Midnight Runner - Jack Higgins [66]
"Daniel. I'd like to say it's good to see you."
"Mr. President, let's take it as read and get on with things. What can I do for you?"
"Let's sit down," which they did, and Cazalet carried on. "General Ferguson has spoken to us, Blake and myself, on a conference call. I'm truly shocked at what he told me about Rupert Dauncey's conduct in this matter."
"It wasn't really aimed at me, you realize. Dauncey didn't intend my daughter's death. He simply wanted her on drugs at that rally, hoping she might be arrested and become a serious embarrassment to me personally and to you politically."
"And the whole thing went hideously wrong," Blake said.
"Ferguson explained your reasons for destroying the recording," Cazalet said. "And I must be honest and say I'm dismayed. You could have nailed Dauncey in Court."
"He'd have gotten off lightly, Mr. President, and that's not good enough. He didn't murder my daughter, but he's responsible for her death, not that wretched young man, and I intend to see that he pays."
"But legally and properly, Daniel. We must operate within the confines of the law."
"That wouldn't even put a dent in the Rashid empire. And tell me this--what happens if the law doesn't work? Aren't I entitled to justice?"
"No," the President said, "because justice is nothing without the law. It's what binds us all together, it's the framework of all our lives. Without it, we're nothing."
"Which is exactly what the bad guys count on. I'm tired, Mr. President, and a lot of people would say the same thing. Tired of the wrongdoers getting away with it."
"What I say still holds true."
"Then, on this matter, we must agree to differ."
He stood up and Cazalet said, "If you're determined to follow this course, Daniel, I can't protect you. You realize that, don't you?"
"I would expect it."
"Then I have to tell you, you no longer have any official status for me in London. The Embassy will no longer offer you any kind of assistance."
"And I am no longer bound by Presidential Warrant?"
"I suppose that, too, yes."
"May I go now? I have a plane waiting to take me to London."
"One last thing. General Ferguson feels as I do. He will not involve himself or his people in this course of action. That means you won't be able to rely on any assistance from Sean Dillon."
"Mr. Dillon has indicated differently, and he strikes me as a man of strong views."
"I regret to hear it. Good-bye, Senator."
Blake ushered Quinn out. "I hope you know what you're doing."
"Never more so."
Quinn walked away and Blake went back in the Oval Office. Cazalet was back behind the desk. "Do you think I was wrong?"
"No, sir, you weren't. But he's right about one thing. Nobody is going to break Kate Rashid and her organization using the law or any other straight-up-and-down methods. This is one of those scenarios that calls for the Dillons of this world."
"But Daniel Quinn isn't a Dillon. There isn't a devious bone in his body."
"Perhaps he'll turn out to be a fast learner, Mr. President."
L ate that night in London, Rupert Dauncey had a phone call from one of the security people he'd put on duty outside Daniel Quinn's house, in a telecom van. There were two of them, Newton and Cook, both ex-SAS.
"He's back, sir," Cook said.
"When did he arrive?"
"An hour ago. I tried you, but your phone wasn't on."
Dauncey said, "I was out for a run."
"Well, I thought you'd like to know that that chauffeur of his has come out in full uniform and he's standing by the Mercedes. I'd say Quinn's about to move."
"I'll be there in three minutes." Dauncey slammed down the receiver, picked up his mobile, and was out of the flat in seconds. A moment later, he drove Kate's Porsche out of the garage. As he approached the corner of Park Place, the Mercedes turned out and he had a quick flash of Quinn sitting beside Luke. He followed and called Newton and Cook.
"I've got him and