Bloody Politics (16 page)

“That's him?” Loretta asked looking toward the door. “Hmmmph.”

She stood, hands on hips, as Casey walked our way. I stood up, too, just in case. I could sense from the tilt of Loretta's chin and her tone of voice that she was going to make sure Casey knew she was none too pleased with the situation.

“Hey, Molly,” Casey greeted me with a smile, then looked at Loretta. “You're Molly's friend, Loretta Wade, I take it? I'm Casey Moore, security for Senator John Russell.” He extended his hand.

Loretta glanced at his hand, then back to Casey's face. She'd already given him the once-over as he'd approached. Loretta pursed her mouth for a second, then gave Casey's hand a quick shake. “I'm not going to say I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Moore, because I'm not. I'm not the slightest bit happy with the idea of having two strange men traipse through my house today.”

“I totally understand, Ms. Wade. I'm sure—”

“Don't
Ms
me. I don't like it. It's Mrs. Wade or it's Loretta.” Chin even higher.

“As you wish, Mrs. Wade, I'm sure you felt that your privacy was invaded—”

“You're damn right!” she flashed. “Who is this cretin anyway? Prowling around respectable people's houses.”

“Molly's security firm, Prestige Systems, is working on uncovering this man's identity. And I agree with Molly that you need to have your house secured—”

“I do not want to have a whole team of men prowling around my house, attaching wires or what-have-you everywhere!”

I let Casey try to explain the procedure to the highly annoyed Loretta while I simply stood and watched this tennis match in progress. I must have looked like those spectators at Wimbledon, nothing moving except their eyes, as the ball flew from one side of the net to the other.

“I understand, ma'am—”

“Don't you
ma'am
me!” Loretta snapped, clearly indignant. “You're the same age I am.”

To Casey's credit, he never flinched; he simply listened to Loretta's indignant replies, recalibrated, and ventured forth again with another point in the security argument.

I decided I wasn't watching a tennis game at all. Hell, this was a fencing match. Thrust, parry. Point.
Fascinating
.

“I promise to respect your privacy, Mrs. Wade. Molly and I simply want to make sure your home is safe. Is your house nearby?”

“It's right across the street. How long will this take?” she challenged. “My son will be home from having pizza with the team by ten thirty and I don't want him to see you here. I don't want him worried.”

Casey held up both hands. “Twenty minutes, no more.”

“Well, then, let's get it over and done with,” she ordered as she grabbed her purse and headed for the front doors.

Casey and I followed dutifully behind. I kept my mouth shut and deliberately did not try to catch Casey's gaze. However, the older security guard—who'd been watching this exchange with great interest—spoke up as we approached the door.

“Good to see you, Casey,” he said with a bright smile.

Casey glanced his way and broke into a grin. “Hey, Sam, I didn't see you there. How's it going?” He grabbed Sam's hand for a hearty shake.

“Just fine. Thanks again for that reference.”

“Glad to do it.”

“You helping out Miz Wade?” Sam nodded toward Loretta, who was standing in the open doorway watching this exchange.

“Trying to, Sam. Take it easy now.”

I followed Loretta through the open door, Casey right behind.

“How do you know Sam?” Loretta interrogated while she quickly walked across the wide Harris Teeter sidewalk.

“He and I served together in the Marines. Sam was in one of my platoons in Desert Storm.”

Loretta paused on the curb as a truck passed by on Potomac Avenue. “My husband Gabe was in the Marines. He died in Somalia.”

“I'm sorry.”

Loretta sped across Potomac Avenue toward the row of townhouses that lined the other side of the street. Several houses were still alight since it was not yet ten o'clock at night. However, Loretta headed for the gate of one that was completely dark.

Casey stepped up and opened the chain-link gate to the front yard and walkway. “Do you always leave all the lights out when you leave?” Casey asked.

“No, I don't. But then I usually arrive before dark,” Loretta said as she pulled keys from her purse and sped up the steps, quick as a rabbit. Casey and I hopped up the steps in her wake.

The front porch was wide and had a wrought iron and cushioned-chair set and table. The two-story brick was the same vintage as the other townhouses along that stretch of the street—1920s or 1930s. Maybe older. Prime properties in the eyes of real estate developers and investors.

Loretta unlocked the glass-paneled front door, reached inside, and snapped on the lights. A polished walnut hallway stretched beside the staircase leading upstairs. High ceilings all around. Loretta tossed her purse onto a nearby foyer table and hurried into the living room. A desktop computer sat atop an old-fashioned mahogany desk in a corner.

