The First Councel

“About me and Nora? I have no idea. I’m guessing through the Service. To be honest, though, I’m more concerned with what he implied about her and Vaughn.”

“I don’t blame you-if they’ve got something tying him to Nora, the two of them could potentially be-”

“Don’t even say it.”

“Why?” Trey asks. “You’ve thought it yourself-she’s never spent all her time on the side of the angels.”

“That doesn’t mean she’s out to get me.”

“You sure about that?”

“Yes. I am.” Shaking my head, I add, “And even if I weren’t, what am I supposed to do-assume she’s the enemy just because the FBI mentions her in the same sentence as some killer named Vaughn?”

“But the drugs… ”

“Trey, I’m not doing anything until we get some more facts. Besides, you should’ve heard Adenauer. The way he was talking, it’s like he’s got something tying me to this guy.”

“You think that’s why Vaughn’s contacting you?”

“I’m not sure what to think. For all we know, Simon left the note, signed it from Vaughn, and is trying to link me up with a killer.”

“Sounds a little much,” Trey says. Leaning back in his chair, he stretches his arms in the air and lets out an enormous yawn. As his jaw juts side to side, he drops his chair back to the upright position. “Now what about Vaughn’s murder trial?” he asks. “Any idea what happened?”

“Not yet. Pam should-”

“I’ll have it by tomorrow morning,” Pam says, walking into my office.

“Have what?” Trey asks.

“Vaughn’s FBI file.”

“I don’t understand. Since when do you-”

“Until Simon hires a replacement, Pam’s taken over Caroline’s responsibilities,” I explain. “Which means she’s the new mistress of the files.”

“And guess who I saw on my way to the FBI’s office?”

“Simon?” I ask nervously.

“Think deranged girlfriend… ”

“You saw Nora?”

“She was headed to some function in the Indian Treaty Room-I stepped in the elevator and she was there.”

“Did she recognize you?”

“I assume so-she asked me if we were going to the same place. I couldn’t help but tell her the FBI wasn’t exactly a meet-and-greet. And then-I couldn’t believe it-she looks straight at me, and in the softest, sweetest voice says, ‘Thanks for helping him.’ I swear, I almost hit the Emergency Stop right there.”

It’s not hard to read the surprise in Pam’s voice. “You actually liked her, didn’t you?” I ask.

“No, no-now you’re just fantasizing. Deep down, I still think she needs a swift kick in her privileged little ass-but face-to-face… I certainly didn’t like her… it’s just… she’s not what I thought either.”

“You felt bad for her, huh?”

“I don’t pity her, if that’s what you’re asking… but she’s not as simple as she looks.”

“Of course she’s not simple-she’s a lunatic,” Trey shoots back. “What the hell is wrong with you two? You’d think she’s the friggin’ Pied Piper. Big deal-she’s complex. Welcome to reality. Thomas Jefferson cried freedom, then had an affair with one of his slaves.”

“So? People still separate the two.”

“Well they shouldn’t!”

“Well I hate to break it to you, but I got a nation of 270 million patriots who disagree.”

Shaking his head, Trey knows he’s not winning this one. “Y’know what-why don’t we just get back to Vaughn.”

Turning to Pam, I ask, “Is there any way to get his file earlier?”

“I’m trying my best,” she says, already downplaying. “They said it’ll take till tomorrow.”

“Screw tomorrow,” Trey says. “I got Vaughn’s number from information-we can call him right now.” He picks up the phone and starts dialing.

“Don’t!” I shout.

Trey stops cold.

“If this is the guy who killed Caroline, the last thing I need is a call to him originating from my phon-”

Before I can finish, the ringing of my phone cuts through the room. Pam and I look at Trey, who’s still closest to the receiver.

“What’s it say?” I ask as Trey checks the caller ID screen on the phone.

He shakes his head. “Outside Call,” which means that the person is either calling from an untraceable pay phone, an untraceable cell phone, or the person is one of the few White House bigshots who has a screened identity. I rush to my desk as the advice comes simultaneously.

“Pick it up.” “Don’t pick it up.”

“Let it go,” Pam adds. “He’ll leave a message.”

“If he leaves a message, you’re stuck where you are now,” Trey says. “Afraid to call him back.”

Unsure, I go with instinct. Trey over Pam. “This is Michael,” I say as I bring it to my ear.

“Michael, get over here,” Nora says on the other end of the line.

“Over where? Where are you?”

“Uncle Larry’s office. He just got the dirt on your new friend, Vaughn.”

“How’d you find out abou-?”

“C’mon, you don’t think the FBI sends him updates?”

I stay silent. Eventually, I ask, “Is it bad?”

“I think you should come up here. Quickly. Please.”

Like the day in the bowling alley, there’s something completely unnerving about hearing fear in Nora’s voice. She’s trying hard, but she’s not good at hiding it. I hang up the phone and race for the door.

“Where’re you going?” Pam asks.

“You don’t want to know.”

***