Тесс Герритсен - Whistleblower стр 21.

And federal money has to be doled out by someone in authority.

He nodded. This is someone whos bent the rules. Someone who could be hurt by a political scandal. He just might try to protect himself by manipulating the Bureau. Or even your local police. Thats why I wont go to them. Thats why I left the room to make my call.

When?

While you were in the bathroom. I went to a pay phone and called the police. I didnt want it traced.

You just said you dont want them involved.

This call I had to make. Theres a third Catherine Weaver in that phone book. Remember?

A third victim on the list. Suddenly weak, she sat down on the bed. What did you say? she asked softly.

That I had reason to think she might be in danger. That she wasnt answering her phone.

You tried it?

Twice.

Did they listen to you?

Not only did they listen, they demanded to know my name. Thats when I picked up the cue that something must already have happened to her. At that point I hung up and hightailed it out of the booth. A call can be traced in seconds. They couldve had me surrounded.

That makes three, she whispered. Those two other women. And me.

They have no way of finding you. Not as long as you stay away from your apartment. Stay out of-

They both froze in panic.

Someone was knocking on the door.

They stared at each other, fear mirrored in their eyes. Then, after a moments hesitation, Victor said: Who is it?

Dominos, called a thin voice.

Cautiously, Victor eased open the door. A teenage boy stood outside, wielding a bag and a flat cardboard box.

Hi! chirped the boy. A large combo with the works, two Cokes and extra napkins. Right?

Right. Victor handed the boy a few bills. Keep the change, he said and closed the door. Turning, he gave Cathy a sheepish look. Well, he admitted. Just goes to show you. Sometimes a knock at the door really is just the pizza man.

They both laughed, a sound not of humor but of frayed nerves. The release of tension seemed to transform his face, melted his wariness to warmth. Erase those haggard lines, she thought, and he could almost be called a handsome man.

I tell you what, he said. Lets not think about this mess right now. Why dont we just get right down to the really important issue of the day. Food.

Nodding, she reached out for the box. Better hand it over. Before I eat the damn bedspread.

While the ten oclock news droned from the television set, they tore into the pizza like two ravenous animals. It was a greasy and utterly satisfying banquet on a motel bed. They scarcely bothered with conversation-their mouths were too busy devouring cheese and pepperoni. On the TV, a dapper anchorman announced a shakeup in the mayors office, the resignation of the city manager, news that, given their current situation, seemed ridiculously trivial. Scarcely thirty seconds were devoted to that mornings killing of Catherine Weaver I; as yet, no suspects were in custody. No mention was made of any second victim by the same name.

Victor frowned. Looks like the other woman didnt make it to the news.

Or nothings happened to her. She glanced at him questioningly. What if the second Cathy Weaver is all right? When you called the police, they mightve been asking you routine questions. When youre on edge, its easy to-

Imagine things? The look he gave her almost made her bite her tongue.

No, she said quietly. Misinterpret. The police cant respond to every anonymous call. Its natural theyd ask for your name.

It was more than a request, Cathy. They were champing at the bit to interrogate me.

Im not doubting your word. Im just playing devils advocate. Trying to keep things level and sane in a crazy situation.

He looked at her long and hard. At last he nodded. The voice of a rational woman, he sighed. Exactly what I need right now. To keep me from jumping at my own shadow.

Imagine things? The look he gave her almost made her bite her tongue.

No, she said quietly. Misinterpret. The police cant respond to every anonymous call. Its natural theyd ask for your name.

It was more than a request, Cathy. They were champing at the bit to interrogate me.

Im not doubting your word. Im just playing devils advocate. Trying to keep things level and sane in a crazy situation.

He looked at her long and hard. At last he nodded. The voice of a rational woman, he sighed. Exactly what I need right now. To keep me from jumping at my own shadow.

And remind you to eat. She held out another slice of pizza. You ordered this giant thing. Youd better help me finish it.

The tension between them instantly evaporated. He settled onto the bed and accepted the proferred slice. That maternal look becomes you, he noted wryly. So does the pizza sauce.

What? She swiped at her chin.

You look like a two-year-old whos decided to fingerpaint her face.

Good grief, can you hand me the napkins?

Let me do it. Leaning forward, he gently dabbed away the sauce. As he did, she studied his face, saw the laugh lines creasing the corners of his eyes, the strands of silver intertwined with the brown hair. She remembered the photo of that very face, pasted on a Viratek badge. How somber hed looked, the unsmiling portrait of a scientist. Now he appeared young and alive and almost happy.