Casey and I both walked into the living room. Casey glanced all around while I admired the obviously original house molding in the cornices and surrounding the fireplace. Probably early 1900s, I guessed. Highly sought after.

“Loretta, how have you and your neighbors kept these houses? Real estate investors must be knocking on your doors.”

“It hasn't been easy. One landlord owns most of these houses. I own mine.” She bent over the computer and moved the mouse. The desktop monitor brightened immediately, revealing a screen half-filled with icons. “
Damnation!”
She jerked her hand away from the mouse as if it were hot. “He's been in my
computer!
I never leave the monitor on!”

“Do you think your son might have left it on?” Casey asked as he approached the desk.

“Bobby never uses the desktop. He only uses his laptop. And he uses it down here where I can keep an eye on what he's doing.” She made a face. “That cretin
was
in my house!”

“Would you like me to check the rest of your house, Mrs. Wade? Just to make sure nothing else is disturbed.”

“Yes! Who knows where that … that freak prowled around!
Disgusting!
”

I pulled my phone from my purse. “You two go on and check the house. I'm going to call Danny and ask him to contact Prestige Systems right now. Maybe they can come out tomorrow and get your house secured.”

“Good idea, Molly. Lead the way, Mrs. Wade.” Casey gestured toward the hallway.

“It's Loretta. We'll start in the kitchen.” She stalked away, Casey in her wake.

I pressed Danny's name on the phone directory. He answered on the third ring. “What's up? Prestige escort said he let you and Loretta Wade out at the Harris Teeter grocery store. Then Casey showed up and all three of you went across the street into Mrs. Wade's home. Casey already updated me on the intruder situation. Did he actually enter her house?”

“Looks like it. Loretta checked her computer and it's still running. I'll bet the bastard did that on purpose just to let her know someone was there. Loretta did not take it well. Casey's walking through the house with her now to make sure nothing else was disturbed. Do you think Prestige Systems could come out tomorrow to install security here? Loretta's really freaked out.”

“I'll check with them right away. Considering who we're dealing with, they'll probably move Loretta to the top of their list.”

“Are you guys getting any closer to identifying this cretin, as Loretta calls him?”

“Yeah, as a matter of fact. After the basketball game tonight, they were able to separate out some faces that showed similarities to ones who showed at the pub and the library. Appearances are all different, though. Clothes, hair color, stuff like that. This guy obviously uses disguises. But it's harder to conceal facial shape. Beards can disguise to a point, but not completely.”

“It sounds like you're really making progress. What happens when you finally find out who he is?”

“Then it'll be a cat-and-mouse game. We'll have to draw him out into the open somehow.”

Loretta and Casey came down the stairs. “I'm going to get those antiseptic wipes and clean every inch of that computer. In fact, I'm going to wipe down everything in here,” Loretta said before heading for the kitchen.

“Casey's here, did you want to talk to him?”

“Yeah. Listen, Molly, once we narrow these faces down to three or four, I'd like to show them to you. See if you recognize anyone. Would you mind if I came by tomorrow night after you're home? It won't take more than a few minutes.”

“Sure. No problem. Here's Casey.” I'd wanted to say more but didn't know what exactly. I couldn't think fast enough. As Casey approached, I handed over the phone. “It's Danny,” I said and stepped back while Casey and Danny discussed plans on what to do next.

I already knew what I had to do. I had to stop the cretin and his associates. And there was only one way to do it. As soon as I got home, I was going to copy the files I'd compiled of Eric and George's information onto multiple discs, and tomorrow I'd get it out to people who would throw the white-hot glare of publicity onto every past activity Edward Ryker and his cohorts engaged in. Expose every nook and cranny where they thought they could hide their secrets. No more.

_____

“Is that security guard still in there with them?” Raymond asked as he stretched out on his living room sofa. The television was turned low, the local weatherman was running through the weekly forecast. Sunshine for several days.

“Yeah, the lights went on upstairs so I figured the security guard took a walk-through with Wade,” Trask said. “Checking if anything's out of place.”

“Is it?”

“Nope. I was only at her computer. Nothing's there. Her son came home early, but I'd already checked all her files. No research files, just family records. And no storage drives in the desk drawers. Kid must have told his mom I was there, because I watched Wade get agitated while she and Malone were sitting at the game. That's when Malone got on her phone.”

