she dashed off a note in her message book before looking up at Jack.
“Well, sweetie, if you want to make an appointment you won’t have to wait. But if you want to see Mr. Dailey, you’re just going to have to be patient. He’s only in town for a few hours today before flying out tonight, and with the amount of work he has to tie up before moving permanently to Washington, you’ll just have to stand in line.”
Jack looked at her in surprise. “Mark Dailey is here?”
Her brow furrowed. “Of course. That
“Yes. I just wasn’t sure that he’d be here.” Jack sat back down with renewed enthusiasm. He’d wait all day to see Dailey. Jack couldn’t help but smile. His luck seemed to be turning around.
Finally, a secretary appeared in the reception area and ushered him into a standard government office. “Mr. Dailey will be right with you,” she said as she left Jack standing alone in the room. He walked around, examining the decor. Contemporary prints hung on the walls, alternating with diplomas and certificates of achievement. One of the commendations was from the Supreme Court. Jack remembered his father telling him about Mark Dailey’s success with the case.
“How can I help you?”
Jack turned away from reading a plaque with a flash of recognition He knew that voice.
“Nice artwork,” Jack stalled, pointing to a painting on the wall.
“My wife picked it out for me,” Mark Dailey gestured to the seat across from him as he sat behind his desk.
Jack noticed the empty oak shelves, once full of books now crated in boxes that cluttered the floor. A bottle of Glenlivet scotch sat surrounded by highball glasses atop the credenza behind Mark Dailey.
“Getting ready to move to Washington, I see.” Jack sat down.
“Yes, and as I’m sure you can appreciate. I’m very short on time. So, how can I help you, Mr. Rudly?” Dailey blinked rapidly and clasped his hands in front of him
Bingo, the way he rolled his r in Rudly was a dead give away. Dailey had been the man he’d met at the Golden Gate and, no doubt, the man on the tape. “I appreciate your agreeing to see me, although, I have to say I’m a bit surprised.”
“My secretary told me that you wanted to discuss Mort Fields’s death.”
Jack hesitated for a moment, determining the best course of action. Stay cool. Relax. “That’s right. I also want to know more about my father’s death.”
Dailey blinked rapidly again and hesitated, then said quietly. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do. You called me in San Francisco and met me at the Golden Gate Bridge. I know it and you know it. So, let’s stop playing games. You wanted me involved. Now, I’m involved. I want answers.” Jack slammed his hand down on Dailey’s desk. “Who killed my father?” His body trembled with pent-up rage.
Dailey jumped to his feet. “I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
“Not until I get answers. If you’re in danger I can help, but you have to tell me what’s going on?” Jack stared into Dailey’s eyes. He’d hit a chord, he could see it in Dailey’s expression. The atmosphere crackled with the undercurrent of unspoken words.
“I’m very busy.” Mark did not back down from Jack’s stare.
“Let me help you.” Damn it. Dailey had the answers. Jack knew he was right.
Mark pressed the button on his intercom.
“Don’t.” Jack said, feeling Dailey waver. “You came to me for a reason.”
“Please call security. Mr. Rudly needs some assistance with his departure.”
FIFTY-NINE
Mark reached for the bottle of scotch and poured himself a drink.
“Looks to me like you’ve got a bit of a problem.”
Mark startled at the sound of Edmund Lane’s voice. “How’d you get in here?”
“I’m Carolyn’s father-in-law, remember? People know me around here. I come and go as I please.” Edmund sat down, uninvited. “you know, I warned Mort Fields about playing two ends against the middle. But it seems he died before he learned that lesson.”
Mark sat back and eyed the man. In the many years he’d known Edmund, his appearance had not changed. He couldn’t remember Edmund ever looking young, yet he still did not look typically old. His thick, white-gray hair and cold blue eyes gave him a distinguished air, but it was his arrogance that made the energy around him sizzle.
“Is that a threat, Edmund?” How much of his conversation with Jack had Edmund overheard?
Edmund laughed, then said. “Take it as you like. The Council doesn’t forgive traitors.”
“I would never betray the Council,” Mark said. “I’m in this all the way, and you know it.”
Edmund’s eyes narrowed. “Is that so?”
Mark nodded, unsure of where Edmund was headed. If he’d heard Jack claim they’d met on the bridge, then Mark knew his days were numbered.
“Prove it. E-mail Cain through Carolyn’s address. Jack Rudly needs to be eliminated.”
Stunned. Mark stared at Edmund Lane, speechless.
Edmund walked around the desk and turned on Mark’s computer. “Do it.”
Mark swallowed hard, then began to type:
Mark stopped typing.
“So, you met Rudly on the Golden Gate Bridge?” Edmund’s tone was ominous. “It’s either you or him. You decide.”
C
Edmund nodded. “Wise choice.” He turned and left with the same quiet menace with which he had arrived.
SIXTY
Katherine, how wonderful to see you.“ Carolyn walked around her desk and gave Katherine a big hug. ”I’m so glad you’re here.“
“It’s exciting to be here,” Katherine responded, smiling.
“Well, welcome,” Carolyn said, hugging her again. “I’ve missed you terribly. The place just hasn’t felt organized without your touch.” Carolyn released her. “How do you like your new town home? I picked it out myself, you know.”
Katherine beamed. “I love it. That was so nice of you, but you really didn’t have to spend the time. I could have done it.”
“Oh, nonsense. I enjoyed looking. It gave me a chance to see the neighborhoods in Washington. I found it amazing that those buildings were built in the late 1890s. And that street is so quaint and cozy. The minute I saw it. I knew it would be perfect for you. You can even walk to work, so you don’t need to worry about having a car.” Carolyn knew she was speaking quickly in her excitement, but she couldn’t help herself.
“It
