“You lost me, Alex.”
“The press has been all over my story.”
“Yes, I know,” Candace said.
“It’s not a secret that we have been friends over the years.”
Candace began to follow Alex’s reasoning. “He’s taunting you.”
“I think so. Cass is too far. He is close to you. Maybe not you personally, but someone that you might value. You’re convenient—no offense.”
Candace grinned. “None taken.”
“He’s here, Candace—in Albany.”
“Are you sure?”
Alex nodded. “He’s within twenty miles of the airport. It’s just a matter of where. We’re searching hotels, but so far? Nothing. Which means he is likely renting or purchased something. That could be harder to pin down.”
“Do you know who he is?”
“Yes and no.” Alex handed Candace a photo of Jack Carter.
“John (Jack) Carter? Is this the killer?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Explain.”
“We have three names to run down.”
Candace narrowed her gaze. “You have three potential suspects?”
“No.”
“He has three aliases?”
“Maybe,” Alex said. She watched as Candace’s eyebrow arched in challenge. “He could be working with someone. We’re working on some Pennsylvania databases now.” Alex handed Candace another photo. “That’s Brad Lawson. This is the most recent photo the DMV had on file.”
“You think they are both involved?” Candace tried to understand.
“That’s a possibility. I think one person might be giving cover to another. They’ve been friends since their teens. Listen,” Alex said. “He doesn’t have to go after you to get the notoriety you bring. It could be anyone close to you, even someone working on your campaign, a member of your staff.”
“We don’t have the resources to watch everyone who might be considered close to me. I asked Shell to stick close to campaign headquarters and keep her eye open. I’ll pass this along to the paid staff. But you need to know, we already have a tribe of people coming and going. That’s the nature of a campaign. It’s the nature of an open society.”
“I know. I want to put some eyes closer,” Alex said.
“Someone to pose as campaign staff?”
Alex nodded. “It can’t be me or Claire.”
“No, I wouldn’t imagine so. FBI agents?”
“Yes. I have two agents that will be there in the morning. It’s important that no one knows who they are, not even Shell.”
Candace considered Alex’s direction for a moment. Michelle was running her campaign office. Michelle was her daughter. That put her in the crosshairs, and that was not something Candace felt comfortable with. “No.”
“Candace, if she knows she might inadvertently give someone away. Shell is great. She’s not trained for this.”
“No,” Candace repeated. “If what you suspect is true, Shell is the person in the most danger.”
“You have to trust my judgment,” Alex argued. “I’m trying to protect anyone who might end up in his line of sight.”
Candace nodded. “No,” she repeated. “If you want to place agents in that campaign office then we tell Shell. She needs to know who she can go to. I’m not going to hand her this picture and let her think she’s by herself in there.”
Alex understood her friend’s concerns. Michelle needed someone to go to should she see or suspect anything was amiss. “I figured you’d say that.”
“Let me guess; you have a solution.”
“We have a powerful mutual friend who knows what to look for, and who we both trust. Someone who has a direct line to me, and someone Shell will trust.”
Candace immediately understood. Alex wanted to bring Jane Merrow into the equation. “Alex, I don’t think Jane wants to spend time in Albany. It’s Albany, for heaven’s sake.”
Alex chuckled. “She wants you to win this election. That means you need to stay safe first and foremost. She’ll do it if I ask her. I need you to give me the green light to do that. I’m not a politician, Candace. I do know that sometimes a high-profile figure can hinder a campaign more than help it too early in the game. I don’t want to hurt your campaign. Jane,” Alex hesitated. “She’s familiar with both our worlds.”
“I’m aware that Jane is more than the picture painted for the people, Alex.”
Alex smiled. Candace Reid had been around politics her entire life. She’d also served on the Senate Intelligence Committee for years. That committee had held inquiries into President John Merrow’s assassination and into the possible obstruction of justice by his successor Lawrence Strickland, who had left office disgraced by innuendo and ineffectiveness. She doubted that Candace knew the full scope of who Jane Merrow was or that something called The Collaborative worked under the cover of the CIA. It was clear that Candace Reid had surmised there was more to Jane Merrow than a former Hollywood actress who became a fairy tale First Lady.
“But?” Alex asked.
“There’s no but. You’re right. She could be an asset to both of us right now. I’m guessing that you ran this idea by Cassidy?”
“She knows the drill,” Alex said. Cassidy had been married to a congressman for years—a congressman who had once been thought to be headed for the top. She knew the ins and outs of campaign life and the political arena. “She lived it for years.”
“Yes, she did. So, what was her thought on this idea of yours?”
“She thinks that with the media feeding on Ritchie’s drama, having Jane take up a presence might help you with the press.”
Candace smiled. “I agree. The former First Lady would be an asset.”
“But?”
“I should make that request of her, not you.”
“No,” Alex disagreed. “Candace, she needs to know all the reasons she’s there.”
“I think we both know she’s ahead of the curve,” Candace grinned. “You can fill her in on all the details after I speak with her.”
