Three Thousand Miles by Meg Perry

Author:Meg Perry
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: florida, gay mystery, astronauts, cape canaveral, lgbt mystery, newspaper reporters, space coast, cocoa beach, afosi, patrick afb
Publisher: Meg Perry

Chapter 19

Houston, Texas

8:45 am

Zach, to Greg’s amusement, was able to schmooze the guy at the rental car counter into an upgrade. Shortly thereafter they tossed their bags into the back seat of a Jeep Grand Cherokee and headed toward I-45.

Greg left the driving to Zach and texted Justin. On our way to JSC. The Johnson Space Center. How was the bank?

Helpful. Gil had withdrawn $300 again but Mom took out the rest as cash. Opened her own account.

Did she close the account with Gil?

No, couldn’t do that. But she left him about $200. He’ll have to wait for his next pension check for more.

LOL. Good for her. Whatcha doing?

Headed back to your place. Gonna look for the rest of my clothes.

OUR place.

Right. Our place.

I’m serious.

I know. It’ll take me a while to adjust.

I know. Love you.

Love you too. Let me know what they tell you.

Will do.

Greg pocketed his phone as Zach glanced at him. “How’s Justin settling in?”

“Fine, so far. He’s looking for his clothes.”

“Did he find out anything else about that asshole?”

“The asshole has left the building.” Greg explained.

“Whoa. Do you think he’s headed here?”

“Dunno. I’m sure he knows people here. I have no idea how we’d go about finding him, though.”

“Me either.”

“And why bother? Justin won’t need to find him until the divorce papers are ready to serve.”

Zach snorted. “Exactly.”

They stopped at the gatehouse, showed their IDs, and asked for directions to the Astronaut Office. The guard handed them a parking pass, visitor badges, and a map. Ten minutes later they walked into the outer office.

The woman at the desk gave them a curious smile. “How can I help you?”

“I’m Special Agent Greg Marcotte, and this is Special Agent Zach Wells, AFOSI Patrick. We need to see the chief.”

Her expression shifted to one of dismay. “Oh. He’s not here.”

“How about the deputy chief?”

“Yes, she’s here. But…” The woman glanced at her computer screen. “Um. Let me speak to her. You can have a seat if you like.”

“Thank you.”

The woman disappeared back into a warren of offices. A minute later she emerged. “She can see you in about five minutes.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

Eight minutes later, the deputy chief of the astronaut office strode toward them. She wasn’t smiling. “Gentlemen. I’m Samantha Sparks. What can I do for you?”

Greg and Zach stood. Greg said, “Dr. Sparks, I’m Special Agent Marcotte, this is Special Agent Wells, AFOSI. We have questions about Melissa Cross.”

Sparks’ eyes narrowed. Beyond her, at the desk, Greg could see the receptionist’s eyes widen. Sparks said, “I’m not sure I can answer your questions.”

Zach gave her his most winning smile. “May we ask them, though?”

She studied them for a moment. “Sure. Come on back.”

She led them to a comfortably appointed office and pointed to two chairs, then sat behind her desk. “What about Melissa?”

Greg decided to be direct. “Why was she bumped from the ISS mission she was training for?”

Sparks’ blank expression didn’t waver. “I can’t tell you that.”

Greg didn’t allow his pleasant expression to waver, either. “Can’t, or won’t?”

“Can’t.

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