Maybe

49

“THEY’RE STILL CHECKING Gundy’s house,” Lou says, “and they’re going to pin the Derby City Fair attack on him, but they’re not going to declare him responsible for poisoning the kids in Nashville.”

“Why not?”

“The official explanation?”

“Go ahead.”

“They don’t have enough evidence.”

“What’s the real reason?”

“My opinion?”

“Yeah.”

“I think the administration doesn’t want to admit they failed to issue a warning when you made the recommendation.”

“And why didn’t they?”

“They thought it would create a panic situation. Plus, they weren’t convinced one guy did it, or that he’d do it again.”

“Technically they were right. He didn’t put poison in any other dispensers, as far as we know.”

“No. But he did something far worse with the ricin. And you know the media culture we’re dealing with today, right?”

“Yeah. No matter who you are, or what you’ve done, or how many people you’ve helped, or what you’ve stood for all your life, the only thing that counts is if you could have done more. If they can make a case you could have done more, you’re toast.”

“And the president doesn’t want to be toast,” Lou says.

“Which is why he’s going to work with me on this Dani Ripper thing.”

“Do you really want me to go so far as to threaten the president?”

“No. I want you to tell Sherm Phillips I’m threatening the president.”

“What’s the threat, specifically?”

“You’re taping me.”

He pauses. “Yes.”

“The specific threat is the president could have done more. I warned him this guy was going to keep attacking. I happen to know Dani and Sophie are innocent, and I like having Sal Bonadello owing me a huge favor.”

“Donovan?”

“Yeah?”

“You sort of rambled there. What’s the specific threat you’re making?”

“I’ll tell the media the president could have done more.”

“And if he says it’s your word against his?”

“I’ll explain how we found the guy, and how we know he killed those children at the birthday party in Nashville. And you know what’s really scary?”

“What’s that?”

“I bet Gundy did some other shit we don’t even know about yet. Which means the president can still do more.”

“Got it. I’ll let you know what he says.”

To my surprise, I get my answer forty minutes later.

“Sherm says this thing with Dani and Sophie is going to be on your ass.”

“Okay.”

“I’m serious, Donovan. If it turns out you’re wrong, and one or both of them killed Dani’s husband, they’re going to sell you out.”

“I can live with that. So how’s it going down?”

“You’ll meet with Agent Chase on Sunday. He’ll show you the evidence. He’s hard core, meaning, he’s not going to drop the case without interviewing the girl.”

“But?”

“But you’ll go with him to Sophie’s house for the interview. You’ll watch how Dani handles the questions. If you’re convinced she’s innocent, you’ll make the call. He’ll abide by your decision.”

“He’s okay with me impersonating an FBI agent?”

“He is not. But the president okayed it.”

“Personally?”

“No, of course not. But yes, through Sherm. So how does all this sound to you?”

“Perfect, for two reasons. First, I get to meet Dani in person. Second, I get to spend two more days with Miranda.”

“Good for you.”

“Speaking of good things, I’m very happy for your promotion.”

“I only got it because you didn’t want it.”

“That’s not true. You’re a diplomat. They respect that.”

“I suspect Holden Prescott didn’t want me, but he must have been outvoted. It helped that I took all the credit for you catching and killing Miles Gundy.”

“I couldn’t have done it without you and the geeks. So, do you have a code name yet?”

“They decided against the whole code name dynamic. None of them knew for sure who Darwin was. They don’t want to make the same mistake twice.”

“Well, either way, I’m proud to work for you, Lou. You’ll be a helluva better boss than Darwin.”

He laughs. “Work for me? You’ve never worked for anyone in your life! You’ll only do the things you agree with. We both know that. The difference between me and Darwin is I know not to expect anything else.”

“See what I mean? You’re already better at this than Darwin.”