Dark Zone

55

It was a little past 11:00 a.m. when Rubens returned to Crypto City from his meeting at the White House. He went directly to the Art Room, where Tommy Karr was just checking in from Paris.

“You’re not making any jokes,” said Rubens when Karr finished updating him.

“No? Maybe I’m tired,” said Karr.

“Understandable. We haven’t been able to locate the priest?”

Rubens looked at Rockman for the answer, but Karr supplied it.

“The Art Room has been checking. He did a mass this morning and was at some sort of counseling thing this afternoon. I’ll be at the church first thing in the morning.”

“You’re sure Vefoures had another account?” said Rubens.

“I don’t think LaFoote made it up.”

“Very well. Go there first thing. We’ve prepared a report for the French Interior Ministry on some of what we know,” added Rubens. “On the President’s orders.”

“Is it going to Ponclare, too?” Karr’s animosity was obvious.

“That will be their call,” said Rubens.

“Ponclare’s the guy that screwed LaFoote,” said Karr. “He may be a traitor. He may even have killed the old man.”

“You don’t usually jump to conclusions, Tommy.”

“I’m not saying he’s a traitor, just that we ought to be careful.”

“We always endeavor to be careful.”

Tommy laughed, it wasn’t his usual hearty roar.