Page 54 of The House of Cross

Mahoney said, “What did they talk about?”

“It was short and sweet. She said he was under serious consideration, and if he was interested, she invited him to come to Washington next week for a sit-down with other members of the advisory group.”

“Was he interested?”

“To my surprise, yes. More than interested. But then again, he’d just gone through a nasty divorce, so why not?”

“How nasty?” I asked.

“Even though the divorce was her idea, Sheila made every step of the process an unnecessary ordeal.”

“Is there any way she’s the killer?”

Dean Banks shook her head. “Sheila was always squeamish around guns. She hated that Nathan was a hunter. And she left a year ago, moved to Seattle.”

Mahoney took notes. “Did you have anything negative to tell the panel?”

“No,” Banks said.

“No skeletons in his closet?”

“If there were, I never heard of them, and I’ve known Nathan for twenty-five years.”

I looked at Mahoney. “I’ll call Roche.”

I went into the hall and phoned Roche. She answered on the second ring.

“How can I help, Dr. Cross?”

“You said Nathan Carver had been at the top of your list.”

“He would have been the first American Indian justice, and I think the president-elect would have given him serious consideration if a seat on the court opened up.”

“We forgot to ask you if the panel found anything negative about him during the vetting process.”

“Nothing to disqualify him. He drank, but never to excess. He was passionate about his students but never lecherous. He was a fitness nut, if that’s a negative. And he liked to hunt. Deer mostly, and usually with a bow. But he owned guns and believed in the Second Amendment, although with limits.”

“On guns.”

“Correct. I believe he was in favor of restricting the size of magazines.”

“We heard Theresa May Alcott called Nathan Carver to tell him he was under consideration and invite him to Washington.”

“Was Mrs. Alcott the one? It’s hard to keep track. They all got to do it with various candidates. One of the fun perks of a volunteer job.”

“Did she notify Pak or Franklin?”

“No,” she said. “I know that for a fact.”

“And Carver was supposed to fly up next week to meet the panel?”

“Quite possible,” she said. “Honestly, I’ve been busy with my work and prepping for the inauguration since Christmas, so I haven’t been keeping a close eye on all the comings and goings of the advisory panels.”

“Especially since the possible candidates are always changing.”

“Exactly why it’s not always at the top of my to-do list. But one of my top to-dos today is to meet with a new client, and that new client is here, I’m afraid.”

I thanked her and hung up as Mahoney rushed out of Carver’s office.

---