Page 62 of Facing the Enemy

“My son is not a murderer!”

“Then prove it by cooperating.” I’d taken a gamble—one I might live to regret.

“Is Professor Jacobs in this with you?”

“Professor Jacobs is not available. She retired after her brother was killed on July29 in a failure to stop and render aid while crossing the street with his sister.”

Mercury’s face paled. He eased back onto the chair. “What have I done?”

32

Mercury’s breathing slowed. The flush of blood in his face faded. “Why am I here?” he said, his tone flat. “Is this about Carson? Has he been hurt? Is he in trouble?”

“We assure you Carson is all right,” I said. “We also would appreciate your cooperation in answering a few questions.”

“What kind of questions? Do I need my attorney?”

“Legal counsel is your right,” I said. “If you’d feel more comfortable with your attorney present, we can wait here until that person arrives.”

“Not necessary.” A sigh seemed to be dredged up from his toes. “All right, I’ll do my best to answer your questions. But first I need to call my wife. The more I think about it, I’m concerned she and our infant son may be in danger.”

“What kind of danger, Mr. Mercury?”

“If the wrong people find out I’m here, they might—no, they will ... kill her.”

I let silence increase his stress. “They’re safe.”

“What do you mean?”

“Agents are with them at your home. They are providing protection as a precautionary measure. May I call you Ethan?”

“Yes, of course.” He gripped the side of the chair. “You knowabout that night?” he whispered as if the wrong people might hear. “Carson must have told you.”

“We talked to him after tracking him down. He’s afraid for his mother and brother.”

Mercury swallowed hard. “I don’t care what he told you. I mean, it doesn’t matter, and it’s better this way. But please, I must know for sure my wife and baby are safe.”

“They are. Talk to us, Ethan. What’s the issue here? Would those who’d hurt your wife also abduct your infant son?”

He clenched his fist on the tabletop. “Either sell or kill him. Don’t you understand? I’m afraid for my family.”

“We want to help you, but we need answers to find a killer.”

“Professor Jacobs’s brother.” He shook his head. “If I tell you what I know, will the FBI make sure my family is in a safe place?”

“If we determine it’s necessary, yes.”

“And Carson is included?”

“Yes. Tell us about the night Trenton Jacobs died in a failure to stop and render aid meant for his sister.”

Ethan rubbed his pale face. “What I’m about to say stays here?”

“Depends. Understand if you have evidence against someone, you’ll be asked to testify in a court of law.”

“All right. And we are currently being videoed?” When I confirmed the video, he continued. “The problems began last fall. I was contacted by a man who wanted to discuss a business opportunity. I met him for lunch. He introduced himself as John Smith and claimed he was a broker. He represented an investor who offered me ten million dollars for a partnership in Mercury Alarms. I refused, told him I didn’t want a partner and planned to one day turn the business over to my children. He said a refusal wasn’t in my best interests. I left the meeting angry and with plans to go to the police. He called me before I reached my car. He said if I valued the lives of my wife, son, and unborn child, then I’d better turn around and hear him out.” Ethan paused.

I gave him a moment to compose himself.