“Besides discovering who owns the IP address I gave you,” Marta said, “we need more information about Felix Krauss’s background, current situation and if he’s been in contact with Vasquez.”
“We need to know what Vasquez intended to do with the virus,” Crusher said.
Marta’s brow creased. “When he installed me at the compound, he said I had seven weeks to weaponize and aerosolize the virus for delivery through a ventilation system.”
“Seven weeks is fairly specific. What does Vasquez hope to gain by releasing a virus?”
“I asked him that same question.” Marta snorted. “He responded with one word...leverage.”
“Vasquez is the head of a cartel. I assume they run drugs and other high-dollar items, potentially worldwide.” Crusher raised his cell phone again and brought up Swede’s number.
Swede answered on the first ring. “I haven’t gotten the data you want yet.”
“I didn’t expect you to. Swede, I’m with Dr. Hale. I’m putting you on speaker.” He hit the button and continued, “I assume you did some background research on Vasquez and his cartel.”
“We did. He’s got a sizable footprint in Colombia. For the most part, he’s been running drugs and laundering money throughout Central and North America. He’s been getting away with it for decades because he has people on his payroll in Colombian government positions. When he moves product, the regulatory agencies responsible for preventing illegal shipments from leaving the country turn a blind eye.”
“Has anything changed recently that would impact Vasquez’s operations?” Crusher asked.
“Not that I’ve found in our research,” Swede said. “The US spent time and money to help train Colombian security forces to help them regain control from illegal armed groups, but that only helped Vasquez by clearing the way for his people, improving his operations by eliminating his competitors.”
“When he brought me in to work on the pathogen, he said he wanted it for leverage,” Marta said.
“Leverage for what?” Swede asked.
“That’s what we hope you can help us with,” Crusher said. “He gave Marta—Dr. Hale—only seven weeks to weaponize the virus and aerosolize it so that it could be spread through a ventilation system.”
“Could he be planning to use it on his own government?” Swede asked.
“The timeframe makes me think he’s planning to use it for a specific event. Something that will be held indoors,” Crusher said.
“Possibly an event to be held in the next couple of weeks,” Marta added.
Crusher nodded. “Something that could have an impact on Vasquez’s cartel or its operations.”
“I’ll work it,” Swede said.
“Just to be clear,” Crusher said, “we have less than two weeks to figure this out.”
“That’s right,” Marta said. “Whoever took over my work with the virus could potentially shorten that timeframe more, making it highly contagious and more easily transmitted from person to person.”
“Worse than COVID transmission?” Swede asked.
“Much.” Marta’s jaw tightened. “And more deadly.”
“I’ll get back to you ASAP,” Swede said. “Anything else?”
“Yes,” Crusher said. “I need you to brief Royce on our discussion.”
“Right. He let me know you’re officially CTS until we know for certain who leaked your plans. We’re working on that as well.”
“Thanks,” Crusher said. “Out here.”
He ended the call, pocketed the cell phone and studied Marta’s face. The dark smudges beneath her eyes were even more pronounced. “You look tired.”
She grimaced, rolled her head back and closed her eyes. “I am.”
“Let’s call it a night.”
