Long After Midnight (24 page)

“You mean you,” Kate said. “Congress is notorious for gridlock. Are you going to let thousands of people die while you haggle in committees?”

Longworth cast a sad look at the TV cameraman. “You see? Reckless impatience. The American people deserve more.” He smiled at Kate. “I’m sure you mean well, young lady, but you’re backing the wrong horse. The public regards fooling around with genetics as dangerous and against the will of God.” He stood up and leisurely walked to the window. “See for yourself.”

Kate had no chance. Reporters rushed to the window, knocking her aside. Seth reached out to steady her and then pushed through the mob gathered around the window.

A huge crowd milled in the street below. Kate caught glimpses of the signs they were carrying.

Stop Them

Save Our Babies

We Don’t Want Their UnGodly RU2

Bless You, Senator Longworth

“How did he manage to get a crowd this size on such short notice?” Kate muttered. “We only called him this day.”

“Rent-a-mob?” Seth took her elbow and guided her away from the window. “Come on. We might as well leave. Longworth’s checkmated us. Those reporters are going to focus on the demonstrators.”

“Then all this was for nothing?”

“No, they’ll air some of the interview.” He held open the door for her. “You were great. Kind of reminded me of a machete chopping through a balloon.”

“I thought I had him.” She glanced back at Longworth, who was chatting genially with Meryl Kimbro. As she watched, Longworth raised his gaze and met her own. He smiled triumphantly before returning his attention to the reporter. “I’d like to push the bastard through that window.”

“Too many witnesses.”

“It seems impossible that anyone could be swayed by that bag of wind. He’s . . . he’s . . . some kind of obscene joke.”

“Easy. It’s over. He won the ball game, but you had your innings. Now we go on to the next step.” He opened the door. “Tony’s waiting downstairs in Senator Migellin’s limousine. We’ll go out the back way. The mob may recognize you from Kimbro’s story.”

Tony was standing beside a long black limousine over a block away. He waved frantically when he saw Seth and Kate. “What the devil happened? This demonstration is really going to impress the senator. Why not just burn the American flag?”

“He’s inside?”

Tony nodded.

Seth opened the car door and all three got into the car.

“You’re Kate Denby?” Ralph Migellin smiled. “You’ve caused quite a stir.” His gaze went to the crowd in the next block. “I didn’t bring out that many people at my last rally.”

“Seth Drakin.” Seth shook his hand. “Thanks for coming.”

“It was the only way to meet you unobtrusively. I’m not sure I want to be involved with this RU2. It could be very detrimental to my career.” He shrugged. “But sometimes a man has no choice. I hope this isn’t one of them.”

“Tony has explained everything to you?” Seth asked.

Migellin nodded. His gaze returned to the crowd. “Would I face that kind of opposition?”

“Yes,” Seth said.

“Well, at least you’re honest.” He turned to Kate. “And would your RU2 be worth it? Is it the miracle you claim?”

“Noah Smith thought it was worth it,” Kate said. “He died for it.”

“I’m asking what you think.”

“Oh yes, it’s a miracle. But I’ve put myself and my family at risk. If something happened to them, I don’t know if I could say it was worth it. I’m not that selfless.”

“But you’re here.”

“Because I was angry and tired of being pushed around. Not because I’m particularly noble.”

“And will this RU2 save as many lives as you claim?”

“Probably more. Our estimates are based on the major diseases. More research will probably provide a bigger picture.”

“I see.” Migellin stared at her for a moment before heaving a resigned sigh. “I’m afraid I believe you. Too bad. I was looking forward to a peaceful campaign year.” He took out a notebook from his pocket, scrawled something, and handed it to Kate. “However, I’m not completely convinced we even have a shot. I’d like you both to meet me at my country place tomorrow afternoon. I have some people I’ll want you to meet.”

“Who?” Seth asked.

“Frank Cooper for one. He’s head of the Gray Panthers. The retired citizens’ lobby is a very powerful influence here in Washington.” He smiled. “And they’re very concerned about their health.”

Kate felt a rush of relief. He was going to help them. “You’ll try to block Longworth’s bill?”

“I didn’t say that. I’ll need support and you’ll have to get it for me. Be there tomorrow. I’ll make a decision then.”

