It did seem odd. She had to agree with Lucas about that. As improbable as it seemed, Kathryn Rites was responsible for her getting shot. “I'm sorry, Lucas. I don't know what you want me to say. You can believe it or not, but she set up this website. They have the credit-card transaction that proves it.”
He stood up, clearly frustrated. “I just can't believe this. Kathryn has never been anything but kind to me.”
Agent Sarah Goode walked in. She held out her hand to Nikki with a smile. “I don't mind telling you we don't like civilians getting involved in our cases. But I made an exception in this case. Thank you so much for your help.”
“You're welcome. Glad to be of service.”
“Is Kathryn being charged?” Lucas stood up.
“For harassment and stalking right now. She's admitted to that, but she's adamant she had nothing to do with the shooting. Don't worry, we'll keep digging. Sooner or later, we'll find the connection.”
“Maybe she's telling the truth.”
“It's possible. And if that's the case, we'll find that out as well. Your brother-in-law wants to talk to you.”
Lucas looked at Nikki. “This will only take a few moments. Then we can talk some more.”
“I'm exhausted. I'm going home.”
Worry and concern filled his eyes. “Of course you are. You're still recuperating. You should be home resting. Maybe I should drive you.”
Nikki had to admit it was nice to have someone to take care of her. Not that she would let that happen, but it was still nice. “I'm fine, Lucas. I can drive myself home.”
“If you're sure.” He hugged Nikki.
For a moment, she leaned against him, savoring the feeling.
“Then I'll talk with you tomorrow.” He left.
Sarah Goode shook her head. “What a tough situation.”
“He's having a little trouble accepting the facts.”
“He'll come around. Thanks again for your help.”
“You're very welcome.” Nikki nodded as she turned to leave.
Agent Goode called to her. “Oh, by the way, if you're ever looking for a job with the FBI, let me know. I'll smooth the way for you.”
Nikki turned back. “Really? Did you see my Army records?”
The agent smiled. “I did happen to see those, and my offer still stands.”
“Thanks. I may just take you up on it.” She walked out of the office.
Lucas and his brother-in-law were in deep conversation.
She stepped into the elevator and exited on the level where her car was parked. As Nikki walked through the underground parking lot, she shivered. Even with her training, no woman liked to be in a dark place alone. It was something hardwired into their DNA as a safety net, she supposed.
Footsteps pounded on the cement behind her.
She turned back and pulled her keys out so she could get into her car quickly. As she neared her vehicle, unseen hands grabbed her. Instead of falling, her face smashed into the side of the car.
“I won't hurt you. Just listen.” His voice was a hoarse whisper.
“Let me go.” She struggled against his hold.
He rammed her into the car hood. “Go back to Florida. The congressman isn't the man you think he is. He can't be trusted. Being around him could be hazardous to your health.”
Something jabbed into her arm.
He let go of her.
She turned around, but everything went woozy. Through blurred vision, she saw the back of a man running.
The needleâ¦had to get himâ¦needed to find out
â¦She fell to her kneesâ¦Nikki opened her eyes. Did she faint? The jab. That man had drugged her. How long had she been passed out? She remembered his words.
The congressman isn't the man you think he is. He can't be trusted.
Not just words, but a warning.
Lucas had shown her just the opposite. He'd protected her. He'd carried her when she couldn't walk. He'd saved her life. Not only saved her life, but had been kind to her in the face of her own anger.
The man was wrong about that.
But maybe the man knew something else about Lucas that he was trying to keep hidden. Maybe all of this had nothing to do with Kathryn Rites. Instead, it was about Lucas and politics.
Nikki stood up, her mind confused and jumbled from the drugs. She needed to go back into the FBI office. She stumbled towards the elevator. After taking a few steps, she stopped, totally exhausted. Her arm throbbed and her head hurt. She wasn't going to make it. She'd rest in her car for a few minutes and then try again. She barely made it back. Climbing into the vehicle, she slumped against the seat, determined to try again when she could stand.
****
Lucas sat at his desk now scattered with papers.
He wasn't in the mood for work. He spent some time answering emails on a variety of topics.
Tap, tap. Someone knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
Elizabeth entered.
His security guard stepped into the room, holding the door.
In spite of Kathryn's arrest, they were still taking precautions.
“Evening, Elizabeth.”
“I had a few things to discuss with you if you've got the time now that you're back.”
“I've got nothing but time. Come in.” He looked over at the security agent. “Do you want to come in? You'll be a lot more comfortable.”
“No thanks, Mr. McMann. Just making sure you know I'm here.”
Lucas didn't like the knowing smile the man gave him. “Well, if you or your partner need to, just come on in. No need to knock.” That should make his relationship with Elizabeth clear enough.
“I thought we might as well get a little work done if you're up to it.” She held up her tablet notebook.
“Sounds like a plan.”
They worked through several upcoming issues and what his response would be. After a heated discussion about using this mess in his upcoming election, they moved to his computer to take care of some of the more crucial emails. As they worked their way through the emails, Lucas saw one with
MUST SEE
in the subject line. He skipped over it.
“That one says it's a must-see. You better check it. It could be important.”
It was for his eyes only. “I'll check it later.”
“Are you sure? They used capital letters.”
“I'm sure.” He moved to the next email. After a few hours of working, Lucas stretched. “I've had enough for one day.”
“Me too. Sorry to be such a slave driver.”
“It seems like there aren't enough hours in the day to get all the work done. Let alone time to relax or even enjoy a ball game once in a while.”
“That's what happens as you move up the ladder, Lucas. But you're right. It is important to relax. If it's too much, I can always hire another assistant for you. Especially when you become a senator.”