Raymond took a sip from the crystal glass he held close to his chest. The Scotch had finally soothed tonight's coughing spasm. “What do you want to bet Prestige Systems shows up at Wade's house tomorrow?”

“Oh, yeah. I don't doubt it.”

“Considering how much business Prestige has gotten because of us, we ought to get a commission.”

Trask laughed low in his throat. “Don't count on it.”

“Well, you can leave the Wade woman alone from now on. Whatever she knew, she must have written it up at her office and passed it to Malone. We'll never get it.”

“I agree. But that Trudeau guy knows a lot. I can tell. He gave Malone a disc filled with information, and we need to see what's on it.”

Raymond hesitated. He had a bad feeling about another hit so close to Natasha Jorgensen's. “I don't know, Trask.”

“It would be easy. He works late twice a week. I could wait for him in the parking lot. It's pretty dark out there.”

“Yeah, and it's in Ballston. Lots of singles living in those condos, and they go out at night, walking around. And that library isn't far away from the main streets. Luck hasn't been with us the last few times, Trask. Look at today. Wade's son just happened to come home and see you coming out of his house. You were lucky to talk your way out of that.”

“Yeah … but Trudeau is one of those loose ends that you always talk about. Dangling out there.”

Raymond snorted and felt the cough start to tickle.
Damn
. “He's just gonna have to dangle. We've got several out there. Nothing we can do about it now.”

Trask didn't answer, so Raymond took a deep drink of golden heat. That could soothe the cough, but it couldn't chase away the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.

seventeen

Thursday morning

Escort Jeremy held the
car door op
en as I exited the limo. I looked at him and smiled. “I'm not sure how long I'll be, but I imagine you'll be
waiting when I come out.”

“You're right, ma'am.” He glanced at the three-story white brick townhouse where we'd parked in front. On R Street, near Reservoir Road, it was only a few blocks from my house and Senator Russell's home. “Are you sure Congresswoman Wilson is at home?”

“Yes, indeed. I talked to her only moments ago,” I said as I turned toward the brick steps leading to the walkway above.

Since it was only ten minutes after seven o'clock in the morning, the gray skies and lower temperatures brought a hint of autumn's chill to come. Now that it was November and no longer Daylight Saving Time, the days would shorten even faster as the season hastened toward Thanksgiving. Winter was hovering out there, waiting to strike when we least expected.

I hurried up the steps to the front stoop and rang the doorbell. A matronly woman answered the door so quickly, I figured she'd been watching for my arrival.

“Molly Malone, here to see Congresswoman Wilson. She's expecting me,” I said as I stepped inside the foyer. The rich tones of maple woods warmed the entryway.

“Yes, she's waiting for you in the parlor.” The woman gestured toward the room on the right off the hallway.

The parlor reminded me of Eleanor MacKenzie's in décor and tasteful furnishings. Mahogany and luscious red velvet upholstery. Sylvia rose from behind an antique secretary desk and walked over to greet me. Once again I envied her wardrobe budget.

“It's good to see you again, Molly. No matter the time,” she said with a wry smile. “I must confess I was surprised by your early call this morning.”

“I'm sorry to come so early, but I thought it was the best time for us to be uninterrupted.”

“Well, it certainly sounds interesting.” She gestured to the nearby sofa. “We'd better make ourselves comfortable. Would you like coffee?”

“No, thanks, I've already had two cups.” I settled on the luxurious sofa and opened the portfolio on my lap. Sylvia settled at the other end of the sofa. Her gorgeous and expensive Italian heels caught my eye. Too rich for my salary.

“I wanted to thank you again, Molly, for your recommendation of Prestige Systems security company. I was most impressed with their work. And I'm very grateful you suggested it. When they discovered that listening device, I confess … my blood ran cold.” She caught my eye.

“I felt exactly the same way, Congresswoman.”

“Sylvia, please.”

I smiled and pulled out a slender folder from the portfolio. “Well, Sylvia, I believe I've finally found the way for us to even the score with the people who invaded our privacy. I believe I know who is behind it. He's extremely powerful and has many resources at his command, many people to do his bidding, so the only way to combat him is by exposing his past history of shady dealings to the glare of publicity. Lots of publicity.” I held up the folder. “My brother-in-law, former Congressman Eric Grayson, dug into this man's past and found one instance of corruption after another. Unfortunately, Eric died in a car accident before he could make the information public years ago. But he left the information on a computer disc, which I recently discovered. And I have written up all the information so that news media outlets and anyone else who's interested can delve into this congressman's sordid past. Expose him to the glare of daylight at last.”

