The Belial Stone (The Belial Series #1)(26)

“Well, I think we all dream of that job one day. I just hope I’m worthy.” Kensington provided the expected diplomatic response. God, these exchanges were tedious.

Freddy beamed and nodded. “Absolutely. But we think that next time round, John Michaels is going to be the golden boy. He’s young, handsome, ambitious. The media just go nuts over him and he’s made quite a name for himself with his budget proposal. He’s really our rising star and we need to capitalize on that.”

Kensington’s face and voice gave nothing away. “John’s an incredible asset for our party. He’s done some great things.”

“Indeed, indeed,” Freddy said again. “We’re trying to get the whole party behind him and really put up a united front. Can we count on you?”

Kensington gave Freddy his most sincere look. “Whatever’s best for the party, you know that.”

Freddy clapped him on the shoulder. “Knew we could count on you. Let’s set up a round of golf sometime in the next month. Have your assistant call mine to arrange it.”

“Will do.” Kensington replied as Freddy turned and headed back down the hall.

Gideon could feel the anger flowing from Kensington as he watched Freddy leave.

He turned and glared at Gideon. “Follow me.”

Kensington led him through a series of hallways until they ended up in an empty conference room.

Gideon closed the door behind them, abandoning all pretense of submissiveness. “Problem, Robert?”

“Problem? Did you hear that prick? Michaels is a boy. He’s only in his second term as senator. He hasn’t paid his dues yet. It’s my turn.” He whirled around and paced the room. “You need to pick up the pace at the site. I need results sooner. I need something to show them.

“We’re already working the men through the night. They’ll pass away that much quicker if we pick up the pace.”

“I don’t give a damn,” he growled. “Work them all through the night for all I care. They can always be replaced. One thing America will never run out of is criminals. Make it happen, Gideon.” He stormed out of the room.

Gideon watched him go, his eyes narrowed. If Kensington didn’t have all the necessary connections, Gideon would crush him like a bug. But he was right about picking up the pace. This was taking way too long.

His phone rang. Speaking of which…

“Paul. I take it our little situation is now under control?”

“Not quite.”

“Not quite?” he echoed, disbelief coating his words. “Are you telling me she’s still alive?”

“She’s proven quite resourceful. But I’ll have her by the evening.”

“Well, make it quick. The longer she’s out there, the greater the risk.”

“I’ll handle it my way.” Paul’s words were covered in a layer of ice.

Gideon stared at the ceiling and blew out a breath. Paul’s ego was damaged. He would need to beat McPhearson in a satisfying way, which meant not quick. Damn.

“Where is she right now?”

“At the police station.”

Gideon glanced at his watch. “She’ll probably be there for a few hours. Keep her under surveillance. I have a plane waiting at the airport. I can be there in two hours. Don’t move on her until I get there.”

“There’s no need for that, brother. I can handle her.”

Gideon smiled. “I have no doubt of that. I just feel the need for a little fun.”





CHAPTER 21



Syracuse, NY



Night was falling when Jake pulled into the U-shaped parking lot of the St. Hugh of Lincoln church. The lot had about ten cars in it, with a few more in the bigger parking lot behind the school. About the normal crowd, Laney told him, for an evening Mass.

They’d spent three and a half hours at the police station: preparing their statements, going through mug books. But they’d had no luck. Whoever Paul was, he wasn’t in the system.

Jake had insisted they head out of town. But Laney had refused without her uncle.

Jake smiled, shaking his head as he followed her through the parking lot. He’d faced down drug runners, terrorists, and war-lords. And somehow this tiny woman had gotten him to postpone leaving town twice. Either he was slipping or… He shook his head, not wanting to follow that thought. He didn’t have time for that thought.

They were going to pick up her uncle and then Rocky and her partner were going to escort them to the airport. He didn’t like the plan. It would take too much time. But Laney wouldn’t leave without her uncle.

He’d considered man handling her into the plane but after reading her history, he was pretty sure he would not come out unscathed. And he did need her cooperation just in case any of this was related to the file her friend had sent her. Although for the life of him, he couldn’t see how it was

So here they were, walking into a space he didn’t like, giving Paul more time to catch up with them.

His eyes constantly checked the shadows for any movement as they headed for the rectory. He didn’t like this layout. There was only one exit. Laney explained the rectory didn’t have a back door. And while he’d be able to see anyone approaching, anyone would also be easily able to see them leaving.