Epilogue

 

 

 

Connor walked along the beach barefoot as the warm water from the waves repeatedly bathed his feet. The bright, Bahamian sun beat down on him, and he could feel his shoulders and the back of his neck burning.

Time to put on more sunscreen, he thought to himself.

It was several months since Kate’s funeral. President Walker was there. Everyone who knew him was sympathetic, but there was really nothing anyone could say. However, he felt the funeral was for Kate, not him. It was for her family. He was amazed at the amount of people who showed up. She was a special person. Her family bore the real loss.

He had known Kate for only a few weeks, but she had touched his heart. Now his heart was empty again.

He had resigned his position at the firm. He didn’t need the stress anymore. He needed to clear his head, and he wanted to simplify his life.

All was not lost. He was awarded the ten-million-dollar finder’s fee for the gold from the U.S. Treasury. Hell, he was rich. And his country was safe, for the time being. But he had lost two dear friends. He had to believe Alex at heart was a friend, even though he had his own agendas.

Funny how life can change in a New York minute. Life’s a box of chocolates.

The BlackBerry in his pocket vibrated. He pulled it out. It was a 202 number coming in. He didn’t recognize it. He answered the call.

“Mr. Murray, it’s the White House calling. The president would like to speak to you. Please hold.”

Connor stopped walking and looked up at the sky. It was a beautiful day. A few small, white clouds were drifting aimlessly across the blue background.

“Connor, hello it’s President Walker. Look I was just wondering how you are doing? How are you handling things? You are in the Bahamas, I understand?”

“Yes, sir, I am,” said Connor. “I’m making do, just clearing my head. Spending a lot of time on the beach.”

“Well, good to hear. Let me know if I can help you with anything. Call my chief of staff for anything all right?”

“Thank you, sir,”

“Oh and one more thing,” said the president. “There’s someone I want you to meet. I know it’s kind of early but I think you would like her. You two seem very much alike.”

“Really? You’re playing matchmaker now, sir?”

“Yes maybe I am. And by the way Connor, I have to tell you one thing about her. She’s Russian.”

 

 

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