“We can’t,” Seth said. “Arrange it for day after tomorrow.”

Kate’s gaze flew to him. “Why not?”

“Noah Smith is being buried tomorrow afternoon.”

Migellin nodded. “I understand. Where is he being buried? I’d like to attend.”

“Mount Pleasant Cemetery outside the city. I want to avoid the media.”

“Not much chance. There are leaks everywhere in this town. But I’ll be there.”

“Why?” Kate asked. “You never met Noah.”

“He was a brave man. I would have liked to have known him. Now all I can do is pay my respects.” He added, “Then my country place day after tomorrow at three. I’m afraid I have to get back to my office now. May I drop you at your hotel?”

“That would be kind,” Kate said. “The Summit.” She watched him as he told his chauffeur their address. He
was
kind. As different from Longworth as day and night. He gave her a warm feeling of security and comfort. It was good to know that not all politicians were like that pompous bastard.

Her gaze shifted to Seth. He never failed to surprise her. Today he had been smooth and self-effacing, letting her have the spotlight. Yet she had always been aware of him in the background, supporting, guarding.

He turned his head and met her gaze. “Okay?”

She nodded. “It’s been a crazy day, hasn’t it?”

He smiled. “I’ve seen worse.”

Tony left immediately after Migellin dropped them off. Up in the suite, Seth ordered dinner.

“The food won’t be here for another forty minutes,” he told Kate. “Go take a shower and get comfortable. You look beat.”

She felt beat. She kicked off her heels and discarded her jacket. “Why didn’t you tell me about Noah’s funeral?”

“I just arranged it this morning. I thought you needed to concentrate on Longworth.”

“I didn’t even know you were thinking about—”

“It bothered you that Noah didn’t have proper burial. I could see it when Tony was telling us about it.”

“Didn’t it bother you?”

He shook his head. “And I don’t think it would have bothered Noah. Dead is dead, and all the formalities don’t mean crap. But it mattered to you.”

“Yes, it mattered to me.” She tried to steady her voice. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” He moved toward his bedroom. “Take your time. I’ll be back for the waiter. I just have to phone Rimilon and make sure everything’s okay.”

She nodded and headed for the bathroom.

Moments later she was standing beneath the warm spray of the shower. Noah was going to be put to rest. They were going to be able to say good-bye to him with the dignity he deserved. It was one of only two good things to come out of this nightmare of a day.

The pounding water was soothing and she gradually began to relax. She was used to working in a laboratory, not facing the media and defending her work. And Longworth and his blasted mob of—

Stop thinking about it. It was over. As Seth had said, they had to go on with the next steps. Easier for Seth than for her. He seemed as pliable as a Gumby toy, perfectly at ease in any situation. God, they were so different.

She had put on jeans and a sweatshirt and was blow-drying her hair when Seth knocked on the bathroom door. “Dinner.”

“I’ll be right out.”

When she entered the sitting room, Seth was at the table, straightening napkins and taking off the serving domes.

Noah.

He looked up and saw her face. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She came toward him. “You just reminded me of Noah. He was always fussing with the table settings. He was never happy with the way I did it.”

“Forget it,” he said. “I’m nothing like Noah. I’m not a gourmet cook and the only food I prepare is K rations in the field. Room service is just fine with me.”

His tone was so sharp it startled her. She sat down at the table and picked up her fork. “Sorry.”

“What are you sorry about? That he’s dead? You can’t bring him back by trying to see him in every man you meet.”

Anger flared. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t make that mistake with you. Noah was kind to me.”

“That’s why you’re so happy and free from worry. That’s why your son is living in a bomb shelter.”

She sat back and looked him in the eye. “What’s eating you? Noah was supposed to be your friend.”

“He
was
my friend but he’s dead, dammit. I don’t have to pretend that he was perfect. I won’t—” He broke off and Kate could see a myriad of expressions struggling across his face. “Oh, what the hell.” He sat down across from her and viciously speared a piece of tomato in his salad.

“I think you’re being unfair. Noah did what he thought was right. He may have involved you in this against your will, but did it ever occur to you that by willing you RU2, he probably made you a billionaire?”

He didn’t answer.

