“Second Amendment.” Dan dropped the folder on a stack of folders piled on the corner of his desk, intent on showing Shaw the stack. He smiled at Shaw and Roger Dahlgren. “Others have been here, too, with their interests.”
Shaw’s eyes took in the stack, and Dan could see he didn’t like the idea of his recommendation taking its place in line with education, welfare, medical issues, and the myriad other concerns that had been submitted to the constitutional committee.
“Mr. Shaw, please don’t lose heart over this. I understand your concerns, and we all recognize that this issue has its basis in the unreasonable burden the federal government has placed on the states. This issue is important to me, too, Mr. Shaw.” Dan rose from behind his desk, coming out to shake Shaw’s hand. “Nice to see you again, Roger,” he commented. “Keep Woodland green, will you? I kind of have an affinity for the ‘City of Trees.’”
“Thought you might. By the way, Dan, you ought to come up and see our weekend maneuvers some time. You might enjoy the experience.”
Dan waved his arm at the stack of folders on his desk. “Better you come down here, Roger, and help me dig into this pile.”
“Any time, as long as I get to draft the ‘right to bear arms’ clauses,” he added.
“Right.” Dan laughed. “Thanks for coming, both of you. I’ll be in touch.”
John Henry Franklin’s direct phone call to Jean Wolff’s home was unusual. Even though Wolff had been a permanent member of Franklin’s staff for the last several years, other directors knew nothing about his duties and considered him primarily a security officer. Franklin was usually more discreet than to call him at home, so Wolff knew it was important.
Riding the private elevator to Franklin’s top-floor San Francisco suite, Wolff assumed the controlled demeanor he generally displayed in Franklin’s presence. As the elevator door opened, Franklin greeted Wolff. Jean was fully aware that Franklin had watched him on closed-circuit TV as he came into the building and entered the security code necessary to operate the private elevator.
“Good you were able to make it, Jean. Have a seat. Drink?”
“No, thank you.”
Franklin got right to it. “Two hours ago, I received a call from Grant Sully. He was unable to elaborate, but General Cordoba has been to meet with the director of the FBI.”
Wolff remained calm. “Cordoba’s knowledge is limited, John Henry. And the FBI is, after all, his counterpart agency in the States.”
“Yeah, but he’s not a dummy. We can’t assume it’s coincidental. We must consider that he’s revealed what he knows, and maybe the FBI put the rest together. He’s served his usefulness, Jean. Take care of him before it goes any further.”
“I understand, John Henry,” Wolff said, rising. “Something that has come up recently may be just the ticket. May I use your phone?”
Franklin’s face assumed a quizzical expression, but he nodded toward the desk. Wolff picked up the receiver, glanced at a card he took from his wallet, and dialed a number.
“
“Do you still have our friend under wraps?” he asked. “Right. Hold him. I’ll be there in the morning. Oh, and Joaquin. Keep him scared, but don’t injure him. . Okay. . See you then.”
Wolff replaced the phone and turned toward John Henry. “I’ll take that drink now.”
Franklin poured Wolff’s drink, and by a slight inclination of his head, sought explanation.
“Last night, one of our employment farms caught a wetback trying to sneak into the compound. Claims he was after the guy he’d paid to get his family across. Something about getting them killed. We were going to dump him off somewhere, but I think I have a better use for him. I’ll see him in the morning and decide if he’s suitable.”
Franklin waved an impatient hand. “Take care of Cordoba, Jean. If he’s on to anything, he could cause problems. Mexico is already being pressured by the U.S. State Department to rescind the diplomatic recognition they’ve extended to California.”
“Can I contact General Valdez for assistance?”
“Good thought. I’ll call him and let him know you’re coming.”
Wolff downed his drink and turned to leave. “How’d Sully come across this information?”
“He said his field agent in Mexico sent it in the courier pouch eight days ago, but it wasn’t marked urgent, so it flowed like molasses.”
“Bureaucracy. It can be our friend as well as our enemy. I’d better move, John Henry. I’ve got a long drive to reach Bakersfield by morning.”
“Hold on. There’s another issue.”
Wolff paused and waited.
“It has come to my attention that our newest Director of Elections, Stevenson, has a shadow. A
Wolff considered the thought for a moment and nodded. “Not unexpected. The previous two directors have met with unfortunate circumstances.”
“Just keep close tabs on him, Jean. He could still upset the applecart. And by the way, how did Shaw get on with the Rawlings fellow?”
“He distrusts him. Thinks he’s still opposed to the secession.”
“But he’s writing the new California constitution, with the help of my high-priced lawyers, no less.”
Wolff nodded agreement. “Possibly he’s a camel in the tent, as the Arabs would say.”
Franklin took several steps across the room and picked up a thick manila folder, waving it at Wolff. “This is the document I expect to get out of Rawlings’ office, with his endorsement.” He slammed the folder down on the desktop. “If it doesn’t look like this version will become part of the new constitution-and I mean soon-California will be looking for another assemblyman from the Eighth District. Do you understand me?”
“Completely.”
“Good. Now see to Cordoba.”
Chapter 32
California Legislature
Sacramento, California
Dan was just shutting down his computer terminal when his private line rang. He logged off and reached for the handset. “Dan Rawlings.”
“Hi, Dan,” Nicole said. “I’m in Sacramento, and I need some help.”
“Are you a voter in the Eighth Legislative District?” he teased.
“Not yet, but I spend so much time here, I’m beginning to feel like I qualify. Seriously, can you meet me at your apartment in about thirty minutes?”
“Sure. Want some dinner first?”
“No, we’ll have to eat on the way. I’ll explain later, but I haven’t got time to go home first, so will you find some warm outdoor clothing for me? I’ve got boots in the trunk of my car, but I’ll need a jacket, gloves, and probably a rain slicker, if the weather report is right.”
“Are we going to a football game?”
“No, but plan to be out most of the evening. It sounds hokey, Dan, but something’s come up.”
“Actually, it sounds great. An unknown date with a mysterious woman.”
“Mysterious, all right. Oh, and find a shovel if you can.”
