“It won’t be leaked. My sources are solid.”
“Even so. I don’t want you to do anything right now.”
“I’m not asking in order to get the inside hack for a story. My primary concern is you. I just want to help you.”
“Jack, your career is your life. I realize that fact. And I would never dangle a story in front of your nose and tell you to squelch it. At this point, there’s nothing solid to report, so I don’t feel as though I’m pushing your endurance. But dragging you into the middle would be unfair.”
“I’m a grown man. I can handle the temptation.”
“You’re a journalist.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
“I don’t mean it like that. Can’t we change the subject?”
“Fine. When are you coming back to Washington?” Jack asked.
“I have to be back by next Thursday for a vote on the budget. Will you be in town? Maybe we could have dinner. If Mort’s documents show anything substantial. I could share them with you.”
“I’m afraid not.” Jack responded. “I’m going to Montana on Monday to cover the Unabomber case. Why don’t you let me do some checking on Mort?”
“No. Don’t make me sorry I discussed this with you.”
“What’s wrong with wanting to look out for you? Like father, like son.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s late and I’m tired… I miss you.” There was a pause. “And, Jack…”
“Yeah?”
“I’m really proud of you,” Bill said softly. “You’ve made quite a name for yourself. You’re head and shoulders above the pack.”
Silence hung on the phone line. “Thanks, Dad.”
Bill cleared his throat, “Anyway, I’ll send you any paperwork I get on the Lanes and Fields. Maybe you’ll be able to figure out Fields’s motivation for exposing the Lanes.”
TWENTY-TWO
Carolyn Alden Lane was sitting at her desk in the Cole County Courthouse when her intercom buzzed. “Yes?”“
“Senator Rudly is here to see you.” Katherine said.
Carolyn glanced at her calendar. There was no appointment scheduled. How odd. “Send him in.”
Carolyn stood when Bill Rudly entered. “Senator, what a nice surprise. What brings you here today?”
Bill shook her hand. “Quite frankly, I’m here as a professional courtesy.”
Carolyn motioned for him to sit, then sat facing him.
“It’s been brought to my attention that there may be some problems with Warner running for reelection.” Bill said.
Carolyn frowned. “What are you talking about? I know we’ve gone round and round before on several issues, but aren’t you as tired of this as we are? We belong to the same political party and should be supporting each other, not constantly bickering.”
“This isn’t about fighting, and it’s not personal. I’d love to be able to support Warner, but my first loyalty goes to this country and the people who’ve elected me. If I see something questionable, I question it. So, please, don’t insult me by suggesting that party loyalty should be the first course of business. If s not. And God help this country if that ever changes.”
She agreed with his point; it was his delivery she found unacceptable. Carolyn smiled in an attempt to ease the tension of the moment. “I certainly didn’t mean to offend you. And I didn’t mean to infer that party politics should take precedence over integrity. It just seems that we’re often at odds, when I believe that fundamentally we share the same ideals.”
“You’re quite chaining. Mrs. Lane. But I don’t agree.”
If nothing else, he’s direct. Stay calm, keep trying. He’s a good man, there’s just a communication problem. “What seems to be the problem?”
Bill leaned back. “It appears, from a conversation I’ve had with Mort Fields and some paperwork I’ve received, that you have put yourself and Warner in a compromising position for the next election. Since this involves you, I thought it best to take it up with you directly. Our party can’t afford to put forth a candidate who may have hidden questionable business dealings. So, if Warner still insists on seeking the other senatorial seat, I’m here to tell you that I’ll be requesting an investigation into these affairs. If everything’s clear, it will help you. If not, then we save the party the embarrassment.”
Carolyn sized him up. She had to minimize the damage. Tell the truth, but let him know you’re not a pushover. “I don’t know what you or Mort Fields think I’ve done, but I can assure you that nothing’s occurred that would be considered improper. I would never jeopardize Warner’s career or the party’s position. Never.” She tucked files into her briefcase as she spoke.
The expression on Rudly’s face told Carolyn that he’d already tried and convicted them. As a result, she found no point in continuing their meeting.
“Unfortunately, I’m due in court in five minutes, so you’ll have to excuse me. ” she lied.
An unruffled Bill Rudly rose. “We’re not finished with this topic.”
“Suit yourself.” She watched him leave.
Carolyn called Mark. “Mort Fields has gone south on us. I don’t know how it happened, but Bill Rudly was just in here claiming he’s had conversations with Mort that suggest impropriety on my part that would jeopardize Warner’s pursuit of the Senate. He said he has the paperwork to back it up. He’s going to request an investigation.”
Mark paused. “This doesn’t sound good. Are you worried?”
“Concerned, not worried. If he had anything concrete, Rudly would have said so. At this point, I think all he’s got is supposition. I doubt he’s even got enough to start an investigation. But we need to check it out, hire Cain to look into it.” she said. “This was a warning. What bothers me the most is Mort. I know he won’t come forward himself – he would cut his own throat in the business community. No one would ever trust him again if they believed he turned on a partner. But he obviously set this up through the back door.” Carolyn massaged the throbbing in her temples. A migraine was the last thing she needed right now.
“What can I do to help?”
“Put Cain on Rudly, and call Fields. I don’t care if he’s angry with me. I’m still a partner in his company. Tell him I want out. He’s obviously lost faith in our deal, so he can buy me out. Otherwise, I’ll offer my shares on the open market. He’s not going to want an unknown on his board of directors, so he’ll ante up. Do we have a recent summary of value?”
“Yes.”
“Great. Fax it over to him. Tell him he’s got until Friday – after that I sell to the highest bidder. That company’s a hot commodity, so it won’t be hard to sell.” Carolyn took a deep breath. She was getting used to doing battle.
“I doubt if he’s going to like the strong-arm tactics.”
“He’s left me no choice. Feel free to tell him that.”
“I’ll take care of it.” Mark said. “Why don’t you stop by later today?”
“I wish I could. But I have a trial starting next week and a stack of files to go through. Now this. As it is, I’ll be working until midnight.”
“I have to work late, too. I’ll bring some Chinese food down to your office later, and you can take a short
