Heroic Measures (continued)

Although he only caught Harrison doing so, Walter was certain that everyone else in the room was now casting furtive, suspicious glances in his direction. Walter wondered whether he should resign—or at least asked to be removed from the active roster until the matter was settled.

“In the meantime,” Raynes continued, “Walter will remain on active status until a substantiated reason is provided that warrants other action.”

Both Harrison and Westin looked displayed. Walter was certain that he say similar reactions from one or two of the others as well.

Harrison rose. “Are you insane?”

Raynes stared back mildly.

“Letting a possible spy and saboteur walk around free?”

“By that logic,” Sen offered calmly, “anyone of us might be suspect.”

“Then test everyone!” Harrison shouted.

Raynes regarded him evenly. “I intend to,” he replied. Walter was not quite certain, but he thought he read the faint hint of a rebuke in the professor’s tone. “As soon as possible—and practical.”

His gaze remained on Harrison.

“In the meantime,” Raynes went on, “I will not restrict the freedom of a member of this team until there is verifiable evidence that we should do so. Not, Mr. Harrison,” he added, “based on solely on suspicion.”

Harrison blew out a breath in frustration. He dropped back down into his seat.

“For the time being,” Raynes concluded, “we will place the critical and sensitive areas of the building under full security lockdown status until this matter is resolved. Mr. Westin, please see to it.”

Westin and Harrison exchanged a quick glance. Walter could read no meaning in it, but it signified something.

But who will watch the watchers? he wondered.

As quickly as the question arose in his mind, he shoved it away. Down that path led to a paranoid madness that he simply did not want to deal with. He glanced over at Red who, despite the unsettling news that they had all just received, was sitting very calmly in his chair. Nothing in his friend’s expression betrayed the least bit of grave concern. When Red turned toward him and flashed him a quick smile, Walter found that reassuring and began to relax—just a little.