Cloud Dust: RD-1 (R-D #1)(57)
That wouldn't make Cutter happy at all.
"Congratulations," I said. "You deserve that and more."
"Corinne, that means a lot to me," he said, his dark eyes shining. "Would you mind having dinner with me tonight, so we can discuss what to do about Nick? The President can't make up her mind on this, so I'd like your help."
"If you want. Just me, or Rafe, too?"
"Just you, if you don't mind."
"All right."
*
"I didn't know they did this," I said, turning in a circle to take in the private dining room located over the sunroom at the back of the villa.
"Started just before we left for Scotland. Isn't completely finished yet, but it makes sense, doesn't it?" Auggie said. "People can have private dinners without the noise of the cafeteria and everybody else listening in."
"Yeah."
We waited to begin our conversation after drinks were served. Champagne flutes were set in front of us, along with water goblets and a basket of bread.
"I didn't know you liked champagne," I said as it was poured for both of us. "I can only have a sip—concussion, you know."
"I know. This is in celebration of my new job," he said. "Since my wife can't be here," he lifted his glass in a toast.
"More power to you, Auggie," I clinked my glass against his.
"Now," he said when food was placed in front of us and our waiter left. "What do you know about Nick, and what should we do about it?"
"Nick is doing just fine," I said. "He wants Becker and Gene, but if Cutter happens to be in the way, it'll be too bad for him, too."
"This isn't something he can do alone, even if he does manage to find them."
"Auggie, sometimes things aren't what they seem on the surface. You know that."
"I sure know you turned out to be more than a pretty face."
"I don't know whether that's a compliment or not."
"It's neither, and it's a little insensitive," he acknowledged. "Will you tell me what you know about Nick, or is that something I don't need to know right now? I'm worried about the fact that he has no cash or credit cards."
"Auggie, he has money," I admitted.
"How?"
"I gave it to him."
"What the hell?" August dropped his butter knife and stared at me.
"He was about to explode. I knew that. I slipped an envelope of cash beneath his door before we flew to Scotland. I worry about him feeding himself, just as much as you do."
"He still has to find Gene and Becker."
"He'll find them. He knows what to do, too, when he does."
"He can't do this alone."
"Auggie, this is where you'll have to trust me, okay? I think Nick will be all right. You know," I watched as he lifted his butter knife, then frowned at the smear of butter on the white tablecloth for a moment.
"I know what?" He turned his eyes to me, then.
"I think Maye needs a project to keep her mind off Nick," I said, although that wasn't what I'd been about to say.
"Shaw says the same thing." He took another pat of butter and placed it on his roll.
"Do you think she could work at the Smithsonian without drawing too much attention or punching too many people?"
"Why?"
"I think somebody may target it, next."
Auggie thought for a few seconds before speaking. "Somebody wants the Hope Diamond, then?"
"Possibly."
"I don't need possibly, Cori. I need facts."
"They want it. I know that for sure."
"You think Mary Evans may be here in the States?"
"It's possible."
"Then I'll talk to the President and see if we can't get Maye into the Natural History Museum at the Smithsonian."
*
"What did you talk about?" Ilya asked when I got back to our suite after my dinner with Auggie.
"About Maye and the Hope Diamond. I think that's Mary Evans' next target. I'm amazed that she can get into the country with every department in existence looking for her, right now."
"She's done this before," Ilya frowned. "Many times. Perhaps she will arrive via Canada. Or Mexico. Or by private yacht."
"I just want her caught," I said. "I'm hoping Maye can do that. Ilya, I'm worried about Auggie."
"Why?"
"Well, first off, Cutter will be pissed. That'll paint a bigger target on Auggie's back. Second, I don't think his wife is gonna like being married to the next Secretary of Defense."
"He will receive that promotion as well?"
"I think that's the plan," I said dryly. "He's not telling anybody, but I figured it out. Keep it quiet, please, until the official announcement is made."
"I will."
"I really, really want a drink right now," I said, flopping onto the sofa in our sitting room. "I only got a sip of Auggie's champagne at dinner, to celebrate his promotion."
"How about a trip to the hot tub instead? For your muscle aches?"