Evil Like Me Page 32

  “I know you don’t want to see anything bad happen to your friends. It would be a shame if Miss Patterson lost her PI license and went to jail for interfering with a government investigation. And Detective Baily, he has such a promising career in law enforcement. I’d hate for his medical clearance to be denied. Of course, Dr. Petty has her own problems. The government is looking into pressing charges on her unlawful tampering with evidence in five homicides. To protect our national interests, we sent three experts from Bethesda Research to work with Dr. Petty, to straighten things out. They are all dead now. I wonder why? Who could be implicated? What is the less than obvious motive? Did Dr. Petty come to Memphis to work closer with Dr. Tanner, a Russian mole?”

  “You’re a monster. This is not Nazi Germany,” Wilcox seethed.

  “When it comes to national security, it might as well be,” Baldwin said.

  Wilcox looked at Petty. They had zero options. Baldwin held all the cards. They watched him walk to the window and open the blinds. The sun fell into the room. “Hunter Keller is a national treasure. His psychic gifts are beyond imagination. He is a rarity, the son of two very powerful psychics. He is the perfect storm, the ultimate weapon of mass destruction.”

  “And now you kids can dissect him like a frog in biology class,” Wilcox said.

  “We’re not monsters. I don’t have to tell you we live in a very dangerous world. There are bad people out there, people who wish to do us great harm. I and others have a responsibility to protect our nation. If our enemies obtain the powers of a Hunter Keller, they could destroy the world as we know it. Power is a very complex thing. Once one has it they use it.”

  “And you are the exception?” Petty said.

  Baldwin turned from the window. “Yes. I would like to think so.”

  “It is not your right to imprison and experiment on an innocent man,” Petty said. “No matter how you try to justify it, Hunter Keller has human rights.”

  “He has been avoiding people like you all his life. The man has lost everything, his parents and friends. He just wants to disappear, be left alone,” Wilcox said.

  Baldwin returned to the end of the bed in silence and a troubled gaze.

  Wilcox studied the man he now despised. “You’re not telling us something.” Baldwin looked at his feet. “I remember that face. You had it when you stepped onto the porch at the Brent mansion. That night you were lost. You needed our help. You were desperate.”

  He looked into Wilcox’s eyes and cleared his throat. “You both are free to go when the doctors give you medical clearance,” Baldwin cleared his throat again. “You have my word I will not interfere. Contrary to your negative opinion of me, I do appreciate your assistance in Memphis. Maybe one day you will understand. Your government thanks you.” He attempted a smile, turned, and walked to the door. “Keep in mind our little talk.” He gripped the handle and paused.

  Wilcox looked down at his food tray. One green Jell-O cube lifted off the pile and quivered several inches above the bowl. Petty’s eyes widened. Wilcox froze.

  “Hunter Keller has escaped,” Baldwin said with his back to them. “He thinks you’re his family now. When he makes contact, I am sure you will do the right thing.”

  Baldwin pulled open the door and left the room. Wilcox’s eyes smiled as he stabbed the floating green cube. Petty wiped a tear off her file—we are family.

  Books by Steve Bradshaw

  The Bell Trilogy

  Bluff City Butcher

  The Skies Roared

  Blood Lions

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  Evil Like Me

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  Serial Intent

  About the Author

  STEVE BRADSHAW is a forensic field agent and biotech entrepreneur writing his unique brand of mystery/thrillers. Steve’s training and experience investigating thousands of unexplained deaths for the medical examiner’s office, and as the founder-President/CEO of an innovative biomedical device company enables him to put his readers on the front row in the fascinating worlds of fringe science, modern forensics, and the chilling pursuit of real monsters.

  Steve enjoys sharing his experiences and perspectives as a forensic investigator, President/CEO, and mystery/thriller author. Visit his website and join MEMBER GUEST so you can interact with the author, get insider information and updates, arrange for an author visit, and to be the first in line for new releases.

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