Murder over Kodiak by Robin Barefield

Author:Robin, Barefield
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Publication Consultants

Chapter Ten

We sprinted up the stairs and through a thin layer of smoke that became thicker when we reached the lobby. Two of my coworkers barreled through the lobby doors in front of us. I pushed outside after the graduate students and sucked gratefully at the fresh air.

I stopped, hands on my knees, head up, gulping air.

“Keep moving!” someone yelled. “Get out of here!”

I wasn’t certain the order had been directed at me, but I didn’t question it. I ran toward the parking lot, panic closing over me. The world became a blur around me, as I concentrated only on moving my arms and legs.

I stopped when someone grabbed my arm and held me.

“Thank heavens! Are you okay?” Morgan asked.

I wanted him to let go so I could keep running. I never had been so scared in my life.

“Calm down,” he said. “Come on, I’ll walk with you.”

“What happened?” I spit out the question between gasps.

“We don’t know yet,” Morgan said. There were two explosions in the building. As soon as it’s safe, we’ll send in a team to investigate.”

I turned and looked at the marine center. I felt my knees buckle, and only Morgan’s firm grip kept me from falling. A large hole gaped in the wing of the building that housed the offices, and the section where my office had been was the most badly damaged. If I’d stayed in my office over the lunch hour, instead of going down to the lab... .

“Did everyone get out?” I asked.

Morgan dropped my arm and shook his head. “We don’t know yet. Luckily, the explosion happened over the noon hour, so most of the staff and students were out to lunch.”

I felt sick to my stomach and light headed. I wouldn’t have been here if I could have moved my vehicle.

Someone called Morgan’s name, and we turned around. A police officer approached him. “I’ll be back in a minute,” Morgan said to me, and walked toward the policeman.

My senses were numb. I wandered toward my Explorer, not knowing where else to go. When I reached my vehicle, I leaned against it for support, as if receiving the consolation of an old friend. I opened the driver’s door and glanced at the backseat as I climbed in. I froze and backed out of the vehicle. The note was gone.

I saw Morgan still talking to the policeman. I hurried toward him, but he seemed so far away, and I couldn’t make my legs move fast.

He finished his conversation and looked around for me. When he saw me, he ran toward me. “Are you okay, Jane? You don’t look well.”

I reached him and leaned against him. He put his arms around me. “What happened?” he asked.

“The note,” I said. I closed my eyes and gritted my teeth. I felt as though I was falling apart, and I couldn’t allow that to happen. I pushed away from Morgan and stood, feet apart. I was determined to be strong.

“What about it?” Morgan glanced toward my Explorer.

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