Cloud Dust: RD-1 (R-D #1)(33)

"Don't get all upset, Leo," I said. "I had my reasons. I told you those reasons earlier. Heads have been hot over that whole incident. What could have happened if they had a specific target?"

"I see your point," the President leaned back in her chair. "With the information coming out now and only to a select few, we may be able to employ—shall we say classified measures—to retrieve these items?"

"I think we have agents in other departments who might be able to track them," August suggested.

"Then I'll look into who might be able to handle this. Someone who speaks the language fluently and can fit in," the President said. "I'll let you know. Corinne, are you working on the other part of this, still—the part of making the ones responsible for that massacre pay?"

"I am," I said. "I just need more cooperation from a few people."

"Then you can have anything you want, within reason."

"I just want photographs," I said. "Colonel Hunter knows which ones."

"See to it," she nodded to Auggie.

"What about the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister?" Rafe asked. "Are they still targets?"

"Possibly," President Sanders replied. "Security has been increased and all departments here and in Britain are on alert."

"Any word on the one who called herself Mary Evans?" Rafe asked his follow-up question.

"None. Vanished like a puff of smoke in a high wind. We currently have nothing on her location, but our resources are working on that now."

"I believe she's our go-between," Rafe said.

"Do you have any idea who is directing her movements?"

"None at the moment, but if I can see those photographs Corinne mentioned, I may recognize someone."

"Then you have my permission to contact the necessary departments. Look, I hate to end this meeting—it has been more than productive," the President said. "But I have another meeting. I'll have someone show you out. Thank you—all of you, for your exemplary service in London."

*

Notes—Colonel Hunter

James brought information to me the moment I arrived in my office—a flash drive containing phone conversations between Dalton Parrish and General Cutter was placed in my hand as James offered a silent frown. He and I listened as Dalton informed Cutter of Corinne's performance in the tunnels beneath London. I cursed the moment I heard Cutter refer to her as a witch.

*

Corinne

I owed Auggie cookies; he didn't mention my transfer to the President. Not while I was there, anyway. If they held a private conversation at another time, I didn't care, as long as they kept it to themselves.

Usually, I don't bake on Tuesdays. As I had the day off, aside from meetings, I baked cookies for August and James. Rafe showed up after I took the first batch out of the oven, so the intended recipients got the second and third batches. I figured they could live with a dozen apiece.

"Do you have a washer and dryer?" Rafe asked as he stuffed the rest of a cookie in his mouth.

"Yes—in a closet outside my office," I said. "Why?"

"I like to wash my own jeans. The service here puts starch in them. I prefer to keep them soft. It allows me easier movement."

"Fine. You can borrow my washer and dryer."

"I'll make gumbo tomorrow for dinner."

"Really? What kind?"

"Seafood gumbo."

"You're my hero," I said. "Do we have crackers left?"

"I'd prefer fresh bread."

Rafe brought six pairs of jeans over, stuffed them in my washer, then made himself comfortable on a nearby chair while I went through the most recent chapter in the book. Taking days away from a manuscript requires that I go through the last two or three chapters, just to get back in the groove.

"I've read it already. It's good," Rafe said when I finished reading.

"It needs editing. I'll send out the first half soon, so my editor can start working on it."

"Want to invite James to dinner tomorrow night? I tend to make enough gumbo to feed an army."

My inter-Mansion phone rang beside my desk. I couldn't call out on it, but anyone inside the Mansion could call me. "Hello?" I said after picking up.

"I want to come," James said immediately.

"We really need to find you a date," I informed him dryly. "But your cookies are here waiting. You probably already know that."

"Can I come get them now?"

"You're always welcome here, unless I'm asleep or in the shower."

"On my way." The line went dead.

"What shall we name our adopted child?" I asked Rafe. He laughed.

*

I had no idea we'd have uninvited guests. Thank goodness Rafe did make enough for an army. All of the Five showed, with Carol, Kevin's handler, and Jeff, Maye's handler. James had a great time—he probably hadn't been to a party since college.

"Why didn't we know you could—you know," Maye said to me as Rafe handed her a glass of wine.

"I can't explain it, really. August would probably kill me."

"He wouldn't, he'd just be pissed," James grinned. "This gumbo is awesome."