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Arthur’s jaw set as he listened to his wife’s recounting of the week’s incidents and the subsequent conversation she’d had with Monty. “Dammit, Elyse. It’s my ear you should be chewing, not Montgomery’s. Why didn’t you talk to me first?”
“First? In other words, so you could put the right spin on my story? What would you have suggested I tell him?”
“Certainly not details that would shove us even further into the limelight. I’m trying to control what leaks out on the investigation. That’s why I’m dodging questions on the subject, and spearheading the effort to keep Montgomery’s investigation on track and under the radar. I want to keep a low profile on this, keep the focus on my bill. There’s enough smut about me in the tabloids as it is. I don’t need another personal exposé to cloud my agenda.”
“A personal exposé? This is about threats to Morgan, and possibly to us. That’s criminal activity, not social scandal.”
“Exactly. Which increases the likelihood of it getting out. I’ve been keeping a lid on my publi
c statements regarding the reopening of the double-homicide investigation. The whole country knows that Jack and Lara were our closest friends. If I make any kind of impassioned statement, it will piss off either the cops or the D.A.’s office. I can’t risk that. Primarily for Morgan’s sake. It’ll send the media flocking in her direction. Plus, it’ll throw all kinds of monkey wrenches into this investigation—an investigation I want wrapped up fast and without any additional personal or political uproar.”
“Primarily for Morgan’s sake?” Elyse’s words were tinged with more than a trace of cynicism.
“Yes, dammit. I don’t want her harassed. And I don’t want her suffering any more than she already has. But if you’re asking if it’s for my sake, too, the answer’s yes. I don’t need the controversy at this time in my political life. The press are like a flock of vultures. Keeping a lid on this has already been like holding back a dam with my bare hands. So if this new information leaks out—”
“Then people will know we’re human, vulnerable. Maybe that’ll generate positive press. Or are the details of that positive press the real source of your concern? Tell me, Arthur, are you more worried about word of the threats getting out, or about the profile of the hit-and-run victim getting out? From what I heard, she was young, beautiful, and drawn to older, successful men. Anything you want to tell me?”
Arthur swallowed the rest of his drink. “You’re being ridiculous, Elyse. There’s no link between me and that woman. I never met her. I don’t even know her name. And I sure as hell don’t know who ran her down.”
“Her name is Rachel Ogden. The name of the eyewitness who saw her get hit is Karly Fontaine. Both of them are Winshore clients. And, like I said, Rachel is definitely your type.”
“Thanks for the news flash. But I’m not sleeping with her. Like I said, I don’t even know her. Or the other one—Karly Fontaine.”
“That’s good. Because Detective Montgomery is interviewing them both tomorrow.”
“Shit.” Arthur dragged a palm over his face. “Why is he letting this sidetrack him? Those women are not going to help him solve the case, not if Morgan’s the common link here. All he’s going to succeed in doing is to escalate the hype.”
“I doubt it. He’s discreet. But he’s also thorough. That’s why Morgan hired him.”
“I know.” Arthur’s wheels were turning. “I just hope he treads carefully. One thing Pete Montgomery is not known for is his political correctness.”
“He is known for his street smarts. He realizes you’re a public figure. I’m sure he’ll act accordingly.” Elyse paused for a second. “Arthur, if there’s anything I should know about Rachel Ogden, tell me now. I can protect you better if I’m armed with all the facts.”
“I told you, there’s nothing to know,” he snapped, careful to keep his voice down. “If you don’t believe me, ask one of your high-paid detectives. You know, the ones who’ve been following me around for the past three decades, keeping track of my whereabouts.”
Elyse made a sound that was half laugh, half snort of disgust. “I hate to disappoint you, but I discontinued their services years ago. Partly because the rag magazines did such a thorough job of keeping tabs on you, no PIs were needed. And partly because I was emotionally sapped. I love you, Arthur. More than anything. But I’m worn out, resigned. You are who you are. Relentless PIs and revealing snapshots are never going to change that.”
He was quiet for a moment. “I’m not perfect, Lyssie. But I’m also not lying. Not this time. I have no connection to that hit-and-run victim. I never met her. And I’m not sleeping with her.” A caustic note crept into his tone. “Neither of which is going to stop the Enquirer from saying otherwise.”
“That’s true. But for what it’s worth, I believe you.”
“It’s worth a lot.” Another pause. “How’s Morgan taking this?”
“Not well. She and Jill are spending tonight eating pizza and watching movies. Hopefully, it will be good for her. But she’s not giving up. Threats or not, she’ll be right back at it tomorrow, digging up every lead until she and Detective Montgomery find Lara and Jack’s killer.”
Arthur exhaled sharply. “That’s the worst thing she could do. Between the memories and the press, this could push her over the edge. And if the threats are real, she could be in danger. So could you. The hang-ups, the person following you, the white van…I’m not happy. I’m going to call Montgomery, hire some extra security, for you and for Morgan. Jill, too, for that matter.”
“Thank you.” There was genuine relief in Elyse’s voice—relief and a touch of nostalgia. “When you’re like this…let’s just say that this is the man I fell in love with.”
“Then keep that picture in your mind. I’ll take care of you. I’ll take care of everything. Starting now. You sit tight. I’ll set things in motion. And I’ll be home before you know it.”
ARTHUR STARED AT his cell for a long moment after hanging up, his mind racing. He glanced across the great room, checking to see what Lane and Jonah were doing. They were standing by the fire, deep in conversation. Judging from the motions Lane was making with his arms and his body, he was clearly demonstrating some powder-skiing moves to Jonah.
Capitalizing on this narrow window of privacy, Arthur walked off to a quiet alcove. He lowered himself into one of the lounge’s corner chairs, nursing his drink and waiting to make sure no one was approaching him. Bad enough he’d argued with Elyse while sitting in the middle of the room—albeit quietly and with very few guests in the vicinity. But it was crucial that these next conversations be conducted with no chance of being overheard.
This whole situation was a disaster in the making. He was worried. And he was pissed. He had to protect his family. And he had to protect his career.
Time to put the screws into Detective Montgomery. And then, time to call in a marker.
