Page 36 of The Ghost Assassin

“Not a problem, just an observation. Who are the men who came here with you?”

He’s wearing a mic and being fed information, or he wouldn’t know about Kit and Jay. “They work for Kane.”

“You bring them to work assignments?”

“They stick like glue, especially when no one seems to trust anyone with an FBI badge.”

“You have an FBI badge.”

“Maybe not for long. I’ll see you in Washington.” I start walking.

“Agent.”

I pause, irritated that I have a badge that requires me to be respectful and turn around, which is what I do. “Yes?”

“You can trust me.”

“If you say so.”

“You’ll find out.”

“Good, because I don’t like to be lied to.” I start to turn and hesitate. “What does a liar do after he’s dead?”

“You tell me, Lilah.”

“Lies still. See you in Washington.” This time when I turn, I keep walking.

Chapter Twenty-Five

I exit the diner into a gusty winter wind I push through and start walking, already pulling my phone from my pocket. Kit and Jay are instantly on either side of me. “I need a chopper,” I say, eyeing Kit. “The White House wants me there, and I declined a ride.”

He curses in Spanish. “I’ll handle it.” He leans forward and eyes Jay. “Call and get a car ready.”

“I’m calling Kane,” I say, already punching in his number but once again, land in voicemail.

I can’t believe he’s doing this, and now, of all times. His voicemail beeps and I leave a message. “I have to go to Washington. I’m headed to the apartment to pack in case I have to stay the night, but I’m going to plan on being back.” I disconnect.

I’m not sure there has ever been a time in my relationship with Kane when I felt this cut off.

He really thinks this is it. His worst nightmare came true with his father’s return and his forced takeover of the cartel, but I can’t help but believe he’s overreacting to a problem we can figure out if we try.

Since that’s not his style, there’s something he’s not telling me. I need to know what. I need to know now. I’m not leaving town without talking to him.

My phone buzzes with a call right as we arrive at the building. I glance at the caller ID to find Adams calling. I answer with, “Either you already miss me, or this is a problem. What’s the problem?”

“I found out why we’re going to Washington. We have number two.”

I read between the obvious lines. There’s been another murder and the victim is high profile. “Who?”

“I’ll tell you when I pick you up in half an hour. Be at the front of your building. That’s not a request.” He disconnects.

I may or may not agree to his travel plans. Facts will make that decision for me. I dial Ellis, who picks up on the first ring. “Do you know what’s going on?”

“I know. I’m in Washington. We need you here now.”

“Who is it?”

“You know I can’t tell you that on the phone. You’ll know in about two hours.” He disconnects.

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