No, intel came available you might be interested in.
If it has anything to do with the bombing, youre right, Im interested.
Tim got past the encrypted password on the laptop you found in the terrorists apartment. He found an enlightening e-mail on it.
Anything about Manus partner or whos behind the bombing?
No, but we did find Congressman Haddocks daily itinerary while in Dindi.
Sean stared down at his hands. That cleared the theory the bomber had gone after the S.O.S. agents. So the terrorist wasnt aiming for the Dindian prime minister or just any American.
Right. They were targeting Haddock. Royce tapped the top of his desk with his index finger. The interesting thing about the e-mail was that it originated from a staff member in Congressman Cranes office.
Sean pushed to his feet, hope leaping inside him. You got a name?
His boss nodded. Yeah.
Have you called him in for questioning?
Not quite.
What do you mean?
The e-mail account is from one of the legislative assistants who accompanied Haddock to Dindi.
Sean immediately thought of TJ and just as quickly dispelled the thought. TJ worked for Haddock, not Crane. Who was it?
George Fenton.
Recognizing the name, Sean shook his head. Wasnt he
One of the men who died in the bombing? Royce nodded.
Why would he set up a bombing that would take his own life? It doesnt make sense, unless he was playing a martyr.
It was dated from the second day of Haddocks stay there and overlaps one of the meeting times Haddock had all his legislative assistants with him. We dont think George sent it. My bet is someone else sent it from back here in the States using Georges log-on. I also got news from my contact in the CIA.
Sean dropped into a chair in front of Royces desk ready to absorb everything the man had to say. A burning sensation built in his chest and radiated outward.
A lobbyist down on K Street has been pushing Congressman Crane to support the MC application of a different African nation than Dindi, one called Arobo.
Arobo is contiguous to Dindi. Sean sat forward. Damn.
Yeah. It bears looking into.
Haddock was on the verge of getting approval for the Millennium Challenge funding for Dindi. I heard that the congressmans death pretty much shut down the negotiations. In which case, Dindi wont be seeing any money from the United States.
Thats what I thought until I checked. Royce lifted a sheet of paper from his desk and passed it to Sean. Not only is Dindi still being pushed, but Congresswoman Ann Malone is leading the effort.
Sean glanced at a copy of a fax without reading the print. So does Haddocks death have anything to do with the MC funding or not?
Good question. Royces eyes narrowed. Thats why I want you on the inside for this one.
Inside where? With the lobbyist?
No. I signed you on as a staff assistant for Congresswoman Malone. Shes in the office next to Crane. That should get you close. If Cranes push for Arobo has anything to do with the deaths in Dindi, youll be there to find out and also to protect the congresswoman if need be.
Already feeling the neckties stranglehold, Sean stretched the collar of his T-shirt. You know TJ Barton works in that building. Shell recognize me.
Well have to take that risk. We cant afford not to. Royces lips twisted into a wry grin. Youre the charming type, Im sure youll think of something.
Sean wasnt so sure.
Royce leaned his elbows on his desk. Do you want me to send Valdez or Tazer?
An image of Marty dying in his arms surfaced. Seans lips firmed into a straight line. No. I want to find the bastard who did this.
Thats what I thought.
We may have to bring TJ in on the mission to get her cooperation. Seans gut tightened at the thought.
Use your best judgment. Royce settled back in his chair and lifted the phone, the session ended, his mind already moving forward to other matters. Dust off your best suits, McNeal. Youre going to work in the Rayburn Building.
Chapter Three
TJ knocked on the open door and stepped into the spacious office lined with wood paneling and rich carpeting. Congressman Crane, youre due at the White House in half an hour.
That damned CIAs been crawling all over this office for the past three hours, asking me questionsand everyone else down to the new temp we just hired.
This was news. Why?
It has something to do with the bombing in Dindi. Crane slammed his pen onto the desk. Dont know why they picked me to target with questions. It isnt as if I had anything to do with the bombing. Just because I backed Arobo doesnt mean Id kill to get the funding. He stood, slipped into his jacket and nodded at the papers in the middle of his desk. Ill need a summary of these reports by the end of the day.
Yes, sir. As Crane moved toward the door, TJ gathered the papers. A plain manila folder lay to the side of the others. Do you want me to take this one, too?
His hand paused in buttoning his jacket. No, Ill handle that one myself. Crane brushed at his lapels and stood by the door waiting for her.
She shrugged and followed. Congressman Haddock had given her free rein of his office. Crane hadnt learned to trust her yet and from all accounts of other staff members whod had the pleasure of working with him, he didnt allow anyone in his office when he wasnt there.
When TJ stepped past Crane, he turned to lock the door behind her, muttering, Theyll have to come back with a search warrant if they want in my office.
TJ stared after Crane until he disappeared. Then she glanced around the office where his staff scurried to straighten their desks.
So, the CIA had been here in Cranes offices? Why would they think Crane or someone in his office had anything to do with the bombing in Dindi? Her contact in the CIA had indicated an American had been at the root of the bombing. Could that American be someone in the Rayburn Building?
As she made her way back to her desk, goose bumps raised the fine hairs on her arms. Her office was still located in the same suite shed shared with Haddock, but until a replacement was elected next month back in Texas, shed be working for Crane. Which shouldnt have been a big deal. Both congressmen worked for the same political party and were on many of the same committees. TJ was familiar with most of the committee agendas and what was at stake.
TJ dodged people moving in and out of offices along the hallway. As she passed Congresswoman Ann Malones office the door opened and Gordon Harris stepped out and turned back to say, John, if you need anything, you have my cell number.
Thanks, Gordon. The low baritone response sounding from inside the office struck a note of familiarity with TJ and she peered around Gordon to see the owner of the voice.
Gordon turned toward her, pulling the door closed behind him. Oh, TJ, Im glad youre here. I have some documents I need you to take a look at and return to me by tomorrow.
Just as the door closed, she caught a glimpse of the man hed been talking to. Her heart slammed to a halt and the papers in her hands slipped to the floor.