'Did you check on her information?'
'Naturally. His portfolio could support several small nations. Two of his horses even won the daily double at Santa Anita last week, and, along with a few others, are galloping towards millions in stud fees.'
'So she was lying.'
'She was lying,' agreed Payton.
'But not necessarily about the depression.'
'Let's try substituting another word. Rage, perhaps. Manic rage coupled with hysterical fear.'
'Something didn't happen?' suggested Khalehla.
'Something was not made public as having happened. Perhaps it did, perhaps it didn't… perhaps it was botched. Perhaps, and this could be the trigger, perhaps several of the killers were taken alive, as, indeed, one was in Mesa Verde.'
'And captured people can be made to talk volumes without knowing it.'
'Precisely. All that's needed is one source who can describe one location, a method of travel, a drop. We have such a source, such a person. There are too many complications to hide everything. Whoever's behind these killings has to realize that, at least suspect it. That may have been on Andrew Vanvlanderen's mind.'
'How are things going with the prisoner?'
'He's under now, or, as the doctors say, he's being taken up. He's a maniac. He's tried everything from self-asphyxiation to swallowing his tongue. As a result, they had to inject tranquillizers before they could give him the serums, slowing things a bit. The doctors tell me that we should have the first reports within an hour or so.'
'What do I do now, MJ? I can't very well barge in on the grieving widow—’
'On the contrary, my dear,' interrupted Payton. 'That's exactly what you're going to do. We're going to turn this damned circumstantial liability into an asset. When a person like Mrs. Vanvlanderen accepts a position involving close ties with the potential successor to the President of the United States, personal considerations become secondary… You'll apologize profusely, of course, but then stay with the scenario as we've outlined it.'
'When you think about it,' said Khalehla, 'given the circumstances, the timing couldn't be better. I'm the last person she'll expect. It'll shake her up.'
'I'm glad you agree. Remember, you may show compassion, but the cold business of national security comes first.'
'What about Shapoff? Are we a team?'
'Only if you need him. We've lent him to naval intelligence, consultant status, and I'm glad he's there, but I'd rather you start solo. Work out contact arrangements.'
'I gather he hasn't been briefed.'
'No, only to give you whatever assistance you may ask for.'
'I understand.'
'Adrienne,' said the director of Special Projects, drawing out the name. 'There's something else you should also know.
We may be a step closer to our blond-haired European and, equally important, what he's all about.'
'Who is he? What did you find out?'
'We don't know who he is, but I'd say he's working for people who want to see Evan in the White House… or at least closer to it.'
'My God! He'd never consider it in a thousand years! Who are these people?'
'Very rich and very resourceful, I'd guess.' Payton briefly told her about the impending nationwide campaign to launch Kendrick into the vice presidency. 'Jennings said his people are convinced it could fly—“fast and high” were his words. And in my opinion he wouldn't have the slightest objection.'
'Right down to the President's own reaction,' said Khalehla, her voice quiet, floating into the pay phone. 'Every step, every move that was made was thought out and analysed. All but one.'
'What do you mean?'