“And he died for something he—”

“All right, he’s perfect,” Seth said. “Drop it, okay?”

“No, it’s not okay.” She shrugged. “But I’ll drop it. I’ve no desire to argue with a sulky little boy.”

“Little boy?” His gaze lifted to her face. “That’s not what this is about, Kate.”

She went still when she saw his expression. She couldn’t look away.

“I’m not at all like Noah,” he said softly. “You’re vulnerable, you’re lonely, and we’re going to bury my best friend tomorrow. It doesn’t matter. If I thought I could nudge you into bed tonight, I’d do it.”

She could only stare at him. She was suddenly acutely aware of his physical
presence,
the power of his shoulders beneath the chambray shirt, the seductive curve of his wide, mobile mouth, the intensity of the blue of his eyes. She moistened her lips. “Enjoy the moment?”

“You bet.” He waited.

She shook her head.

An undefinable emotion flickered across his face. “I didn’t think so.”

“It’s not—We’re not—It would be a mistake.”

“You don’t have to look so damn appalled. It isn’t as if you’d mind going to bed with me. I’ve always known we had that going for us. I didn’t ask for a lifetime commitment.”

He had known. She shouldn’t be shocked. She had already learned he was a man of surprises. “I guess I’m not used to enjoying the moment. I’ve always had to think and plan.” She paused. “Besides, things are too confused. I’m sure you’d regret it if you—”

“The hell I would.” He smiled recklessly. “Don’t tell me what I’d regret. I wouldn’t regret one minute. I learned a long time ago that the only things I regret are the things I didn’t do, and I’ve wanted to go to bed with you since the moment I saw you.”

Her eyes widened. “You never said—I never realized.”

“Because I thought you and Noah were an item. For God’s sake, you were like Barbie and Ken playing in that laboratory. He was my friend. I do have a few scruples. Though if I’d realized he was being so stupid, I probably would have forgotten them.”

“He was being sensible.”

“Stupid,” Seth repeated. He pushed his plate aside and stood up. “I’m going to my room. I think I’ve done my best to spoil both our appetites.”

“We can’t let this make a difference. We have too much to do to—”

“Bullshit.” His voice was thick with tension. “It’s going to make a difference. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I want you to know that all you have to do is reach out and I’ll be there.” He moved toward his room. “Be ready at three tomorrow afternoon.”

“You’re making this impossible.”

“Not impossible. Hard. There’s nothing wrong with hard. Nothing at all.” The door slammed behind him.

She pushed her plate aside. He was right. She was too upset to eat. She was shaken and angry and disturbed. It was just like Seth to throw a monkey wrench into the works when the situation was difficult enough. Self-indulgent bastard. He was as explosive as a keg of dynamite, as sensual as the goat god Pan, and as selfish as—

Sensual.

She didn’t want to think about how aware she had felt that moment after he had told her he wanted her. She didn’t want to think about Seth in that way. She didn’t need a one-night stand. She needed steadiness and commitment and mutual interests. She would be miserable in a relationship with a wild man like Seth.

I didn’t ask for a lifetime commitment.

But that’s what she needed. Not to go up in flames that would burn out quickly. She had a career and a son. She would be totally irresponsible to take what—

What she wanted? Did she want Seth? Look at it honestly.

She remembered that day in the forest, the moment that had just passed.

Oh yes, she wanted to go to bed with him.

But that didn’t mean she would do it. Adults made choices; unlike Seth, they didn’t grab what they wanted without thinking of the consequences.

Maybe tangents are the way to go.

Why had Phyliss’s words about Noah’s methods popped into her head? Probably because Seth was a tangent in himself. An erotic, powerful departure from everything safe and familiar.

And Kate did not go off on tangents.

“Ready? Tony has the car downstairs,” Seth said as soon as she opened the door the next day.

She nodded. “I’m ready.”

“Good.” He studied her face. “You’re trying not to look me in the eye. Don’t worry. This is Noah’s day. I’m not going to unsettle you.”

“You didn’t unsettle me,” she lied even as a rush of relief poured through her. “But I’m glad you—You’re right, this is Noah’s day.”

There were only a handful of people at the grave site. Tony, Seth, Senator Migellin, and someone she assumed was an aide. The service, conducted by a minister, was brief.