Page 9 of A More Perfect Union

“I’m no lawyer, but Idon’t think you’re going to get anywhere with that. Whoever did it is probablysipping ice cold shots of vodka and posting videos of a shirtless Putin on thedark net.”

“Exactly. We don’twant or need a real lawsuit. That’ll just drag things out forever and the onlypeople who’ll win are the thousand-dollar-an-hour lawyers. We just need someoneto blame who isn’t our guy.” She handed him a jump drive. “Here’s your frontdoor access to their system. Get in the back door and see whose trail you’refollowing. Can you do that?”

He laughed. “You’rekidding, right? I’ll get right on it. Anything else?”

“Not right now, butstay close. I don’t know what else might blow up on this Jenkins thing.”

“Can I just say howmuch I hate these cases? We need a juicy political scandal, not more of these‘who cheated on who’ deals.”

Rook laughed. “Whenthe guy who cheats is a congressman, it is a political scandal.”

“You know what Imean.”

“I do and I totallyagree, but these things are our bread and butter. I promise I’ll do somenetworking and see if I can drum up something more to your liking.”

“That’s why you’rethe boss.” Eric started toward the door. “I’ll call you when I find something.”

Rook sank into herdesk chair. She hated domestics as much as Eric, but when you specialized inthe people business, they couldn’t be helped. The Diamond Credit thing was moreup her alley—much easier to advise a corporate entity devoid of emotion thantwo individuals watching their relationship destruct, especially when one ofthem turns out to be a sex offender.

But working withpeople sometimes had its benefits. Her mind wandered back to earlier in theweek when she’d helped Zoey Granger escape the clutches of the press. The brassat the Pentagon should have taken better care of their star witness—at the veryminimum making sure she got off the plane without being mobbed—and if she’dbeen advising them she would’ve told them so. Rook had caught some of thecoverage of the hearings, and although Zoey was generally unflappable, it wasclear from her occasional expressions of shock when asked a probing personalquestion that had nothing to do with the investigation, this was her first timebeing caught in the cross fire between the military might and the electedofficials that funded them. The paper said her testimony was wrapping up today,and Rook wondered if she was headed back to her base. Images of Zoey’s long,sculpted legs appeared in her head, and Rook knew her musings were about morethan Zoey’s case.

Lacy’s voice buzzedthrough the intercom. “Lyra’s school play is tonight so I’m headed out for theday. I bought that crazy expensive bottle of Scotch for you to take to AddisonRiley’s birthday party and it’s on your bar along with the invite. You needanything else?”

“No, I’m good. TellLyra to break a leg.”

Rook looked over atthe Scotch. She hadn’t talked to Julia all week and she’d already forgottenabout the party. After a week in the public eye, she’d rather spend the weekendin the office, catching up on work, but maybe a little socializing would begood for business. An image of Zoey Granger’s legs popped into her head again.Maybe good for some relaxation too.

Chapter Four

Zoey stood infront of the hotel, waiting for General Sharp and enjoying the cool night air.The hotel valet had offered to come get her when her ride arrived, but shepreferred the outside. Back in Texas, even the evening temperatures werealready in the seventies, and she was happy to have at least a few days in thecooler climate.

She’d spent the daybeing a tourist. Her impromptu trip to the Library of Congress had made her toolate to book a nighttime tour of the monuments last night, but she’d alreadypurchased a ticket for Sunday. Today’s adventures had taken her to theSmithsonian Air and Space Museum and the White House where she’d stood alongwith huge crowds of tourists, along the fence that lined the ellipse, andsnapped photos through the bars. She’d enjoyed the day, but thoughts about herfuture distracted her. She only hoped Sharp would have some answers tonight.

As if summoned, ablack sedan pulled up and the rear window rolled down to reveal Sharp in thebackseat. She walked toward the car, and he got out and motioned her in. Shewas surprised to see a civilian driver in the front seat.

“Major, meet Carl.Carl is the only reason I stay sane. If I had to drive around DC on my own, Imight be tempted to declare war.”

Zoey waved at Carlwho nodded before he pulled out of the hotel drive and onto the roadway. “Makessense. I’m completely turned around and I’ve only been here a week.”

“And a rough weektoo. How are you holding up?”

“Good. I managed toget in a little sightseeing today. Figured I’d take advantage. Who knows whenI’ll be back.”

“About that. GeneralBloomfield would like to meet with you Monday morning.”

“I expect he wants areport on the hearings?”

“That and otherthings.” Sharp drummed his fingers on the armrest. “This is not public yet, soit’s imperative that what I’m about to tell you not go any further than thiscar.”

Zoey resistedglancing at Carl who she was certain could hear every word they were saying. IfDavid trusted him, who was she to question? “Understood.”

“The president isnominating Bloomfield for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. If he gets the spot,I’m his pick to replace him as Army Chief of Staff.”

“Sounds likecongratulations are in order.” Zoey appreciated the intel, but wondered why hewas sharing it with her. She had a feeling there was something more he wantedto say.

“Thanks, butcongratulations are a bit premature, since all of this has to be approved bythe same contentious group of people you testified before all week. Speaking ofconfirmations, Bloomfield submitted your 0-5 and you’re being reassigned to thePentagon, effective immediately.”

Zoey took a moment todigest the information. She was being recommended for promotion to lieutenantcolonel a full year ahead of when she’d normally be eligible. This wouldn’t bethe first time she’d received a below the zone promotion, but after the NineTech fiasco, the news was definitely a surprise. The promotion would be subjectto Senate confirmation, and she wasn’t entirely sure, in light of last week’sperformance, if that was a good or a bad thing.

---