Ruskin, I fully understand the need for a complete investigation.""Right. We both recognize things may not always be what they seem." In Ian's case he was acquainted with Francine's lodger because the man called for her at the lab on occasion. As for the caretaker in the laboratory hallway on the day Sandra was infected, he had been showing off his hand-carved chess pieces in hopes Ian would buy a set for Christmas. "Nevertheless, I wish to reiterate you have my full confidence.""Thank you, sir.""May I assume you're with Dr. Ashe?""Yes sir, outside her office."He cleared his throat. "I must speak with her, and I wish you present when I do. My news will be upsetting and she trusts you, Barker."Far more than she trusted him at present, but could he blame her after the fracas over Francine's lodger and Ian?"David," Claire answered guardedly."Thank you for alerting my office as soon as you learned Dr. Berger had decided to visit her family in Tel Aviv en route to Morocco.""I knew you'd hunt her down," she replied impatiently. "No point in a wasted trip to Morocco. Have you talked to her? Are you convinced yet that she's as innocent as Ian?"He hesitated. Her obvious hostility made his practiced speech unsuitable, but no words were adequate for what he had to impart. "I'm afraid I have some very bad news. I regret I am not with you to say this in person, but you need to know and I want you to hear it from me." He braced himself, grateful to know Ian Barker stood beside her. "Claire, Francine is dead."He flinched at her scream, the cry of an animal in pain.He wanted to force her into his arms for comfort, but barring that possibility, he plowed ahead. "There was a confrontation at her nephew's bar mitzvah. Things went afoul and, as I understand it, Francine became collateral damage."She echoed his words with vicious precision: "Collateral damage?"Her contempt stung, and he prayed he could make her understand. "The Mossad was surveilling some men who attended the bar mitzvah. Two canisters were exchanged. Francine must have grasped their significance. In any event she followed the men outside just as the operation got underway and was caught in the crossfire.""How could you allow this?" she shot back."I was not present. Claire –""How could you?"Her pain was so visceral he had to close his eyes. She believed him responsible, and in a twisted sort of way perhaps he was. His suspicions had led the Mossad to the bar mitzvah, even if the men with the canisters were guests, not Francine's blood relatives."Francine didn't deserve this. She didn't," Claire roared."Yes, you're absolutely correct. Her death is a tragedy. I'm so very sorry, Claire. Truly I am.""Francine," she moaned.She needed to realize Francine did not die in vain. "The canisters appear to be Tivaz TB." "Francine," she repeated again, this time barely above a whisper.And then a sharp crack startled him."Claire," he shouted."She's dropped the phone and left her office," Ian explained. "I'm following her, sir. On her way to the W.C.""Give her some time Ian, but stay close by. Dr.
