Bill Rudly pleaded with his son to reconsider this assignment. He knew that the U.S. would never tolerate Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait, that war was imminent. His pleading had turned to anger when Jack ignored him.

Jack lit a cigarette. At thirty-five, it amazed him that his father still tried to tell him what to do. Yet, here he was looking for advice. Advice. Jack thought, the real reason for his visit. He’d been offered a position in the States with the Today news magazine. He didn’t mind giving up the extra assignments for the CIA, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready to leave Associated Press. And although he knew his father would want him to take the safe option, he still needed a sounding board.

Straightening from the fence post, Jack saw Carolyn Alden Lane and her father-in-law, Edmund Lane, walking toward him. They were in an intense discussion and didn’t see him as they approached. Edmund’s hands were stuffed into the pockets of his suit pants. His white hair glistened in the sun.

“This can’t continue to happen,” the senator’s wife was saying. “Something’s got to be done about Patrick Dunfey. He’s making too many waves too close to the election.”

“You worry about Warner. I’ll handle Dunfey.” Edmund Lane said.

Jack interrupted, “Hello. Carolyn.” He tilted his head toward the senior Lane. “Edmund.”

Carolyn’s head snapped up. “Hello. Jack.” she said quickly, obviously embarrassed by the chance they had been overhead. “I’m sorry. I didn’t see you standing there. How rude of me.”

Edmund shook Jack’s hand. “How are you, son?”

“I’m fine. Just visiting my father for a few days before going abroad.”

“How nice,” Carolyn said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen you here in Missouri, but I faithfully read your articles. Your coverage of the protest in Beijing was impressive. I wish I’d known you were going to be here. We could have had you speak.”

“That’s nice of you. Carolyn. But I really wanted to keep this trip low-key.”

Carolyn smiled in understanding. “I wish I could stay and talk longer, but unfortunately duty calls.” She extended her hand. “It was good to see you. Jack.” She turned to Edmund. “I’ll call you later.”

They watched her walk away.

“So, today we’re treated to speeches from our favorite senators,” Jack said. “I see Dunfey’s been giving Warner a hard time.”

Edmund’s eyes narrowed. “It’s not your concern and certainly not the press’s concern either.”

“Don’t worry, Edmund, this is strictly off-the-record,” Jack reassured him, surprised by Lane’s abrupt change in attitude. “I’m here for pleasure, not as a journalist.”

“Don’t give me that crap. You Rudlys are all alike. Just remember, boy, you stick your hand in a badger hole, you’re liable to lose a finger, or worse.”

“Is that a threat?”

Edmond ’s glare settled on Jack. “Take it any way you please. Just stay out of the Lanes’ business.”

Jack stared dumbfounded as Edmond strode away.

“What did he want?” Bill Rudly said as he approached.

Jack turned toward the sound of his father’s voice. “I’m not sure. He was fine one moment, and when I asked about Dunfey, he got testy. Did you have a run-in with him?”

“Just the usual politics.”

“Didn’t sound like the usual politics. This sounded personal. What’s going on?”

“Nothing that concerns you. Don’t worry about it.” The senior Rudly started for the car, parked directly behind the amphitheater in the VIP lot.

Jack followed. “I am worried about it.”

Bill stopped. “I don’t want you anywhere near those people, do you understand? You have no idea who you’re messing with. They’ll not take kindly to your investigations, and I don’t want you hurt. End of discussion.” He swung around abruptly and continued on to the car.

Surprised, Jack paused, then caught up a moment later. “Look, either you fill me in, or I’m on the case, which could cause us both some embarrassment.”

Bill Rudly opened his car door and lowered himself into the seat behind the steeling wheel. He’d given his driver the day off in order to have private time with his son. “I do my best to respect your career. I expect you to respect mine. I repeat: discussion over.” He pulled the car door closed leaving Jack to walk to the passenger’s side and get in.

“No way,” Jack said angrily. “You know I respect your career, but this doesn’t fall into that category. We’re talking about the Lanes and a threat that was tossed in my direction. I deserve an explanation.”

Bill rubbed his forehead in agitation. “There’s corruption in that family. I’m sure of it. And it’s poisoning Missouri. I won’t say any more than that.” He turned the key in the ignition.

“What happened between you and Edmund Lane?”

“Edmund knows I’m on to them. That’s why he’s got his dander up. I told him I wouldn’t let him and his cohorts use the political system for their own agenda. He didn’t like that.”

“I’m sure he didn’t. Edmund’s not used to any opposition, let alone back talk.”

Bill moved the gearshift to reverse and placed his arm on the back of the seat. “When I’ve got something substantial I’ll let you know.”

Anger flashed across Jack’s features. “I’m your son, for God’s sake. Not some member of the press who you have to watch your words around.”

“This has nothing to do with your profession.”

“Bullshit. You don’t trust me because I’m a journalist. You’ve made that abundantly clear, and you can’t pass up an opportunity to let me know it.”

“Believe what you want, but the truth is that I’m not comfortable discussing this with you, or anyone, until I have concrete evidence. If I need your help, I’ll ask for it. Let’s leave it at that.” Bill backed the car out of the parking space. “I don’t want to fight with you over the Lanes. They cause me enough grief as it is.”

Jack met his father’s gaze, hesitated, then nodded. Years of diplomatic service had ingrained his father with discretion. Jack had seen this stance before, and knew there was no point in pushing. Bill Rudly would talk when he was ready. But what the hell was going on? His father had never refused to discuss political matters with him before.

After five miles of silence, Jack spoke. “I’ve gotten a job offer.”

“Is it more sane than your current position?”

“Probably by your standards. It’s with Today news magazine. I’d be a senior correspondent here in the States.”

“What about your special assignments for the CIA?”

“That would be over.”

Bill Rudly smiled. “Take it.”

“I was hoping for more of a discussion, like: Have you considered the change in lifestyle? Are you ready to settle down? Will you miss the excitement of cutting-edge news?”

“Domestic issues can be cutting-edge.”

“You know what I mean. The AP’s been good to me.”

“Your job at the AP was meant to prepare you for an opportunity like this.”

“I know. This is a plum job, the pay’s extraordinary, it’s packed with prestige, and it’s the right career move. But I feel like I’m selling out, leaving the front lines of journalism for a cushy position in the States.”

“You’re not selling out, you’re glowing up. With a job like this you could find a nice girl, settle down, and start a family. It’s the responsible thing to do.” Bill glanced over at Jack. “Whatever happened to that girl you were dating?”

“Katherine Seals?”

“That’s her.”

“It didn’t work out.” Pain caught in his throat. He was surprised that losing her still hurt. Or maybe it was the circumstances that didn’t sit well. She thought he was a bastard, and maybe she was right.

“What happened? If I remember correctly, you were quite taken with her.”

“You know my hack record.” A bitter note crept into Jack’s voice. “When it comes to women, I’m a screw-up.”

“Like your marriage?”

“I don’t want to talk about this.” Jack clenched his jaw.