Page 50 of Special Agent Murphy

“Does it matter?” The question lingered, waiting for an answer.

“I don’t know. I guess it’s an insight into what matters to you.”

If anyone else had asked him this question, he’d have told them to mind their own fucking business. With her, things were different. “Nope, I’m a guy who votes for the best candidate with the platform that makes the most sense. And in case it matters, I was brought up as a good Catholic boy.”

Kayti laughed and the sound went straight to his happy place. “Me too. Not that my mom ever took me to church. When I have kids, I’d like them to be part of a religious community.” He stiffened when she veered off on her plan for kids and realized the idea of her as a mother sat fine with him. He liked the thought of her with children to love.

She continued, returning to the original topic. “Mom was a staunch Republican, but not me. Before I vote I research both sides and make my choice based on what I’ve read. Lately, I’ll admit it’s been difficult to choose.”

“Yet it’s a pivotal moment in history we’ll all look back on. Pray we don’t find we’ve made the wrong choice.”

“Amen.” She nodded in agreement and sat quietly for a few seconds before asking, “What controversial proposal are the two Senators working on to create this reaction?”

“According to the boss, in a nutshell, they’re striving to close off the loopholes where money from other countries can be legally laundered in the states. I’m guessing this includes shell companies, offshore accounts, smurfing and fraudulent record keeping. How many rich bastards are involved in concealing illegally obtained funds, transferring money in elaborate and complicated financial transactions that make it difficult to identify the original party? The whole system reeks of corruption.”

“And if they’re able to pass this law, will there be more accountability, more regulations to impede these players?”

“It’s a start. But unless we can save Misti, there won’t be anything done. And that will be a shame because from what I’ve read, they’ve assembled a bipartisan majority willing to pass it.”

He pulled into the Senator’s circular driveway and stopped the car. He turned to her and was met with a soft smile that hit him square in the lower regions. A tide of pleasurable reactions overcame him. Without stopping to think, he reached toward her face, his hand caressing her soft cheek while she lowered it trustingly, like a child would do for a beloved parent.

Though her eyes questioned, he didn’t speak. As if stunned by emotion, the long lashes lowered, and she gently kissed his palm.

Sweet Jesus! Buddy, you’re a goner.

Shaking off the effects, he lingered for a second and then retreated, exiting the car and waiting for her to walk ahead of him to ring the bell.

Bud answered and led the way back into the room where the two agents had spread out. Murphy followed with Kayti. “Hey snowflakes, what’s the news?”

Bud grinned at him, but his eyes swung to Kayti who’s expression appeared befuddled. Murphy could see his puzzlement, and when Bud approached her with a nudge, she came out of the trance, grinned easy-like and spoke. “Hi Bud. I’m so sorry to hear the news about Mrs. Bond.”

“I know. It’s been a hell of a couple of days around here. You can chew on the stress. We’ve been researching every app on Misti’s phone and every place this girl has ever spent time – Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, you name it.”

“Nothing?”

“That’s right. She’s clean, and so is her boyfriend, Ryan. Just two entitled kids out for some excitement.”

Murphy broke in. “Can you let the Senator know we’re here and have questions?”

“Sure, be right back.” On his way past, Bud patted Kayti’s arm in a familiar way not used by casual colleagues. Flames of jealousy exploded inside Murphy. Knowing he had no right to those feelings, he pushed the chair in front of him a bit too hard, gaining no satisfaction or relief.

“Agent Murphy, Agent Edwards, thank you for taking time to stop by.” The Senator looked as if he’d aged ten years. His pallor could be mistaken as the patient who’d suffered the stroke.

He led them into his office and closed the door. “I’ve been on the phone with Special Agent in Charge Kale. She’s filled me in on the FBI’s supposition that they’ve taken Misti to stop me from presenting Bill 539.”

“Yes, it’s what she warned me they suspected from the start. You and I both know this will put a real kink in the ability for a lot of foreign rich pricks to take advantage of the open loopholes there are now.”

“It’s why we’ve worked so hard to prepare it. There’s a huge need to stop the unlawful behavior and clean up these rampant criminal actions. Linda and I have collaborated for months, streamlining this work. It’s been approved by the House and is on the calendar to be presented to the Senate for a final vote. In fact, I’ve been trying to reach her to explain about Francine. And why I won’t be able to make the presentation personally. She’ll have to take over.”

Kayti leaned toward Bond to answer. More than happy to let her step in, Murphy said nothing.

“I’m so sorry, sir. We’ve been informed that Senator Nelson is in the hospital after a car accident. She’s in critical condition and won’t be able to appear on your behalf at the reading.”

Senator Bond sat stunned. If his complexion grew any whiter, Murphy’d be performing CPR and calling an ambulance.

“Oh, my God!” The Senator dropped his face into his hands. “I can’t bear much more.” The entreaty came out in a voice filled with pain.

Murphy instantly suspected there was more going on between the two Senators than a friendly collaboration of co-workers. Considering it to be none of his business, he asked, “How long before your Bill is called?”

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