Azillion thoughts occupied my mind as I taxied it back to my office.
I called Michael on the way. Dalton had already filled him in, and he was working on the arrangements, including my alias—Laura Wood, a researcher for the senator.
That reminded me of the time when Max got me into an FBI meeting on the serial killer investigation as a civilian employee of MPD, assisting him. He’ll get a kick out of me now being an aide to a senator.
Michael already had two dates that matched Mr. Rogers’s schedule.
“I assured him that Senator Dalton wanted to get to the truth and put Tutoxtamen back on track. Mr. Rogers said he respected that and thought of the senator as a friend.”
“And are we at liberty to explain how we can help?”
“Maybe. First, we want to be assured by him that there are no real problems with the drug, and secondly, what he will do in either case. Call me after you talk with your husband.”
Earlier, Lassiter and I had discussed how we might be up against a mountain without any climbing gear. Kelly had known, from the FDA or the pharmas, that a not approvable was coming down against the drug. That sounded like insider information, and people have gotten into big trouble over things like that, if caught. I called Jerry. He had no problem with either of Michael’s choices for travel dates. I selected the earlier: two days from now. I called Michael.
The inner workings of the Senate were a mystery to me. Like what committee had oversight over the FDA? Who can call a hearing? They always have hearings. Where was the opposition party in all of this? Could there be a hearing if the majority party didn’t want one?
As my cab neared the Star, a thought hit me. Why not go find out? I could do that tomorrow. I could call Michael. No. I’ll do this on my own.
“Washington Daily Star,” the driver announced. “That’ll be $6.50.”
I gave him eight and got out. He said, “Thanks miss. Have a nice day.”
He had to be one of the few cabbies in Washington who spoke English. Most never say anything, just point at the meter. “You too,” I said, closing the door.
I went straight to Mary’s desk and told her of my pending trip.
“Michael sounds as suspicious as you,” my news assistant said.
“I like to think of it as being cautious,” I said in a mock huff. “This is not the first time I’ve gone undercover.”
“Yes, but previously you had Captain Walsh watching your back.”
“This won’t be dangerous,” I insisted.
“I hope you’re right.”
I went to my desk and called Jerry.
“Go get ‘em, tiger. Now, to important matters. What time you getting home?”
“Around 5:00.”
“How about I order dinner and pick it up? It’s warm enough to dine on the deck with our son. This way you won’t have to slave over a hot stove,” my adorable husband said.
“I love it when you plan dinner. It’s a delicious idea.”
“Okay. I’ll aim for around 5:30. Maybe we can go for a neighborhood jaunt afterward.”
“You are certainly full of nice ideas,” I said, looking at our family portrait on my desk and getting a warm and fuzzy feeling.
“I have a feeling the future may become a little busy.”
“If it does, it will be because we’re on to something.”
“That’s what I mean. It sounds like there may be a lot of under-the-table stuff going on. Don’t forget Ralph. He was in the Senate with Grayson. I’m sure he had some dealings with the pharmas.”
“Do you think . . . ?”
“I don’t think, I know,” Jerry said emphatically.
And I knew he did.