Page 13 of Flash Freeze

Unlike talk radio and podcasts, Athena thought. She said, “Yesterday, someone detonated an explosive device that damaged the plant’s office building. That’s the kind of thing a group wishing to make a statement and draw attention to their cause might do.”

“Not the Green Resistance,” Cody countered. “We’re dedicated to peaceful demonstrations only. We might use harsh words to get people to listen, and any threats were meant as warnings of what legal measures we will take if they don’t clean that place up. We’ve almost got enough signatures for a class-action suit. We’ve also been talking to a state representative and several members of the city government. They promised to send another inspector over there and not let them buy their way out this time.”

Athena and Bach exchanged a glance. Then she said, “That’s good, Mr. Rivers. I know change can seem painfully slow to someone your age, but going about it the right way leads to progress. Still, I could see why someone in your group, maybe without your education or a job they’re proud of, might think speeding up the process is the answer.”

Cody pressed his lips tight and shook his head. “No. I know everyone in the Green Resistance. We’re a small, dedicated group, fewer than a hundred.”

“Dedicated,” Bach repeated. “Maybe dedicated enough to risk prison to shut down that dangerous, leaky chemical plant.”

“For protesting on their property, maybe.” Cody’s eyes flashed as the bite returned to his voice. “Not for setting off a bomb. That’s not who we are. God, just thinking that those chemicals could have showered a section of Houston, making people sick or worse? That’s way more pollution than they’re producing now. We would never risk such a thing! I’m sorry to learn people died, but we didn’t do it, and you won’t find evidence to back up your accusation.”

“That may be,” Athena said, “but we owe it to those families to conduct a thorough investigation. We need a roster of Green Resistance members. It’s possible one isn’t as nonviolent as he or she led you to believe.”

Cody leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. “I can’t give you that. It’s my job to protect my followers.”

“We can get a warrant,” Bach said.

“Then get one. Of course, you’ll have to find the membership records, and … gee,” Cody said in a pretentious voice, “I can’t remember where I put them.”

Bach pushed to his feet. “We’ll be back with that warrant, and if you destroy evidence pertinent to this case I’ll arrest you for obstruction of justice.” He jabbed a finger in Cody’s direction. The young man didn’t even blink.

Athena rose, regarding Cody with an intuitive gaze. “Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Rivers. You have a charming home and a noble cause, but, as Detective Bach said, don’t play games with us. You’d be surprised how fully the FBI can infiltrate your life if we have a reason to.”

“Yeah,” he huffed, standing to usher them out. “Just as George Orwell predicted.”

Athena didn’t speak until they reached their parked cars. “Why, Detective Bach,” she said casually, “you have a temper.”

“I’m just a multifaceted guy,” he retorted and lit a cigarette. After inhaling his first puff, he asked, “What do you think?”

“I don’t think Cody Rivers planted that bomb,” she answered thoughtfully. “Yet it’s possible someone in the Green Resistance did. He wants to protect his members, but I hope he won’t destroy the records. That would be a shame. He has a good job doing something he believes in. If he gets himself arrested, he’s likely to lose it. I’ll bet he calls up his shadiest members this afternoon to ask if they know anything about the bombing.”

“Damn. Can you put a tap on his phone?”

“If we can get a warrant before it’s too late to matter,” she said. “I also want to talk to both CEOs—Whitmore and Kerrington. I doubt either will see us on a weekend, but I’ll try to set something up when we return to headquarters. Are you coming?”

“Are you kidding? And miss watching Agent Shoops blush?” he laughed. “Meet you there.”

Athena put in a request for two warrants on her drive back to the FBI building. Then she told her car to phone Flash. “Hey you, hunka hunka burnin’ love,” she greeted when Flash answered.

“Like I’ve never heard that one before,” Flash laughed. “Are you done now? Where should I meet you? I’ll tell you, Snuffles has her nose out of joint because she wasn’t invited.”

“I can’t help it that indoor restaurants and movie theaters don’t allow pets,” Athena countered. “I’m not done yet, but getting close.”

“Are you wearing those sexy little silks that always get my blood pumping?”

“Not at the moment,” Athena said. She shouldn’t be shocked at Flash’s teasing anymore, but she felt the heat rush into her cheeks. “I’m at work. Later. Just for you, not Detective Bach.”

“Detective Bach?” Alarm and jealousy rang in Flash’s voice. It warmed Athena to sense Flash’s protectiveness even after months of dating. Rather than growing old, Athena found it reassuring. “Who is this Detective Bach? Have you spent the whole day with her?”

A laugh bubbled out. “He’s with Houston Police, and the brass wants a joint investigation. You don’t have to rush to the rescue or fight him off with a stick. I only have eyes for you.”

“Uh-huh,” Flash uttered dubiously. “And what about your hands, lips, tongue, and other assorted body parts?”

“All yours too. Let’s say seven at my apartment. Be thinking about which movie you want to see—nine or the nine-thirty showing. I want us to take our time at dinner. If I’m not there yet, just let yourself in.”

They had exchanged keys a couple months ago. It was a real milestone for Athena, as she’d never had a key to someone else’s place before. She and her late husband, Timothy, hadn’t done that. They dated, had a socially proper engagement period, and then moved in together after their wedding. She’d been sophomore-silly when Flash gave her the key. Naturally, she reciprocated.

“Sounds good,” Flash replied. “I want us to take our time when we get home. In fact, I wouldn’t mind skipping the movie and getting on with the main attraction. It’s up to you.”