He hesitated a moment. «This may mean nothing, but it seems that shortly before Taylor Winthrop became our ambassador to Russia, he told close friends that he had definitely retired from public life.»
Dana frowned. «And then he accepted the ambassadorship to Russia?»
«Yes.»
Strange.
On the way home, Jeff asked Dana, «What did you do to make such a fan of General Booster?»
«He doesn't want me investigating the deaths in the Winthrop family.»
«Why not?»
«He doesn't explain. He just barks.»
Jeff said slowly, «His bite is worse than his bark, Dana. He's a bad enemy to have.»
She looked at Jeff curiously. «Why?»
«He's head of the FRA, the Federal Research Agency.»
«I know. They develop technology to help underdeveloped countries learn modern production and—»
Jeff said dryly, «And there really is a Santa Claus.»
Dana looked at him, puzzled. «What are you talking about?»
«The agency is a cover-up. The real function of the FRA is to spy on foreign intelligence agencies and intercept their communications. It's ironic. “Frater” means brother in Latin—only this is Big Brother, and Big Brother sure as hell is watching everybody. They're more secretive than even the NSA.»
Dana said thoughtfully, «Taylor Winthrop was once the head of the FRA. That's interesting.»
«I would advise you to stay as far away as you can from General Booster.»
«I intend to.»
«I know you have a sitter problem tonight, honey, so if you have to get home—»
Dana nestled against him. «No way. The sitter can wait. I can't. Let's go to your place.»
Jeff grinned. «I thought you'd never ask.»
Jeff lived in a small apartment in a four-story building on Madison Street. Jeff led Dana into the bedroom.
«I'll be glad when we move into a bigger apartment,» Jeff said. «Kemal has to have his own room. Why don't we—?»
«Why don't we stop talking?» Dana suggested.
Jeff took her in his arms. «Great idea.» He reached behind her and curved his hands around her hips, stroking her softly and gently. He started to undress her.
«Do you know you have a great body?»
«All the fellows tell me that,» Dana said. «It's the talk of the town. Are you planning to get undressed?»
«I'm thinking it over.»
Dana moved up against him and started to unbutton his shirt.
«Do you know you're a hussy?»
She smiled. «You bet.»
When Jeff finished undressing, Dana was in bed waiting for him. She warmed herself in the summer of his arms. He was a wonderful lover, sensual and caring.
«I love you so much,» Dana whispered.
«I love you, my darling.»
As Jeff reached for her, a cell phone rang.
«Yours or mine?»
They laughed. It rang again.
«Mine,» Jeff said. «Let it ring.»
«It might be important,» Dana said.
«Oh, all right.» Jeff sat up, disgruntled. He picked up the phone. «Hello?» His voice changed. «No, it's all right…Go ahead…Of course…I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. It's probably just stress.»
The conversation went on for five minutes. «Right…So take it easy…Fine…Good night, Rachel.» He clicked the phone off.
Isn't it awfully late at night for Rachel to be calling? «Is anything wrong, Jeff?»
«Not really. Rachel's been doing too much. She just needs a rest. She'll be fine.» He took Dana in his arms and said softly, «Where were we?» He pulled her naked body to his and the magic began.
Dana forgot about the problems with the Winthrops and Joan Sinisi and generals and housekeepers and Kemal and schools, and life became a joyous, passionate celebration.
Later, Dana said reluctantly, «I'm afraid it's time for Cinderella to turn into a pumpkin, darling.»
«And what a pumpkin! I'll get my carriage ready.»
She looked down at him. «I think it's ready. One more time?»
When Dana got home, the woman from the sitter service was impatiently waiting to leave.
«It's one-thirty,» she said accusingly.
«I'm sorry. I got tied up.» Dana gave the woman some extra money. «Take a taxi,» she said. «It's dangerous out there. I'll see you tomorrow night.»
The sitter said, «Miss Evans, I think you should know…»
«Yes?»
«All evening Kemal kept pestering me about when you were coming home. That child is very insecure.»
«Thank you. Good night.»
Dana went into Kemal's room. He was awake, playing a computer game.
«Hi, Dana.»
«You're supposed to be asleep, pal.»
«I was waiting for you to come home. Did you have a good time?»
«It was lovely, but I missed you, darling.»
Kemal turned off the computer. «Are you going to go away every night?»
Dana thought about all the emotions behind the question. «I'll try to spend more time with you, darling.»
X
THE CALL CAME out of the blue on Monday morning.
«Dana Evans?»
«Yes.»
«This is Dr. Joel Hirschberg. I'm with the Children's Foundation.»
Dana listened, puzzled. «Yes?»
«Elliot Cromwell mentioned to me that you told him you're having a problem getting a prosthetic arm for your son.»
Dana had to think a moment. «Yes, I guess I did.»
«Mr. Cromwell gave me the background. This foundation has been set up to help children from war-torn countries. From what Mr. Cromwell told me, your son certainly comes under that heading. I wonder if you would like to bring him in to see me?»
«Well, I—well, yes, of course.» They made the appointment for later that day.
When Kemal got home from school, Dana said excitedly, «You and I are going to see a doctor about getting a new arm for you. Would you like that?»
Kemal thought about it. «I don't know. It won't be a real arm.»
«It will be as close to a real arm as we can get. Okay, pal?»