“Candace…”
“Alex, this isn’t up for debate. I’ve heard your case, and I agree with your assessment. Nonetheless, you need to understand that I put myself in a vulnerable position when I decided to run for the White House. I can’t appear vulnerable. Do you understand? This kind of thing goes with the territory.”
“What kind of thing? A serial killer wanting to exploit you?”
“Anyone wanting to exploit me,” Candace said. “The reason isn’t important. I entered this race on a promise to see it through to the end. I knew the risks. We both know that the road to hell is paved with good intentions and the road to the White House is the road to hell.”
“You sound like John.”
“President Merrow wasn’t just our friend, Alex. He was the leader of the free world. That’s not something you seek unless you are prepared to sacrifice yourself when the time comes; whether that’s your reputation or your person.”
Alex shook her head. If only that were true. John Merrow and Candace Reid were cut from the same cloth. They both believed in serving something greater than themselves. She also knew that many people who sought higher office only sought to serve their private interest. In Alex’s view, that put people like Candace at greater risk. She cared. Like it or not, that made her more vulnerable.
“All right,” Alex agreed. “But, you have Jane call me after you speak to her.”
“You have my word. Alex?”
“Yes?”
“You find this son of a bitch and put him where he belongs,” Candace said.
“You have my word, Governor.”
***
Claire noted the cars and license plates as she walked through the small parking lot toward Crow Electrical Services. It was curious to her. She would have expected a company that serviced four states to have a fleet of trucks and vans. There was only one in the parking lot. Either business is great or something is rotten in
Dunmore. She reached the door to the small cement building and took a step inside.
“Can I help you?” a woman’s voice inquired.
Claire nodded. “Sorry, I was looking for a friend of mine that works here,” she said. “I got back into town and I thought maybe I could catch him.”
The woman behind the steel desk gauged Claire cautiously.
Claire turned on the Brackett charm. She smiled. “You probably think I’m a nut case,” she laughed. “I’m not; I swear.” She pulled out a picture and handed it to her friend. “That’s us when we were younger,” she said.
The woman looked at the picture and smiled. She looked back at Claire.
“I wanted to surprise him,” Claire said shyly. “I haven’t seen BJ in a while.”
The woman looked puzzled. “I’m sorry?” she said.
Claire studied the woman’s puzzled gaze with interest. “We went to school together in Connecticut. That was his nickname back then.”
The woman nodded as if beginning to understand. “Well, he’s not here right now. I’m not sure when he’ll be here. He took a few days off.”
Claire sighed. Let’s go out on the limb. “That’s a bummer. I’ll bet he headed to some lake,” she said. “Brandon always did like to fish.”
“Brandon?” the woman asked.
“Brandon,” Claire replied. “BJ? That’s my friend in the picture,” she said.
The woman shook her head in disagreement. “No, that’s Brad.”
Claire narrowed her gaze at the woman.
“I don’t know who Brandon is,” the woman said “But, this picture you gave me is of my boss. There’s no Brandon that works here.”
“Are you sure? Brad and BJ were friends years ago, but that’s BJ in that picture. They always looked alike,” Claire offered a reason for the misunderstanding. “But, I promise; that’s me and Brandon.”
The woman shook her head again. “Then they must be twins,” she said. “I guess Brad could have someone doing some side work. He only has himself and one tech to work client calls these days. If he did hire anyone; he didn’t tell me.”
Claire shrugged. “Like I said, they always were weird,” she played it off. “Practical jokers.”
The woman laughed.
Thank God, she bought it. “Well, I guess I struck out,” Claire replied.
“Here,” the woman scribbled something on a business card and handed it to Claire. “If he gets mad, you didn’t get it from me. That’s Brad’s private number.”
Claire smiled gratefully. “Thanks. I promise; your secret if safe with me.”
“If Brad calls, I can tell him…”
Claire refrained from offering the woman a sly grin. “Tell him Alex stopped by.”
“Sure,” she said. “Sorry, I couldn’t help more.”
“Like I said, they were always weird,” Claire joked. “Thanks again.”
“Good luck!”
Claire waved and made her way out of the office. What the hell is going on here?”
***
“Hi.”
“Oh, that doesn’t sound good,” Cassidy replied over the line.
“What? All I said was hi,” Alex responded.
“It’s not the word; it’s the way you said it. What’s wrong? Did you talk to Candace?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“She agrees with you,” Alex said.
“What’s wrong?”
“I just want this over so that I can come home.”
“How’s it going?” Cassidy asked.
“That depends on what you mean,” Alex said. “Every time I think we’re close, something changes and I’m not sure what direction we are headed. And, every minute I lose puts someone else’s life in danger.”
“What does Claire think?” Cassidy wondered.
“I don’t know. She’s not here.”
“What do you mean she’s not there? Where is she?”
“She’s fine, Cass. She was following up on something. I talked to her a couple of hours ago. She should be here within the hour.”
“Where are you staying?” Cassidy asked.
“Jameson’s old condo,” Alex said. “Lucky for me the kids all abandoned it,” she laughed. “Candace insisted.”
