Mounting Fears

63

THAT AFTERNOON, LANCE CABOT GOT INTO THE ELEVATOR AND PRESSED THE basement button. As the doors were closing, Katharine Rule Lee stopped them and got on board.

"Good afternoon, Director."

"Good afternoon, Lance."

Lance glanced at his watch. "I haven't often seen you leaving this early."

"My husband and I are flying down to Georgia, so we can vote bright and early for the TV cameras tomorrow morning."

"Oh, yes. From what I hear, his prospects have recently improved."

"That's what I hear, too," Kate replied.

"I wish you both the very best of luck," Lance said.

"Thank you," she replied. "Lance, would you tell me something, please?"

"Of course, Director."

"Is Teddy Fay still dead?"

Lance blinked. "Oh, yes, Director," he managed to say.

Then the elevator doors opened on the ground floor, and Kate got off. Lance continued toward the basement. He pressed his forehead against the cool doors and heaved a great sigh.