20

There was no way Elizabeth could be responsible for the stalking or the shooting. He trusted her with his life. Nikki had it wrong.

Nikki put a hand on Elizabeth’s shoulder. “Relax. I didn’t accuse you of anything. It’s not you—it’s her.” She pointed at the woman sitting on the other side of Elizabeth.

“You must be mistaken. That’s Victoria’s sister. She would never—” Mrs. McMann actually sputtered.

“Kathryn Rites, you have the right to remain silent…” The officer recited the rest of the official Miranda statement.

“I don’t know what you think you know, but maybe we should go somewhere to discuss this.” Kathryn’s mouth trembled, her face pale. “Not here.”

Mama’s face was just as pale, her mouth twisted in shock. But it was the look in her eyes that gave Lucas a pause. Lucas recognized that expression on her face. He’d only seen it a few times in his life, and none of them had been pleasant.

“Kathryn, if you tried to hurt one little hair on my son’s head, you deserve jail time. And you had the nerve to come to my house. To my tea party.”

Lucas put a hand on his mother’s shoulder. “Mama, let’s just hear what Kathryn has to say.”

“I don’t have anything to say.”

The officers circled Kathryn.

Nikki set the laptop on the table. After pushing several buttons, a picture popped up. She turned to Lucas. “Here’s the website where she offered to pay for every photo people could take of you. I’m sure as the FBI digs a little deeper, they’ll connect her with the credit-card fraud as well as the assassination attempt.”

“Kathryn, how could you do that to Lucas?” His mother swayed.

He helped her to a chair. “It’s OK, Mama. It’s over now. Why would you do this to me, Kathryn? We’re family.” Lucas was bewildered.

Kathryn stood up and lifted her chin in defiance. “My sister’s dead. Why should you have a life when she doesn’t?”

“I tried to save her.”

“You didn’t try hard enough. She wasted her life married to a man who didn’t love her.”

“I loved Victoria.”

Her laugh was brittle. “You ruined her life.”

“How can you say that?”

“She wanted children. But all you cared about was your career. You made her a trophy wife instead of the mother she wanted to be.”

“We loved each other.”

“She loved you. I’ll give you that. But you? You don’t love anyone but yourself and your career. The great Lucas McMann.”

“Kathryn, it wasn’t like—”

“Whatever. So what if I paid some people to take pictures of you? It’s not illegal. The paparazzi do it all the time.”

The FBI agent moved between Lucas and Kathryn. “True, but conspiracy to murder is against the law.”

“Murder. I didn’t try to murder anyone. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Sure you did.” Nikki was angry. “He didn’t die in the robbery, so you went after him again to make sure he died. Your assassin missed and shot me instead.”

“Assassin? I don’t know—”

“How could you come here and pretend to be a part of my family?” His mother stood, her blue eyes blazing.

“Isabella, I didn’t do any such thing. She’s lying. All I did was pay for some stupid pictures. I wanted someone to knock that smug smile off his face, not kill him.”

“Ma’am, you’ll need to come with us.” The policeman was still polite.

Kathryn backed away. “Why? I didn’t do anything illegal. I paid for some photos. That’s all.”

“Well, somehow the harassment went from photos to someone shooting.” Nikki glared.

“Don’t you understand? He ruined my sister’s life.”

“We had a good life together.” Lucas stepped forward, puzzlement in his expression.

“A good life.” Kathryn sounded disgusted. “Don’t you understand? All she wanted was to be a mother. You stole that from her.”

“You’re wrong, Kathryn. That was her decision, not mine. I wanted children. Always did. She’s the one who refused.”

Uncertainty flickered in Kathryn’s eyes. “It’s still your fault. Why would she bring a child into a loveless marriage?”

“Our marriage wasn’t loveless. It might not have been the breathless love of romance novels, but it was love. Strong and true. And when she died, I mourned her.”

“Mourned her?” A tear trickled down Kathryn’s cheek. “I hardly think so. You went back to work without skipping a beat.”

His mother stepped to his side. “Each of us mourns in our own way, Kathryn. Because he went to work didn’t mean he wasn’t grieving.”

Both policemen moved to Kathryn. “Please put your hands behind your back.”

“No.” She jerked away from them. “I haven’t done anything to be arrested for. What’s the charge?”

“Conspiracy to murder.” The officer waited a beat and then reached for her arm. “Please comply and put your—”

“Get away from me.” She jerked away. “You can’t arrest me. I have rights.”

Each of them grabbed one of Kathryn’s arms.

She struggled against them to no avail. Within seconds, she was handcuffed. “Lucas, I didn’t try to kill you. I don’t know what they’re talking about. You have to believe me.”

