Part 23 (2/2)

Hall guaranteed at least three of them would play ball and trash Judge Patrick completely. Hall asked Edward why he wanted her eliminated, but a hundred grand shut him up.

Fiona smiled, raised her right hand, and swore to tell the truth.

Edward turned up the sound.

”Ladies and gentleman, we're here today to examine the President's choice for Supreme Court Justice,” began Senator Hall. ”Ours is an awesome responsibility. One that will help decide not only the fate of Judge Patrick, but the direction of our nation. It is a responsibility we do not take lightly.”

”He missed his calling,” said Vernon. ”The p.r.i.c.k should've been an actor.”

They all laughed.

”How many votes does he have with him?” asked Vernon.

”He guaranteed three,” answered Edward. ”That should be more than enough to get the ball rolling.”

Marilyn pulled out her cell phone. ”I'd better catch up on my voice mail,” she told them, moving to a spot on the other side of the room.

”Judge Patrick,” said Senator Franklin, ”Your background in the law and reputation on the bench is well-known and very distinguished.”

”Thank you Senator,” Fiona responded.

”But, as you know, members of the Supreme Court must be above reproach, and the investigation and background check performed by the FBI prior to this hearing revealed several questionable contacts of yours.

Namely, a major player in the Colombian drug trade.” Murmurs erupted in the chamber. Fiona didn't flinch.

”She's a strong one,” said Simon. ”I don't think she'll break that easy.”

Simon's comment annoyed Edward.

”I'm just saying she's strong, that's all,” Simon repeated. ”It's not prudent to underestimate one's enemies.”

Edward, about to speak, stopped when Marilyn walked back to the table. A broad smile on her face.

”Good news?” asked Vernon.

”Oh, it's better than that,” she said. ”I just spoke to our good friend Mr. Veil. He wants me to meet him at Parklawn. Says he needs my help with a very important matter.”

Edward's face lit up. ”Now we're getting somewhere. What kind of help does he need, and with what?”

”He wouldn't give details on the phone. He just said meet him at Parklawn right away, and something about a court order. I'd say we hit pay dirt.”

Edward stood. ”Vernon, make sure Simon here has access to several of your best men.” ”Simon, trail Ms. London. As soon as Veil identifies the crypt, take them and the evidence to my ranch and contact me. I want to be there when the casket is opened.” All three headed for the door. Edward cleared his throat. ”And ladies and gentlemen. Don't f.u.c.k this up.”

The trio left and he turned back to the hearings, encouraged by the sudden turn of events.

”We interrupt these hearings to bring you a special news bulletin.” Edward watched a solemn looking, gray haired newsman, adjust his tie and earpiece. ”Ladies and gentlemen,” he said. ”President William Claymore was shot today as he exited a breakfast reception at the National Gallery of Art. The President was on his way back to the Oval Office to monitor Judge Patrick's hearing. Witnesses say shots rang out from a car on the street as the President walked to his limousine. The Secret Service gave chase, but no one has been apprehended. President Claymore has been rushed to Capital Hill Hospital and, as of yet, there is no word on his condition.”

34.

Robert and Thorne listened to the news report on the car radio in their rented Ford Excursion.

”My G.o.d,” Thorne exclaimed. Rothschild can't be that far gone.” Robert's head reeled. ”I don't know, but he did it once. I don't see why the b.a.s.t.a.r.d wouldn't do it again.”

”There have been no updates given on the President's condition,” said the reporter. ”However, there is new information on the shooters. The D.C. police and Secret Service chased the gunmen, possibly Arab, through Was.h.i.+ngton into Maryland, just outside of Annandale. The suspects crashed exiting Route 66 killing the driver, but the other suspects, also believed to be from the Middle East, exited their vehicle and began shooting. All three died at the scene. For now, that's all we've been to able to learn.”

Robert banged his fist down on the dashboard. Thorne cursed.

”It's them, Robert. Same group that tried to hit us. What the h.e.l.l is going on?”

Robert pulled into Parklawn. ”Sounds like Edward Rothschild has killed another President.” He pulled over to the curb just outside the main office, where he told Agent London they'd meet. They drew their guns and exited the vehicle, surveying the area for anything out of the ordinary. Robert counted four groundskeepers mowing the lawn and attending to the grounds. Another two absently picked dead flowers off gravesites.

”All clear,” called Thorne.

Robert took another look around.

”How do you think they'll come at us?” asked Thorne.

”I'm not sure, but let's antic.i.p.ate the worse. Once we get our hands on the evidence, we'll drive it to Terence Riker's lab in Salem, West Virginia. I gave him a heads up, so he's expecting us.” Riker, the most talented forensic a.n.a.lyst Robert knew, and an avid conspiracy theorist, went back almost as far as he and Thorne.

”Did you tell him what it's about?

”No, but he knows it's hot. So he'll be ready for us.” Robert saw Thorne's mind race. ”We can't take a chance and make that drive,” she said. ”We better fly it out. My twin engine is ready at Reagan Airport.”

”Fine with me. The quicker, the better.” Thorne grimaced, eyes cold with anger, body ready for war. ”The President, Robert. Those a.s.sholes killed another President.”

”I know. But this time...”

A dark blue sedan pulled into the cemetery and made its way toward them. He saw Thorne touch the Mac-10 machinegun hidden under her jacket. He felt the imprint of the automatics under his arms, and readied the Uzi submachine gun hanging from his shoulder.

Thorne walked across the street and circled around the back of the car. It stopped five feet from where they were standing. Marilyn stepped out, hands raised, all business.

”I take it you've heard the news,” said Robert, lowering the machine gun.

”Who hasn't? The entire department is on high alert. Everyone has been called in, so I hope what you need is serious. I'm gonna take heat for disappearing”

Thorne offered no greeting. Marilyn kept her eyes on Robert.

”So, what's so important?” Marilyn asked.

Robert motioned for her to follow him inside the truck. Thorne stood sentry while he ran down every detail.

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