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:
Cain-
Rudly’s in Missouri.
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.”
Eliminate the problem.
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 is perfect and I love it. Thanks, Carolyn – I mean, Mrs. Lane-” Katherine laughed nervously. “Now that we’re standing in the White House, I’m not sure what to call you.”
Carolyn smiled gently, then said. “Carolyn, please. My God, you’re my closest friend. I know that these walls and this city can be intimidating, but I’m still me. Okay?”
“Of course. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. We both have to learn how to navigate these new waters. I wouldn’t admit this to anyone but you, but there are times when I wonder what I’m doing here. Can I handle this immense responsibility? It feels very daunting.” Carolyn lowered her voice conspiratorially. “So we’ll just stick together. Deal?”
Katherine relaxed. “Deal.”
“Why don’t you take a seat, and we can talk about how we’re going to handle this job.” Carolyn shut the door behind her, then walked to her desk. “We have a large staff here, and you. Katherine, are going to help me run things. I consider you my right hand. The rest of the staff will report to Randy McCabe, my Chief of Staff, but you and I are going to work together as a team.”
“Just like the old days.”
“Of course.” Carolyn grinned. “My war on drugs platform was so well received during the election, I’ve decided to make it my signature cause. You and I are going to write new legislation to attack the drug problem and reform the social services system. Warner’s given it a rubber stamp, so my task force will have as much funding as we need to achieve our goals.”
“My God, Carolyn, with the U.S. Treasury to back your platform, we can’t lose. This is what you’ve always wanted.” Katherine’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Can you believe we’re actually here, in the White House, doing what you dreamt about?”
“You mean, ‘what we dreamt about.’ You and Warner were always a big part of this dream.”
“How is Warner?”
Carolyn hesitated a moment, her smile fading. “He’s fine. Great, actually.” Her gaze met Katherine’s.
“Is everything all right?” Katherine asked, concern etched in her features.
“Warner’s a brilliant man who’s going to do wonderful things for this country. I’m thankful to be a part of his legacy.”
“But you want more.”
Carolyn shrugged. “We always want what we can’t have.”
Katherine could see the pain in Carolyn’s eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“Oh, don’t be. It’s my own fault.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Someday we’ll talk, but not now.” Carolyn waved her hand and forced a smile. “I certainly didn’t mean to unload on you during your first day. I’m sorry.”
“Just remember, I’m always here for you,” Katherine offered.
“Thanks, that means a lot.” she responded.
It was after midnight when Katherine returned to her townhouse. When she found no message from Jack on her answering machine, she called him at his hotel in Missouri, but he didn’t answer. Odd, Katherine thought, hanging up. She took a quick shower and tried calling him again, still with no luck. Exhausted she dropped onto her bed, and fell sound asleep.
Morning came and Katherine awoke to the pre-dawn light. She made herself some coffee and picked up the phone. Glancing at the clock she realized that although it was 5:35 A.M. in Washington, it would only be 4:35 A.M. in Missouri. She hesitated, then dialed, knowing that her day at the White House would be busy, and this would be her only chance to talk to Jack. She let the phone ring ten times, then dialed back to the hotel operator to make sure she was connecting to the correct room. Still, there was no answer.
SIXTY-ONE
Carolyn rose from her desk when he entered. “I wondered if you’d come.” She knew what he had come for. It was only a matter of time, or so she had hoped.
He wrapped her in an embrace. “I couldn’t wait any longer,” he searched her eyes. “Tell me you feel the same.”
She nodded, unable to speak.
He kissed her neck. “You smell good,” he whispered.
A small sigh escaped her lips. Throughout the campaign the tension between them had built, but neither had dared to act upon it. Now, the White House was theirs, and their privacy insured.
Without releasing her from his embrace, he took a moment to lock her office door.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked.
She wound her arms around his neck. “I’ve never been more sure about anything.”
His lips covered hers.
She responded hungrily.
His hands traveled over her body, lingering, worshiping, then moving on until she grew breathless from desire.
Carolyn felt herself spiraling into a beautiful. warm light. A light she had longed to see and feel for far too many years.
Without breaking their kiss, he scooped her up and carried her to the couch opposite her desk.
He gathered her into his arms as they lay together.
Gently, slowly he made love to her. Carolyn felt as if she would burst with joy as he used his hands and mouth to bring her pleasure again and again. She reached for him, wanting to reciprocate as she savored his tenderness, but he refused her.
“This is about you,” he whispered. “Only you.”
SIXTY-TWO
Jack put on his leather jacket, shoved a few bucks into his right pocket, grabbed his pack of cigarettes, and stuffed them into his left pocket. After turning off his laptop, he started out the door. Realizing his room key was still on the dresser. Jack backtracked. He retrieved the key and, remembering the package he wanted to mail to Maureen, picked it up and left the hotel room. He decided he’d head to the post office before going to the diner.