He looked into Kathryn’s eyes and he did believe her. Yet Nikki had the proof. Something was wrong here. “Let’s find out all the facts before we become her judge, jury, and executioner. I’m going to Charlotte.”

Elizabeth stepped closer and put a hand on his arm. “I think your mother needs you.”

“Lucas, you go do what you need to do. I’m fine.” His mother motioned at the room. “Besides, I have to clean up my tea party. Thank you, officers, for waiting until the end of it to come. I assume that’s what you did.”

“Yes, we did.” The officer smiled at her. “We didn’t want you to deal with a ruckus here, Mrs. McMann.”

****

“Nikki, you’ve got this wrong.” Lucas sat across from Nikki at a conference table in the FBI office. They were waiting for the agent.

“I’ve shown you the proof. I understand it’s difficult to believe your sister-in-law is responsible for all of this, but that doesn’t change the facts.”

“I agree she’s responsible for the photo stalking or whatever you want to call it, but there’s no way she hired someone to kill me. This is a woman who goes to tea parties and PTA meetings. She wouldn’t even know how to hire a killer.”

It did seem odd. She had to agree with Lucas about that. As improbable as it seemed, Kathryn Rites was responsible for her getting shot. “I’m sorry, Lucas. I don’t know what you want me to say. You can believe it or not, but she set up this website. They have the credit-card transaction that proves it.”

He stood up, clearly frustrated. “I just can’t believe this. Kathryn has never been anything but kind to me.”

Agent Sarah Goode walked in. She held out her hand to Nikki with a smile. “I don’t mind telling you we don’t like civilians getting involved in our cases. But I made an exception in this case. Thank you so much for your help.”

“You’re welcome. Glad to be of service.”

“Is Kathryn being charged?” Lucas stood up.

“For harassment and stalking right now. She’s admitted to that, but she’s adamant she had nothing to do with the shooting. Don’t worry, we’ll keep digging. Sooner or later, we’ll find the connection.”

“Maybe she’s telling the truth.”

“It’s possible. And if that’s the case, we’ll find that out as well. Your brother-in-law wants to talk to you.”

Lucas looked at Nikki. “This will only take a few moments. Then we can talk some more.”

“I’m exhausted. I’m going home.”

Worry and concern filled his eyes. “Of course you are. You’re still recuperating. You should be home resting. Maybe I should drive you.”

Nikki had to admit it was nice to have someone to take care of her. Not that she would let that happen, but it was still nice. “I’m fine, Lucas. I can drive myself home.”

“If you’re sure.” He hugged Nikki.

For a moment, she leaned against him, savoring the feeling.

“Then I’ll talk with you tomorrow.” He left.

Sarah Goode shook her head. “What a tough situation.”

“He’s having a little trouble accepting the facts.”

“He’ll come around. Thanks again for your help.”

“You’re very welcome.” Nikki nodded as she turned to leave.

Agent Goode called to her. “Oh, by the way, if you’re ever looking for a job with the FBI, let me know. I’ll smooth the way for you.”

Nikki turned back. “Really? Did you see my Army records?”

The agent smiled. “I did happen to see those, and my offer still stands.”

“Thanks. I may just take you up on it.” She walked out of the office.

Lucas and his brother-in-law were in deep conversation.

She stepped into the elevator and exited on the level where her car was parked. As Nikki walked through the underground parking lot, she shivered. Even with her training, no woman liked to be in a dark place alone. It was something hardwired into their DNA as a safety net, she supposed.

Footsteps pounded on the cement behind her.

She turned back and pulled her keys out so she could get into her car quickly. As she neared her vehicle, unseen hands grabbed her. Instead of falling, her face smashed into the side of the car.

“I won’t hurt you. Just listen.” His voice was a hoarse whisper.

“Let me go.” She struggled against his hold.

He rammed her into the car hood. “Go back to Florida. The congressman isn’t the man you think he is. He can’t be trusted. Being around him could be hazardous to your health.”

Something jabbed into her arm.

He let go of her.

She turned around, but everything went woozy. Through blurred vision, she saw the back of a man running. The needle…had to get him…needed to find out…She fell to her knees…Nikki opened her eyes. Did she faint? The jab. That man had drugged her. How long had she been passed out? She remembered his words.

The congressman isn’t the man you think he is. He can’t be trusted.

Not just words, but a warning.

Lucas had shown her just the opposite. He’d protected her. He’d carried her when she couldn’t walk. He’d saved her life. Not only saved her life, but had been kind to her in the face of her own anger.