Sylvia Wilson sat wide-eyed during my entire dramatic recitation. “Is this congressman still in the House?”

“Indeed, he is. And he's probably the most powerful member. Congressman Edward Ryker.”

I watched Sylvia's response as her eyes widened even more and her cheek paled slightly. “Molly, what on earth have you found?”

“I'll let you judge for yourself.” I handed over the file folder. “After I leave here, I'll arrange special deliveries of the exact same file to five of the largest global news media outlets. Maximum exposure so there will be no place to hide.”

Sylvia Wilson took the folder and held it gingerly. “And what do you expect me to do with it? I'm a first-time congresswoman, filling in the remainder of my husband's term. Appointed by the governor, not even elected.” She looked at me expectantly.

I caught her anxious gaze. “I believe you'll find a way, Sylvia. Once the news media start asking questions and raising issues from the past, others will come forward. Ryker has made even more enemies in Congress since he set out to destroy my husband years ago. They'll sense vulnerability now and move in. But I thought it fitting that you should strike an early blow. I believe Edward Ryker is responsible for your husband's death.”

Shock flashed through Sylvia Wilson's eyes then. “Wh-what? But how?
Why?
”

I chose my words carefully, knowing I was walking a very fine line. “I've learned that Congressman Wilson overheard Ryker talking to EU Ambassador Holmberg about a bill in his committee controlling transfers of funds to European banks. That's why your husband Quentin was researching those international banking issues. Unfortunately Ryker must have learned of your husband's eavesdropping. Thus, the listening device found in your wall. I believe your husband's accidental suicide was deliberate murder. Made to look like suicide.”

Sylvia's shocked gaze narrowed. “Molly, do you realize what you're saying?”

“Yes, I do. And I realize it's pure speculation. There's absolutely no proof. But my instinct says Quentin Wilson was eliminated just like my niece Karen, her staffer friend Celeste, and Natasha Jorgensen. All of them had been investigating Edward Ryker and the Epsilon Group, all within the last seven months while this banking bill was moving through committee.”

Sylvia glanced down at the folder in her lap. “I have to admit, I've been thinking about all those deaths ever since you mentioned them last month.”

“Too many coincidences.”

“Still … there's no proof.”

“In the file you'll find other instances of Ryker's past corruption. Allegations of bribery from several different sources. None were ever brought forward successfully then. But now, I sense there will be more people willing to dig deeper into those past incidents. And if the press gets their teeth into it, they'll definitely bring all that dirt to light.” I gave her a crooked smile. “You know how to deal with the press, Congresswoman. I've seen you on TV. Use whatever you find in that file you can without putting yourself at risk. Then, let the hounds of the press go to work. They have very sharp teeth, and they'll make a meal of Edward Ryker. And they'll love every minute of it.”

A slow smile teased across Sylvia's face. “You are a woman after my own heart, Molly. I just have one question. How did you learn that Quentin overheard Ryker talking with Ambassador Holmberg?”

I deliberately glanced out into the beautifully decorated parlor. “I learned it from a highly reliable but confidential source. So, I'm not at liberty to say.” I looked back at Sylvia Wilson and saw the light of recognition spark in her eyes.

“I understand. Well, Molly, I can promise you that I'll do my best. Not being on those subcommittees or committee does make it harder to approach. But I promise I will try.”

“I have no doubt of that, Sylvia. And if I may suggest, Congresswoman Sally Chertoff is on that committee. I have met her several times and she has spoken of doubts about that legislation. So you could find a valuable and experienced ally in her.”

“Thank you, Molly. I appreciate that suggestion.”

“You're smart and tenacious, Sylvia. Those are qualities that will help you succeed in Washington. As the widow of a congressman who was trying to expose corruption, you have more reason than most to speak out.” I gave her a wicked grin. “Besides, bringing down the powerful is an old, established tradition in Washington. The press will love you for it.”

Sylvia Wilson simply laughed.

A little later

“You ready for another surprise?” Trask's voice came over the phone.

Raymond closed his eyes and leaned his head back on the desk chair. “God, no. But tell me anyway.”

“The security guy didn't drive Malone to Senator Russell's first thing this morning as usual. Instead she went over to Sylvia Wilson's house a little after seven. Wilson was there, and Malone was inside with her for over half an hour.”

“Aw, crap,”
Raymond said softly.

“Yeah, I didn't expect that. What do you think she's up to?”

“Probably sharing whatever is on that disc.”

