Page 35 of Be Courageous

Another practiced answer. She zeroed in for the kill. “But you were only in the CIA for six years. Why would you quit so early on?”

“Well, I realized I could do more for Americans by working in politics.”

Here goes. “Then your decision had nothing to do with an operation in Dishu that went terribly wrong?”

The glint entering his gimlet eyes had an instant cooling effect on Ruby’s skin as he stared at her, perhaps just now realizing she wasn’t your average, everyday reporter. He shook his head. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Ruby touched a finger to her chin, as if searching her memory. “August of 2016, I believe it was. Your mission was to snuff out a top Taliban official, Gabir al Baldawi, who operated in the Helmand Province. He was supposed to be holed up in a private home on the west side of Dishu. You and a squad of Navy SEALs raided the building, only al Baldawi wasn’t there, just five or so civilians, including a boy and his mother who ended up dead.”

Len Katz had stiffened with every word coming out of her mouth. “Who told you this?” His expression remained pleasant, baffled, but his voice had cooled several degrees.

Ruby shrugged. “Like I said, I live in a military community, and that’s the rumor circulating. Can you confirm or deny the story? Maybe you could clarify what went wrong?”

Katz’s lips thinned and his jaw hardened. “There’s not an ounce of truth to that story. I don’t know where you get your information, but I’d advise you not to listen to rumors that aren’t true.”

“Mm.” Ruby nodded with false sympathy. “So, this is just another attempt to discredit you in the eyes of the public?” She strove for a sympathetic expression. “I imagine it’s because you’re a candidate for the vice presidency and your opponent has made up the story hoping to ruin your reputation.”

“Exactly.” He seized on to her excuse immediately. “The opposition will say anything to discredit me. I assure you I have never taken part in any military operation that I wasn’t proud of. Of course, I’m not at liberty to talk about those days, but my conscience is clear. I don’t believe in keeping secrets.”

“I didn’t think so.” She sent him her most charming smile, while nodding toward Corinna to signify that they were nearly done. “It’s been a pleasure interviewing you, sir. I hope we can do it again sometime.” She stretched out a hand for him to squeeze and noted his fingers felt distinctly clammy. The next time they spoke, she vowed she would have the proof to call him a liar. Any man who lied to cover up a murder had no business becoming the vice president of the United States. “Enjoy your lunch with the mayor.” She pushed to her feet.

“I will.” Katz rose also.

Gesturing for Corinna to join her, Ruby threaded her arms quickly through the sleeves of her coat as she started for the door. “Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, gentlemen. Oh, thank you, Mr. Cullum.”

The friendly assistant had darted forward to pull the door open.

“We’ll see ourselves out.”

With a glance toward his boss, Cullum nodded. “Oh, sure. Okay. Bye.”

Katz must have gestured for his assistant to stay behind with him. Ruby kept her satisfied grin contained until the door between them closed. She had hooked her big tuna. All she had to do now was to reel him in.

CHAPTER3

Catching Corinna’s arm, Ruby halted their progress toward the stairs and tugged her sister-in-law in the opposite direction—past the room they’d just left. “Let’s wait here,” she whispered, pulling Corinna around the corner with her and out of sight.

“Why?” Corinna’s suspicious frown was identical to one Tony often wore.

“I want to hear what they’re saying on the way out.”

“But what if they catch us?” The young woman’s voice conveyed dread.

“We’ll say you had to use the ladies’ room.”

“Me?”

“You’re an intern. Interns do stupid things.”

Corinna rolled her eyes and huffed out a breath.

Down the hall, the office door clicked open. Ruby peeked around the corner, then quickly pulled her head back. The lieutenant governor was stepping out of the room with David Cullum on his heels, looking distinctly red-faced, like Katz had chewed him out.

“I want to know who’s talking to her.” Katz’s lowered voice just reached Ruby’s ears. “Another of the SEALs has gone back on his word.”

“I thought we took care of the leak,” his staff member muttered.

“Quiet! Don’t ever mention that again.” Footsteps echoed on the stairs, fading as they descended. The big door at the bottom clanged shut, leaving nothing but silence.

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