The Blue Zone

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Kate literally hurled herself at him, her whole body paralyzed by fear.

“It’s okay, Kate,” he said, and wrapped her safely in his arms.

Kate nodded, pressing her face against his jacket. “I thought I was being followed. I thought-”

“I’m sorry.” Cavetti held her closely. “That was probably my man. At the bus stop. We just wanted to be sure you were heading home.”

Kate shut her eyes and sucked in a shaky breath, a mixture of nerves and unimaginable relief. She felt her heart rate subside. She pulled away, trying to compose herself.

“Why are you here?”

“This is James Nardozzi,” Cavetti said, introducing the man with him-lean, sharp-jawed, a plain gray suit and equally plain red tie under his raincoat. “He’s with the Justice Department.”

“Yes.” Kate nodded, slightly chagrined. “I remember you from the trial.”

The lawyer smiled thinly.

“We need to ask you some questions, Kate,” the WITSEC agent said. “Can we come in?”

“Of course.” Her hands were still a little jittery. She had some trouble aligning the key with the lock and pulling back the bolt. Fergus was barking at the door. “It’s okay, boy…”

She opened the door to her apartment and flicked on the lights. Kate could never remember feeling such an overwhelming sensation of relief. Thank God they were here. It was about Tina, she assumed. She wanted to tell them anyway. She couldn’t go on holding it back like this anymore.

“Okay.” She placed her groceries on the counter. “Shoot… Poor choice of words.” She smiled.

Kate gradually felt back on her axis. “Go ahead. I know why you’re here.”

Phil Cavetti looked at her a little blankly. What he said sent her axis reeling.

“When was the last time you heard from your father, Kate?”