The Planck Factor

Alexis was too stunned to speak for a moment. “Brilliant.”

“At the time, it seemed like a good idea. That way, neither of us could be forced to give all the information to anyone.”

And neither of you could sell it to someone else on your own, either, Alexis thought but said nothing.

“Well, this is quite a situation, isn’t it?” she said. “Not only are these people chasing me for information I don’t have, but they’re chasing you for incomplete information.” Alexis started laughing. Her laughter increased to almost hysterical proportions. When she finally stopped, she was breathing hard and wiping her eyes.

“Are you all right?” Swede said.

“Sure, sure. This will make a great entry in my memoirs. I’ll look back on it and be able to laugh for real--some day.”

“Good,” Swede said. “Because I need you to be strong for me, Alexis.”

“Do tell.” Alexis’ mouth twisted into a wry grimace.

“We not only need to keep away from those guys, we need to make sure they don’t find where Daniel hid his part of the research.” He paused. “That’s where you come in.”

Alexis felt her heart sink. “Because even if I don’t know what his research was, they’ll figure I might know where the documents are.”

“Right.”

Alexis glanced over her shoulder at the receding lights of the motel winking in the distance. This night just got better and better.

From a roadside diner, they took a cab to the nearest bus station and bought two tickets back to Eugene. Once they arrived, Swede suggested they take a quick look through Alexis’ place, saying he might have jumped the gun in overlooking it as Daniel’s hiding place. While they were there, Alexis decided to pack a bag before leaving for wherever they were headed. While she tossed randomly selected clothes into a duffle, Swede searched. Then he paced, throwing glances out the window at intervals.

“Do you think he would’ve kept it here?” he asked, out of the blue.

Alexis stopped and thought. “I have no idea. He never told me anything.”

“No,” Swede said, more to himself than Alexis. “Too dangerous. But where would he keep it?”

“The only thing I can think . . . .”

“Yes?”

“I think his family said something about a safe deposit box.” Alexis zipped her bag shut. “When I was in Portland for the memorial service, I seem to recall someone mentioning it.”

Swede had stopped pacing and looked intent. “I assume the box was here in Eugene?”

Alexis shook her head. “That I couldn’t tell you. I was his fiancé, not his wife. I assumed his family was taking care of . . . all that.”

“Could you call them and ask?” Swede looked even more anxious.

Alexis paused. She hadn’t spoken to her almost-in-laws since the memorial service. “Gosh, I don’t know . . . .”

“Please!” Swede blurted. “There’s a lot at stake here. A threat to national security even.”

“You’re right, of course.” Alexis might have an awkward phone call in store, but national security trumped her discomfort.

JESSICA

I saved the file and shut down my laptop as the plane descended into Dallas, where I would make my connecting flight to D.C. I’d already scoped out the passengers during a trip to the restroom. No redheads or buzz cuts in evidence. I shook my head, feeling slightly ridiculous.

I was looking forward to seeing Liz, but I wondered what I’d tell her. She’d never believe the truth. I could scarcely believe it myself.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Joe