Call to Treason - Tom Clancy [114]
"A woman from your circle was at the second crime scene," McCaskey told him. "The time is right, and she was wearing a dress that matches the color of fibers found in the room."
Since this was an unsecured line, McCaskey would not tell Rodgers how he found that out, but the former FBI agent was a conservative man; he would not have made such a conclusive statement if he weren't sure.
"Who is it?" Rodgers asked.
"The reporter."
Lucy O "Connor. Rodgers felt relief, doubt, and renewed concern in quick succession. The relief was because the killer appeared to be outside the group. The doubt was because it seemed unlikely Lucy would have conceived the one murder alone, let alone a second murder and possibly the bombing of Op-Center. In the little time he had spent with Lucy, she did not seem to have the patience for murder. And concern because, if all that were true, Lucy had to be in league with someone. That still did not clear Link or his people.
"What about the hat with the big brim?" Rodgers asked. "Is that a match?"
"Not worn in this image," McCaskey said. "But it could have been stuffed into a shoulder bag."
That made sense. If she were caught on a security camera outside, there would be one less element to connect her to images from the hotel.
"What do you want me to do?" Rodgers asked.
"I think you should tell your traveling companion and see how she reacts," McCaskey said.
"I agree. We leave for San Diego in less than an hour. I'll try to call back before then."
Rodgers hung up. He flipped the phone shut and started walking toward Kat. She was still sitting there, her eyes fixed on nothing, her index finger in her open ear as she talked on the phone, conducting her business. But which business? And how was he going to find out? He was a soldier, not Morley Safer.
The seat beside Kat was open. Rodgers took it. She did not attempt to conceal what she was saying.
" only CNN talks to him before the press conference. That's the deal we made for a prime-time spot," Kat was saying. She was silent for a moment, her shoulders straight and stiff, her mouth a tight, unemotional line. Then she said, "I understand, Diane, But Larry was the only one who offered that. What about this: you get the first talk with the ticket. I would want ten minutes in the eight o'clock hour of the morning show." She was silent again. "Yes, an exclusive sit-down at the senator's home in Georgetown." Kat smiled slightly as she listened. "Good. I will present it to the senator, but I am certain it will be okay. Thanks. Say hi to Mike." Kat punched the Off button and slumped into the seat. "Well, this is what I worked for. Now I've got it."
"What is that?"
"A hungry press," Kat replied. "Before Wilson, Senator Orr was only on the radar of the all-news networks. Now everyone wants him, especially if they can shoot at the party house."
"Lucky break for us," Rodgers said.
Kat looked over. "I'm too busy for sarcasm."
"Okay. Let's try it straight up." Kat had given him a clean shot, and he decided to take it. Maybe that was the best way. "What do you say to Lucy O'Connor being at the Hay-Adams when Wilson was murdered?"
"I would say she was trying to get an interview," Kat replied. She speed-dialed another number.
"Or maybe trying to make news," Rodgers suggested.
"What are you talking about?"
Rodgers looked around to make sure no one was listening. For all he knew, Lucy O'Connor had been on their flight. "There is an image of Lucy leaving the Hay-Adams shortly after the murder. The dress she had on is the same color as the one the assassin was wearing."
Kat terminated the call. "That hardly makes her a killer or even an accomplice," she said. "Maybe they bought it off the same rack."
"That's a reach," Rodgers said.
"So is your idea of what constitutes a murder suspect," Kat said.
"You've got a hungry reporter. A reclusive news maker Of course she would be at the hotel after the party, trying to intercept him."
"You're defending her pretty adamantly," Rodgers observed.
"This is America. Lucy is still innocent. Besides,