The Day Before by Liana Brooks Read Free Book Online

can I help you, sir or ma’am?”
    â€œAgent Rose? You must come at once. At once! I am in terrible danger. Things are quite violent. Quite violent.”
    Her heart rate picked up as adrenaline surged. “Please stay calm, sir. First, may I ask who I am speaking to, and where you would like me to go?” she asked in a carefully practiced, neutral tone.
    â€œDon’t you know me?” the man demanded.
    â€œNot by voice alone, sir, no.” The number didn’t match any of the bureau phones from nearby districts, and it didn’t sound like any from Altin’s department.
    â€œThis is Dr. Emir. I’ve spoken to you about my work.”
    She relaxed a bit. She had a hard time thinking Santa from the lab was in that much trouble. “Yes, I remember you now. Is this about Detective Altin’s case, Doctor?”
    â€œNo. Yes. Possibly. My work is . . .” Emir trailed off. “I am in danger. My work is threatened.”
    She perked up again. “Can you describe the threat, Doctor?”
    â€œThe history of the world is in danger.”
    She relaxed . . . again. Repressing a sigh, she asked, “Could you possibly be a little more specific?”
    â€œSomeone is attempting to steal my research.”
    â€œYes, we discussed that on Monday. Have you found any evidence that your computer was tampered with? Mr. Troom was doing a keystroke check on the computer when I left.”
    â€œHenry found nothing.”
    â€œI see. So this isn’t about your research, it’s about the vandalism?”
    â€œI suppose.”
    â€œAnd, you’re aware Detective Altin is handling your case? It’s out of my jurisdiction unless we find evidence there was a violent crime committed or national security is at risk.”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œDid you call Detective Altin?” She drew a few stars on her notepad.
    â€œI did.”
    A few more stars appeared while she counted to ten. “Did Detective Altin say anything about the threat?”
    â€œHe said he would look into the matter.”
    â€œI see. Has he?”
    â€œNo!” Dr. Emir said triumphantly. “I have waited patiently, yet nothing has been done.”
    She glanced at the time on the large city clock. “Tell you what, Doctor—­Detective Altin should be back from lunch by now. Why don’t I call the precinct and have a chat with him?”
    â€œYou must tell him how important this is. Impress upon him the vital nature of my work.”
    â€œI will talk to him about it,” Sam promised as she hung up. With a sigh—­this time very audible—­she dialed Altin’s number. This would make his day.
    â€œAgent Rose? Is this urgent?” Altin made it sound like anything less than a definitive yes wouldn’t be worth the interruption.
    â€œDr. Emir just called.”
    â€œHe called me twenty minutes ago,” Altin said, sounding annoyed.
    â€œHe’s the type who wants things done yesterday.”
    Altin mumbled something under his breath.
    â€œIs there anything I need to know right now?” Sam asked.
    Altin sucked air in with a hiss. “Yeah. I was going to call you in an hour or so. We can’t find Mordicai Robbins.”
    â€œHe’s the security guard who left early, isn’t he?” Sam pulled out the case notes to confirm.
    â€œThat’s him.” Altin paused, then added, “A fisherman reported a sunken truck in the water this morning up past the dam.”
    â€œMr. Robbins was in it?” Sam guessed.
    â€œNot that we can see yet, but it’s the same make and model as his truck. I was waiting for them to finish hauling it up so we could check the plate numbers. If Mr. Robbins is in there, I’ll let you know, but I have a nasty hunch we’re going to have a truck sans driver.”
    â€œWhat about the girl, Melody Chimes? Have you found her yet?”
    Altin chuckled. “That one,