doctor told us that someday the authorities might show up. He didn't tell us why; he just told us to let him know if you did.
"If you want to stop him from running, you should let me call my guys so we can make sure this doesn't get ugly. We're a legit security company. We don't assist fugitives or suspects."
Gene weighed his options. "Okay, let's do it that way. It's a good day if no one gets hurt."
"Agreed," John said. "I'll need my cell phone back."
"Let me call my guy first." Gene activated the COM. "Marty, John Brussard is the head of the security detail. He'll be calling the tail car to tell his men to get the doctor to pull over and surrender. They'll disarm themselves and let you take them into custody. Sam, can you put the cell call over the COM?"
"I need the number," she said.
With John's cooperation they made the necessary arrangements. Gene gave his brother the order to apprehend the suspect.
Marty crested a hill to find both cars pulled over. The guards stood outside their vehicle with their hands laced on their heads. Marty pulled up, and Doug hopped out to handle the guards.
"Agent Goldman," the one on the right said, "our weapons are on the back seat. Let us know what you need us to do to put you at ease."
Confident that Doug had that part handled, Marty blocked Lefkowitz in. The doctor had his hands on the steering wheel, but the car was off and the keys sat on the dashboard. Wispy white hair covered his head, disheveled as if he'd been running his hands through it. He stared at the floor.
Marty took no chances. He unholstered his service pistol and pointed it through the windshield. "Doctor Abraham Lefkowitz. Keep your hands on the wheel and do not move them. I am going to approach the vehicle and open the door. When I do, you are to step out slowly with your hands in plain sight, walk to the front of the car, and lean against the hood with both hands. If you understand and will comply, nod your head."
The doctor looked up at Marty and nodded. When Marty looked into his eyes, he expected to see fear, anger, and defiance. The last thing he expected was haunted, horrified relief.
* * *
January 10th, 8:04 AM EST; Home of Abraham Lefkowitz, M.D.; Manassas, Virginia.
Forensics searched the house while Gene's team moved Dr. Lefkowitz to a nearby safe house. Carl had video and audio equipment set up to record the interrogation. Renner looked bored. Gene knew he wasn't. Doug stood behind Paul, prepared to act at a moment's notice. Another pair of agents flanked the doors, focused on Renner. Carl gave Gene the thumbs-up, and he began.
"Doctor Abraham Lefkowitz, you are a person of interest in a multiple homicide case. You have a right to have a lawyer present during questioning. Please call your attorney now."
The doctor looked up at Gene with a haunted expression. "I understand," he said. "I don't want an attorney." His accent was slightly European, a healthy shot of German mixed with a touch of British.
"To be clear," Gene said, "you're waiving your right to have an attorney present during questioning?"