“I realize the risks, Senator, but we’ve got a situation that needs your immediate support. I’m having a function at the Embassy this evening. Why don’t you stop by for a quick drink on the way to your dinner? It shouldn’t take long.”
“Can’t we just deal with it here and now? Obviously you people have screwed up again.”
“Actually, it’s good news. Our problems were eliminated in a freak explosion caused by a gas leak. The contractors got caught in the blast as well. I just need a little support from you to put a lid on anything the fire department or police may find in the rubble. It wouldn’t do for too many people to be asking questions.”
“I’ll get on it right away. It’s about time you got something right. I’ll be there at 7:15.” The Senator snapped his cell phone closed and chuckled.
Potomac, Maryland
Nicole nudged him. “Ring the doorbell, Matt, we’re committed now.” They stood in front of the large double doors of Dr. Thomas’s Potomac residence. Matt felt odd coming back here again. This was where it all started. The reception for Dr. Melikian, the accident, Kelly’s death, and everything else.
He pressed the buzzer. The door opened right away, taking them by surprise. A butler stood before them. “Yes?”
“Dr. Thomas is expecting me. I’m Dr. Wilson Richards and this is Ms. Nicole Delacluse.”
“Yes sir. This way, please.” The elderly butler led them into Dr. Thomas’s library and took their coats. “I’ll announce your arrival. Dr. Thomas is taking a phone call at the moment. It shouldn’t be too long. Would you care for tea or coffee while you’re waiting?”
“Coffee please.” Matt glanced around where several weeks ago he punched Senator Stevens, breaking his nose and knocking out several teeth. He rubbed his hand unconsciously. Photos of Dr. Martin J. Thomas with various dignitaries, including heads of state and former Presidents filled the desk and coffee table. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases offered elegant bindings. A diploma from Yale University held the place of honor on the wall behind a carved Jeffersonian desk.
The butler returned with a silver coffee service. “Dr. Thomas will be right down.” He departed with a quick bow.
Nicole poured two cups of coffee. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said as the spoon slipped from her hand and dropped on the carpet. Bending down to retrieve it she deftly placed the small listening device Eli had given her on the underside of Dr. Thomas’ desk.
A few moments later the door opened. Nicole turned around, spoon in hand. Dr. Martin Thomas walked in. As soon as he saw his visitors, he stopped. “You’re not Wilson Richards.”
“No, sir. I’m not.”
“Just what are you doing here – both of you?”
“Dr. Thomas, listen to me carefully. We don’t mean you any harm and I regret the subterfuge in coming here but you must hear me out. And the truth may be little hard to take.”
Dr. Thomas stood still and watched them. “Try me.”
“Very well. My name is Matthew Richards. Dr. Matthew Richards.”
“That’s preposterous. I know Matt Richards.”
“Look at the scars on his face, Dr. Thomas,” Nicole said, pleading.
“What?”
“The scars around his hairline. He’s been given a face transplant.”
Matt nodded. “Go ahead, Dr. Thomas. It really is me.”
Martin Thomas hesitated then stepped forward and examined Matt’s hairline. “Dear God. What…? Who…?”
“It’s a full face transplant, sir. They did it to me just after the party you held for Dr. Mekikian’s appointment. After I was reported dead.”
“You were killed in a car crash with Senator Stevens’ daughter that night. How…?” Dr. Thomas slowly lowered himself into an armchair, still staring at Matt.
“I was kidnapped, reported as dead, and given this new face.” Matt sat in the opposite facing chair.
Dr. Thomas stared. “This doesn’t mean you are Matthew Richards. It only proves you have a new face.”
Matt laughed. A look of bewilderment spread across Dr. Thomas’ face. “Okay. Fair enough. How about this? I was at the reception for Dr. Melikian. You and I spoke briefly in the receiving line. You asked about my father and then said you were sorry to hear about the death of my brother, Sam. Later that evening I flattened Senator Stevens, right here in this room and left with his daughter.”
Dr. Thomas nodded thoughtfully.
“And remember the time I came to your office at AUB asking for advice about medical school? You told me that just because I came from a long line of prominent physicians that was no guarantee it was the life for me. You said a person had to have the calling, it was in their blood, otherwise they wouldn’t be happy with such a demanding career.” Matt smiled ruefully. “I should have listened to your advice, Dr. Thomas. I didn’t turn out to be a very good physician.”
“What are you thinking, Dr. Thomas?” asked Nicole.
“I’m thinking about the transplant and the stitches and how the healing process would fit into the time frame. It fits.” He looked from Nicole to Matt. “What have they done to you? And why?”
“Are you ready for more hard news?”
“Can I have some coffee first?” Nicole handed him a cup. “Okay, what next?”
“Whoever did this to me believes there is a terrorist cell here in Washington actively plotting to kill the President and that one or more of the students we both knew during that year at AUB are involved.”
“The suicide bomber that killed Dr. Norman…?”
“Probably the same group,” responded Matt. “That’s why I’m here; why I came to you. To find out who among our group might be involved.”
“But that doesn’t explain your face transplant, Matt.”
“I was to be used to track down my old AUB friends. But I escaped from the hospital where I was being held. I’m trying to figure this out but there are a lot of missing pieces.”
Dr. Thomas sat back, lost in thought. “That’s quite a story young man. Why don’t we just call the FBI and let them get to the bottom of this? The deputy commissioner is a good friend of mine.” He walked over to his desk. “And it’s our duty to warn the President if he really is in danger.”
“Dr. Thomas?” Nicole jumped up from the sofa and wedged herself between him and the desk. “Someone’s trying to kill Matt. They’ve made several attempts on his life already and innocent people have been killed. Anyway, the President’s adequately protected, especially following the recent attempt on his life.”
“I don’t believe I got your name, Ms…?”
“Delacluse, Nicole Delacluse of the International Herald Tribune. I’m on a special investigative assignment following the suicide attack on the President. Don’t you think it’s a little too coincidental that Dr. Brian Walker was killed recently? He was one of Matt’s best friends at AUB. And from what’s happened to us in the past few days we know the people trying to kill Matt must have connections high up in our government. Either that or some friendly foreign country, or both. Please-don’t make that call.”
“Kill Matt?”
Matt shook his head sadly. “There have been several attempts on my life. Innocent bystanders have been murdered. These people are ruthless and determined.”
“Alright, it may be too dangerous to involve the authorities at this time. But what on earth can I do?”
“I need your help locating all the junior year abroad students,” Matt replied. “I also recall a graduate student, William Fisher I believe. He was much older than the rest of us but he came over with our group. He gave some terrific lectures about the Middle East. Could he be somehow involved?”
“There’s no way. Will Fisher is one of the top directors at the National Security Agency. In fact he’s on the President’s Special Task Force on Terrorism and the Middle East. He’s a genius at synthesizing information and drawing conclusions. The NSA and the President are fortunate to have him. In fact, maybe he could shed some light on all of this. I can probably get you a meeting with him.”