The man was wrong about that.

But maybe the man knew something else about Lucas that he was trying to keep hidden. Maybe all of this had nothing to do with Kathryn Rites. Instead, it was about Lucas and politics.

Nikki stood up, her mind confused and jumbled from the drugs. She needed to go back into the FBI office. She stumbled towards the elevator. After taking a few steps, she stopped, totally exhausted. Her arm throbbed and her head hurt. She wasn’t going to make it. She’d rest in her car for a few minutes and then try again. She barely made it back. Climbing into the vehicle, she slumped against the seat, determined to try again when she could stand.

****

Lucas sat at his desk now scattered with papers.

He wasn’t in the mood for work. He spent some time answering emails on a variety of topics.

Tap, tap. Someone knocked on the door.

“Come in.”

Elizabeth entered.

His security guard stepped into the room, holding the door.

In spite of Kathryn’s arrest, they were still taking precautions.

“Evening, Elizabeth.”

“I had a few things to discuss with you if you’ve got the time now that you’re back.”

“I’ve got nothing but time. Come in.” He looked over at the security agent. “Do you want to come in? You’ll be a lot more comfortable.”

“No thanks, Mr. McMann. Just making sure you know I’m here.”

Lucas didn’t like the knowing smile the man gave him. “Well, if you or your partner need to, just come on in. No need to knock.” That should make his relationship with Elizabeth clear enough.

“I thought we might as well get a little work done if you’re up to it.” She held up her tablet notebook.

“Sounds like a plan.”

They worked through several upcoming issues and what his response would be. After a heated discussion about using this mess in his upcoming election, they moved to his computer to take care of some of the more crucial emails. As they worked their way through the emails, Lucas saw one with MUST SEE in the subject line. He skipped over it.

“That one says it’s a must-see. You better check it. It could be important.”

It was for his eyes only. “I’ll check it later.”

“Are you sure? They used capital letters.”

“I’m sure.” He moved to the next email. After a few hours of working, Lucas stretched. “I’ve had enough for one day.”

“Me too. Sorry to be such a slave driver.”

“It seems like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get all the work done. Let alone time to relax or even enjoy a ball game once in a while.”

“That’s what happens as you move up the ladder, Lucas. But you’re right. It is important to relax. If it’s too much, I can always hire another assistant for you. Especially when you become a senator.”

It wasn’t so long ago that seemed like the most important thing in his life. But he wasn’t sure about that any longer. “Let’s hold off on that for now, but I’ll keep it in mind.” After she left, Lucas clicked open the email.

Three photos. All of Lucas. First, Lucas leaving the hospital. Lucas in his mother’s car at the florist. And the last picture was of him walking into Nikki’s sister’s house. Below the third picture in large capital letters was written a message.

GO BACK TO WASHINGTON BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS SHOT! THIS TIME, IT MIGHT BE YOU!

He picked up the phone and dialed Sarah Goode’s personal number.

A moment later, she answered.

“I’m sorry to bother you, Agent Goode. This is Lucas McMann.”

“Not a problem.”

“I received another email.”

After describing it, Sarah said, “Well, that’s certainly to the point, isn’t it? What’s the time on that email?”

“Three hours ago.”

“There’s no way Kathryn Rites could have written that. She was in custody.”

Even though the email added to the mystery, he was glad to know his sister-in-law wasn’t responsible for it. “You know what that means, don’t you?”

“That we have the wrong person in custody? At least for the shooting.”

“I can’t figure out what they want from me. I thought they might have wanted me to resign my position. But if that were the case, they wouldn’t tell me to go back to DC.”

“I agree. It might be more personal than we think. Is there anyone in your personal life who might want you out of here and back in DC?”

And away from Nikki. “Not really.” As he stared at the screen, it went blank. “And now it’s gone.”

“What do you mean?”

Lucas explained what happened.

“We have a really great tech guy. I’ll call him to come out there and perhaps he can figure out how they’re doing that.”

“Nobody else has been able to.”

“Well, he will, or at least, I hope so. Unfortunately, he’s out of town. But the minute he gets back Monday morning, I’ll have him come out.”

“There’s something else I’ve been thinking about.”

“What’s that?”

“That night at the cabin. I was there for quite some time before Nikki came. I was walking out on the deck and was a perfect target.”

“And…”

“And why didn’t they shoot me then?”

“Maybe they weren’t there yet.”

He nodded. “That’s possible or maybe…”

Agent Goode finished his thought. “Or maybe you weren’t the target. Maybe the real target was Nikki Kent.”

“And if that’s true, then Nikki’s still in danger.”