It wasn't so long ago that seemed like the most important thing in his life. But he wasn't sure about that any longer. “Let's hold off on that for now, but I'll keep it in mind.” After she left, Lucas clicked open the email.
Three photos. All of Lucas. First, Lucas leaving the hospital. Lucas in his mother's car at the florist. And the last picture was of him walking into Nikki's sister's house. Below the third picture in large capital letters was written a message.
GO BACK TO WASHINGTON BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE GETS SHOT! THIS TIME, IT MIGHT BE YOU!
He picked up the phone and dialed Sarah Goode's personal number.
A moment later, she answered.
“I'm sorry to bother you, Agent Goode. This is Lucas McMann.”
“Not a problem.”
“I received another email.”
After describing it, Sarah said, “Well, that's certainly to the point, isn't it? What's the time on that email?”
“Three hours ago.”
“There's no way Kathryn Rites could have written that. She was in custody.”
Even though the email added to the mystery, he was glad to know his sister-in-law wasn't responsible for it. “You know what that means, don't you?”
“That we have the wrong person in custody? At least for the shooting.”
“I can't figure out what they want from me. I thought they might have wanted me to resign my position. But if that were the case, they wouldn't tell me to go back to DC.”
“I agree. It might be more personal than we think. Is there anyone in your personal life who might want you out of here and back in DC?”
And away from Nikki. “Not really.” As he stared at the screen, it went blank. “And now it's gone.”
“What do you mean?”
Lucas explained what happened.
“We have a really great tech guy. I'll call him to come out there and perhaps he can figure out how they're doing that.”
“Nobody else has been able to.”
“Well, he will, or at least, I hope so. Unfortunately, he's out of town. But the minute he gets back Monday morning, I'll have him come out.”
“There's something else I've been thinking about.”
“What's that?”
“That night at the cabin. I was there for quite some time before Nikki came. I was walking out on the deck and was a perfect target.”
“And⦔
“And why didn't they shoot me then?”
“Maybe they weren't there yet.”
He nodded. “That's possible or maybe⦔
Agent Goode finished his thought. “Or maybe you weren't the target. Maybe the real target was Nikki Kent.”
“And if that's true, then Nikki's still in danger.”
21
Nikki sat on the edge of her bed at Bethany's house. She was tired and exhausted and wanted to go home to Florida, where she could climb into bed and collapse. There was something she needed to do but she couldn't quite grasp it. The man, the needle jab, something had gone haywire. She started to do something but got tired. And when she'd woken up again, she'd driven home, barely able to stay awake.
Would this never end? This went much deeper than a McMann family issue.
The attack last night meant it wasn't over.
Maybe Lucas was right and the problem wasn't Kathryn Rites.
An epiphany went off inside her mind. She should have called the FBI last night. But Agent Goode had given Nikki her cell-phone number too. She'd call her soon.
Bethany and Cassie were at church and Ray was at the hospital.
She'd enjoy one last day with her family and then go back to Florida tomorrow.
The FBI had taken charge of the situation. There was nothing more for her to do.
And the sooner she was away from Lucas, the better. He muddled up her thinking. Their time together had been too intense. It brought back too many memories that needed to be forgotten.
She walked downstairs. Fresh coffee and the last of the nutty-cinnamon muffins sat on the counter. A note was emblazoned with her name.
Look out the front door. B
She walked to the front door and opened it.
A strange man stood at the door.
“Who are you?”
A moment later, Lucas walked up the steps with a bouquet of flowers. “Good morning.” He handed her the flowers. “For you.”
“Why are you here and who is that man?”
“I'll explain everything if you let me come in.”
She opened the door wider. “You don't have to give me flowers every day.”
“It seems only right, considering what I keep putting you through.”
“You aren't responsible for the actions of other people.”
“I agree, but I like giving you flowers anyway. After all, one of these days you might just become the flower lady.”
“I just got up.” She pointed at her pajamas.
“So I see. Nice look.”
“I need some coffee.” She walked back to the kitchen and poured a cup for both of them. She stared down at the muffin. Only one. “I'll share.”
“Not necessary. I already had my breakfast. Coffee's fine.”
After sitting down and taking a few sips, she looked at him. “OK, why are you here and who's the man?”
“He's FBI.”
“FBI? I told you I didn't need any babysitters.” Her tone was too harsh. She smiled to offset her tone. “It's not that I don't appreciate it, but it's not necessary.” Well, maybe it was, considering what happened last night.
“I wasn't taking chances with your safety. Agent Goode and I had a talk last night and we became a bit worried about you. She decided you needed some security. Not me. If you're upset, talk to her.”
“You've been here all night?”
“No, just since about two this morning. When I called Agent Goode.”
“Did you get any sleep?”
He took a sip of coffee. “How sweet of you to be worried about me.”
How could he be so happy without any sleep? She needed her solid eight hours before even thinking about being cheerful. “I suppose this is as good a time as any to tell you I was attacked last night in the FBI parking garage.”
He set down the coffee cup and stared at her. “You were what?”
“I was walking to my car and someone pushed me down.”
“And I'm just now hearing about it. Are you hurt?”
“As you can see, I'm fine.” No need to tell him they'd drugged her.
“Why didn't you tell anyone?”
“I was so tired. I just wanted to come back here. I planned to call Sarah today.” She stared at him. Should she tell him what the man had said? Did it even matter?
“I knew it. I knew you were in danger. I don't care what you say. You're keeping the security.”
“I can do that for today, but I'm going back to Florida tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Why so soon?”
“I've done all I can here. The FBI doesn't need my help to get to the bottom of this.”
“That's probably a good idea. You'll probably be safer in Florida, but before you go, we need to have a serious talk. I know a lot of time has passed, and I know I hurtâ”