Sara smiled. Ramsey and Knight are from different walks of life, although they tend to work together on many issues. He seems overly accommodating to her. Maybe he doesnt like confrontation with women. Hes from a different generation.

I dont think gender has anything to do with it, Fiske remarked bluntly.

Shes a brilliant jurist, Sara said defensively. They all heard the beeping sound. Chandler reached down to his belt, held up the pager and looked at the number on its screen. Can I use a phone? he asked Sara. She led the way. Chandler rejoined them a minute later and shook his head wearily. Couple of new customers for me to interview. Shotgun wounds to the heads. Lucky, lucky me.

Can you take me back to the station so I can pick up my car? Fiske asked.

Actually, I was heading the other way.

I can drive you, Sara said quickly. Both men looked at her. Im finished for the day. Not that I got much accomplished. She looked down and smiled a little wistfully. The ironic thing is, I know Michael wouldnt approve. Ive never seen anyone so dedicated, so hardworking. She looked at Fiske keenly, as though giving added strength to her words.

Grab some dinner or something, Chandler suggested. You two might find a lot to talk about.

Fiske glanced around, clearly uncomfortable with this suggestion, but he finally nodded. You ready?

Give me a minute. She shook her head wearily. I have to tell Steven he has to work all night, she said, and headed off. Chandler said, John, find out what you can. She was close to your brother. He added, Unlike you.

Im not real good at spying, Fiske said, feeling guilty about plotting like this behind Saras back. He had to catch himself, though; he didnt even know the woman. As if he were privy to Fiskes thoughts, Chandler said, John, I know shes smart and pretty, and she worked with your brother and shes shook up about his death. But remember one thing.

Whats that?

Those arenotreasons to trust her. With that parting comment, Chandler walked off. ["C26"]CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Jordan Knight stood in the doorway of his wifes office and watched her. Elizabeth Knights head was bowed as she sat at her desk. Several books were open in front of her, but she was obviously not reading any of them.

Why dont you call it a day, honey?

She looked up, startled. Jordan, I thought you had left for your meeting.

He came over and stood next to her, massaging the back of her neck with one hand. I canceled it. And now its time to go home.

But I have some more work to go. Were all behind. Its so hard

He put a hand under her arm and helped her up. Beth, no matter how important it is, its not that important. Lets go home, he said firmly. A few minutes later they were being driven in a government car to their apartment. After a relaxing shower, something to eat and a glass of wine, Elizabeth Knight finally started to feel halfway normal again as she lay on her bed. Her husband came in and sat down next to her, putting her feet on his lap and rubbing them.

Sometimes I think were too hard on our clerks. Work them too hard. Expect too much from them, she said after a while.

Is that right? Jordan Knight cupped her chin in one hand. What, are you somehow trying to blame yourself for Michael Fiskes death? He wasnt working late the night he was probably killed. You told me he called in sick. His being in an alleyway in a bad part of town has nothing to do with you or the Court. Somebody, some piece of street trash, killed him. Maybe it was a robbery, or maybe he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, but you had nothing to do with it.

The police think it was a robbery.

Im sure its early on in the investigation, but itll be given the highest priority.

One of the clerks today asked if Michaels death might be connected to the Court somehow.

Jordan Knight considered this for a moment. Look, I suppose its possible, but I cant see how. He suddenly looked worried. If it is, though, Im going to make sure you have added protection. Ill make a call tomorrow and youll have your own Secret Service or FBI agent, round the clock.

Jordan, you dont have to do that.

What, make sure that some nut doesnt take you away from me? I think about that a lot, Beth. Some of the Courts decisions are very unpopular. You all get death threats from time to time. You cant ignore that.

I dont. I just try not to think about it.

Fine, but dont get upset if I do.

She smiled, touched his face. You take much too good care of me, you know.

He smiled. When you have something precious, thats the only way to go.

They tenderly kissed and then Jordan pulled the covers up over her, turned out the light and left to finish up some work in his study. Elizabeth Knight didnt go to sleep right away. She stared into the darkness, a series of emotions hitting her. Right when they all threatened to overwhelm her, she thankfully drifted off. *����*����* I cant imagine what youre going through, John. I know how badly Im feeling, and Id only known Michael for a relatively short time.

They were in Saras car and had just crossed over the Potomac River and into Virginia. Fiske wondered if she was trying to impress upon him that she had little information to provide.

So how long did you two work together?

A year. Michael talked me into coming back for a second year.

Ramsey said you and Michael were close. How close?

She looked sharply at him. What are you implying?

I just want to gather facts about my brother. I want to know who his friends were. If he was seeing anyone. He glanced over at her to gauge her reaction. If she had one, she wasnt showing it.

You only lived two hours away and you know nothing about his life?

Is that your opinion or someone elses?

I can actually make observations all by myself.

Well, thats a two-way street.

The observations, or the two-hour drive?

Both.

They pulled into the parking lot of a restaurant in northern Virginia. They went inside, got a table and ordered their drinks and food. A minute later, Fiske took a swallow of his Corona; Sara sipped on a margarita. Fiske wiped his mouth. So, do you come from a family of lawyers? We tend to run in packs.

She smiled and shook her head. Im from a farm in North Carolina. Single-stoplight town. But my father had a connection to law.

Fiske looked mildly interested. What was that?

He was the justice of the peace for the area. Officially, his courtroom was a little space in the back of the jail. More often hed hear cases while sitting on his John Deere tractor in the middle of the field.

Is that what got you interested in law?

She nodded. My dad looked more like a judge sitting on dusty farm equipment than some others Ive seen in the fanciest courts.

Including the one youre in now?

Sara blinked and suddenly looked away. Fiske felt guilty for having made the comment. I bet your dad was a good JP. Common sense, fair in his decisions. Man of the soil.

She glanced at him to see if he was being sarcastic, but Fiskes look was genuine. Thats exactly what he was. He mostly dealt with poachers and traffic tickets, but I dont think anyone walked away feeling they had been treated unfairly.

You see him often?

He died six years ago.

Im sorry. Is your mom still around?

She died before Dad. Rural life can be rough.

Sisters or brothers?

She shook her head and seemed relieved to see their food arrive.

It just occurred to me that I havent eaten today, Fiske said as he took a large bite of his tortilla.

I do that a lot. I think I had an apple this morning.

Not good. His gaze swept over her. You dont have a lot of excess on you.

She looked him over. Despite his broad shoulders and full cheeks, he almost looked gaunt, his shirt collar loose against his neck, his waist a little too small for his size. Neither do you.