“Too bad we didn't find out about Trudeau sooner.”

“No way we could. Looks like Loretta Wade is the only one who knew about him. By the time you saw Malone meet him, it was already too late. The moment Trudeau gave that disc to Malone, there was nothing we could do. If she starts leaking what's on there, Spencer will have to deal with it. It's out of our hands.” Raymond took a sip of hot coffee. Soothing. “I wonder why she'd spend so much time with Sylvia Wilson. She's low woman on the totem pole on the Hill. No power.”

“Well, Malone's full of surprises. She also didn't go right to Russell's house after she left Wilson. Driver stopped at an express delivery service on Wisconsin Avenue. She went inside with a briefcase.”

Raymond felt his gut clench this time. “
Damn, damn, damn
…” he muttered.

“Yeah, I know. I figure she's sending out that info.”

“Not good. No telling where she's sending that stuff. Those guys are not gonna be happy.”

“I'll stay on Malone.”

“Hell, yes. No telling what she'll do next. By the way, they killed the video feed,” Raymond said, taking another soothing sip. “Prestige driver aimed at it this morning and zapped it. When I came in, there was only static. I ran back the video and saw him do it.”

“I'm surprised they didn't find it before.”

“What makes you think they didn't?” Raymond challenged. “I'd better call Spencer. Be careful surveilling her, Trask.”

“I'm always careful. Hell, I even used a bike this morning. Backpack and Redskins jacket. Just another commuter.”

“Well, take my advice and stay low. I'll let you know what Spencer says.”

“Roger that.”

Later morning

I stepped from my office into the hallway. “Peter, do you have a minute?”

Clearly lost in thought as he hurried down the hallway toward the front door, Peter quickly glanced my way and broke into a smile. “I've got a few. Casey's waiting for me outside to take me back to the Hill. What's up?”

I beckoned him inside my office and picked up two separate portfolio folders from my desk. “I know how pressed you and the senator are for time, but I wanted to give you these folders. Same information. One for each of you. The information inside is extremely sensitive and explosive.”

Peter took both packages and peered at me. “What sort of information is this, Molly? Where did you get this?”

“It's my brother-in-law's research on Congressman Edward Ryker as well as others in powerful positions. Eric found multiple instances of Ryker's corruption and raised many questions about other peoples' involvement. I discovered his CD days ago and learned he planned to make the information public, but his early death prevented it. I'm simply carrying out his wishes.”

Looking at the packages in his hands, Peter frowned slightly. “Edward Ryker, huh? Well, I've been on the Hill long enough to hear the rumors. Eric actually found proof? I always heard Ryker was able to silence any potential accusers. No one ever would go on the record.”

“Eric actually obtained statements from two different mining company owners saying Ryker had demanded bribes in order to obtain government contracts. When they refused, their companies were each eliminated from consideration.”

Peter shook his head. “That was a long time ago, Molly. And it's still only their word against Ryker's. If they're even willing to confront him now. I understand your feelings about Ryker, especially after your husband's death, but …”

“I know what you're saying, Peter. It's all accusations. Allegations. But Eric has listed scores of them. He's even found information about Ryker's connections to international financial institutions. There are suspicious ties to money laundering and foreign banks. Senator Dunston is mentioned, as is former EU Minister Ambassador Holmberg, as well as other highly placed individuals in international finance, even the Epsilon Group.”

That caught Peter's attention immediately, as I knew it would. “Are you serious?”

“Quite serious. You and the senator will see when you go over the file. Definitely keep it private. I wanted Senator Russell to have this before it's made public.”

Peter stared at me. “Good Lord, Molly, are you planning to go to the press with this?”

“Special packages are being delivered today to five major international news outlets. Once the media sees all those allegations piled on top of each other, rumors and speculations, the press won't be able to resist. They'll dive in with investigators and start digging. They'll bring out the dirt for all to see.” I gave him a crooked smile. “Ryker's made a lot of enemies over the years. Once they smell blood in the water, they'll come out with a vengeance.”

Peter gave me a knowing smile. “Take no prisoners, right, Molly?”

“Never. All I've ever wanted for Ryker is exposure. For the public to see who and what he really is. Corrupt, venal, and dishonorable. He doesn't deserve to be in public office.”

“I'll make sure the senator and I take time to go over all this tonight. There're no functions planned and no meetings.” He looked at me with concern. “You're aware the media will descend on you once they receive the packages. I'd better alert Casey to prepare for reporters on the doorstep.”