“So, no hotel?”
“Nope.”
“Does it have a kitchen?” Cassidy teased.
“Why? Worried I’ll forget how to do dishes?”
“No, just thinking maybe you will remember to eat.”
“I did find the coffee pot.”
“Alex…”
Alex laughed. “When Claire gets here, we’ll order something. What’s going on there?”
“Not much.”
Alex laughed harder. With four children in the house, there was always something going on. “Are you trying to tell me that you’re bored?”
Cassidy chuckled. “Hardly, just nothing out of the ordinary. Abby gets her cast off tomorrow—thank God.”
“Is it bothering her?”
“No, but it bothered Connor last night.”
“What?”
“They had a little squabble. Apparently, Abby thought playing Rocky with her cast against Connor’s face was a good idea.”
“Oh no, is he okay?”
“He’s fine, just a bruise—a good sized bruise. Just be glad Mom is staying here with my father while I take Abby tomorrow. With that bruise on Connor’s cheek, you might be bailing me out.”
“Nah. They’re used to the kids’ war wounds.”
“That doesn’t make me feel better.”
Alex sighed. “I’m sorry I’m not there.”
“I was kidding,” Cassidy reassured Alex. “I wish you were here too, but we’re all okay.”
“I’m not sure how that makes me feel,” Alex confessed.
“I said we’re okay. I never said we didn’t miss you.”
“How’s Kenz?”
“She’s at Maggie’s with Dylan. Apparently, she is interviewing them for some project.”
“A project for school? The year’s almost over.”
Cassidy snickered. “I’m sure that’s what she’s led them to believe.”
“Oh no.”
“She found Dylan’s old tape recorder,” Cassidy explained.
“Oh boy.”
“I think we have a little spy on our hands.”
Alex groaned.
Cassidy laughed. “Alex, relax. She’s just playing. You know Mackenzie; she’s curious about everything. She’s just like you.”
“That is not necessarily a good thing, Cass.”
“I think it is.”
“You’re biased.”
“Completely,” Cassidy confessed.
“I’ll be home as soon as I can.”
“I know you will.”
“How are you feeling?” Alex asked.
“Good, except for one thing.”
“What is it?” Alex grew concerned.
“My father has turned me into an ice cream junkie.”
Alex chuckled.
“It’s not funny, Alex. If I don’t slow down, I’ll be the size of our SUV before this baby comes.”
Alex erupted in laughter.
“Alex! I’m serious.”
“I love you, Cass.”
“Good thing for you, there will probably be a lot more of me to love soon.”
“Thanks,” Alex said.
“You’re welcome.”
“Call me after Abby’s doctor appointment tomorrow.”
“I promise. Eat something.”
“I’ll have Claire pick up some ice cream.”
“Alex!”
“Goodnight, Cass.”
“Goodnight, love.”
Alex laid back on the couch and stretched. I love ice cream.
***
“Thanks for helping out again this afternoon,” Michelle said.
“Happy to. Sorry, it’s so late in the day. I had a few things to take care of thi
s morning. What can I do?” Brad asked.
“Strange request.”
“Strange doesn’t scare me.”
Michelle pointed up at the ceiling. “Three lights blew this morning. I called the management company but they don’t have anyone available for that until tomorrow. JD said she’d take care of it tonight. I’d prefer not to have Mom kick my ass. She hates it when JD climbs ladders.”
“Why is that?”
“Oh, the cat knocked JD off one once and Mom found her in the emergency room with a concussion.”
“Ouch. Well, you’re in luck. Shedding a little light is my specialty.”
Michelle laughed. “What are you a pastor in your spare time?”
“Not exactly, but I have been known to recite a passage or two.”
“Really?”
He smiled. “I do a little handiwork on the side.”
“Huh.”
“What?” he asked.
“Oh, nothing. Just, sometimes JD looks for people to help out with her projects.”
“Your stepmother?”
“Yeah,” Michelle said.
“I thought I read somewhere that she was an architect?”
“She is. She’d rather play with wood, though.”
He tilted his head.
“Oh, that did not come out the way I meant it,” Michelle sighed. “She likes building things is all.”
He nodded.
“Hey, you know; if you need some extra work, she might need some help.”
“That would be great.”
“I’ll ask her. Besides, it might help keep JD out of trouble with my mom,” she joked.
“Aw, you know what they say? Needles and pins, when a man marries, his trouble begins.”
“Can’t say I ever heard that one. Does it apply to women too?”
He grinned. “I’m sure.”
***
“You know,” Claire said as she set a pizza box down onto a coffee table, “I’m not Dial a Delivery, Toles.”
“You’re not?”
“Ha-ha.”
Alex chuckled. “I promised Cass we’d order something.”
“Yeah? Heard of Dominos?”
“Sure, but why eat that crap when I have Dial a Delivery at my disposal? Look, I just press three…”
Claire threw a can of Diet Coke at Alex. “Wait to open that….”
Untold (Alex and Cassidy Book 5) Page 34
