Page 18 of The Search

“I know. That’s why I called Todd Madden and asked him to arrange for ATF to lend you to me.”

She stared at him, stunned. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“My God, you’re doing it again.”

“I tried to avoid it.” He shrugged. “But I couldn’t get through to you. You’re still holding a grudge.”

“And you wouldn’t? I can’t see you being railroaded and then forgiving and forgetting.”

“I’m not saying I don’t understand, I’m just explaining why I had to call Madden. He told me to tell you to forget about that press conference for the time being. You and Monty belong to me for as long as I need you.”

Her surprise was turning to fury. “The hell we do.”

“Madden assured me you’d do whatever I asked.”

“And what did you promise him?”

“My gratitude. And all the influence that goes with it. Your Senator Madden is very ambitious, isn’t he? Is he eyeing a cabinet post?”

“I can’t believe he canceled the press conference. He likes to see his face in the newspapers too much.”

“Oh, I had to be very persuasive.”

“You son of a bitch.”

“I was worried that you’d turn me down in spite of Madden’s orders, but he said there was no way you’d refuse him.” His gaze narrowed on her face. “He has something on you, doesn’t he? Some kind of hold?”

“What do you care? It was nothing to you how Madden got me to do what you wanted the last time. All you wanted was results. That’s all you care about now.” She was shaking with anger. “Is that why you came here?”

“I came here because Eve wanted me to be here. The same reason you came.”

“But you knew I’d be here. Two birds with one stone.”

“Yes, I knew you’d be here.”

“And what do you want me to do? Find another corpse for you?”

“I don’t think he’s dead.” He smiled crookedly. “I know how you hate using Monty as a cadaver dog. You should be pleased that I’m asking you and Monty to work on rescuing a real live person.”

“Pleased?”

“Wrong word. I’m trying to put a tolerable light on a bad situation.”

“It’s not tolerable.”

“It will have to be.”

“Screw you.” She took out her phone and dialed Madden’s number. “What the devil are you doing to me?” she asked as soon as he answered.

“Now, Sarah, it’s for the best.”

“Whose best, damn you?”

“Logan tells me the job is very important and it may not be all that long.”

“Did it occur to you that Monty and I just came back from a job that wore us down to the bone? We need to rest.”