“And what about Runne?”
“Why, didn't Keller track up there and surprise him from behind? I don't know how else Runne could have gotten that broken neck.”
Andreas's gaze shifted to Alex. “You were there?”
“I was there.”
“And you concur with Morgan's statement?”
She looked at Morgan and then slowly nodded. “The bullets came from Runne's rifle.”
“And the two of you were just passing by, I suppose,” Andreas said sarcastically. “My God, you look like you've been through a tornado.”
“I feel like it.” Alex took a step closer to Morgan in silent support. “But I couldn't have gone through it with anyone I'd trust more. You can trust him too, Mr. President.”
“He doesn't have to trust me,” Morgan said. “He can reel me in any time he decides he needs a patsy. I'll make myself available.” He paused. “But not Alex. You clear her and she stays clean. That's the deal.”
“You don't make deals for me,” Alex said. “When are you going to learn that?”
Morgan ignored her, his gaze focused on Andreas. “I think you can arrange it so that you get what you want for the country. Shepard will have died a martyr's death. The country can always use another hero. Ask Alex.” He smiled crookedly. “And you can use me, if you need to do it.”
“I thought you were tired of being used,” Alex said. “And I'm not letting that happen to you. I don't think he will either. So shut up and let him decide.”
“Thank you,” Andreas said dryly. “How nice to have a choice.”
Alex smiled. “If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't give it to you. Right is right.”
“She likes to use that phrase,” Galen said. “But it's usually followed by a stubborn attack.”
Andreas was silent, his gaze on her face. “It's a very good phrase.” He turned to Keller. “You'd better go up to the top of the bluff again and make sure that no evidence is disturbed.”
“Again?” Keller repeated.
Andreas nodded. “I have to commend you, Keller. I had no idea you were still fit enough to take down a murderer like Runne. You're quite the hero.”
Keller smiled faintly. “I rose to the occasion, sir.” He moved toward the path leading up to the bluff. “I'll make sure that everything is as it should be.”
“I believe Morgan probably made everything tidy, but the area will receive intense scrutiny.” He turned to Morgan. “And you should not be around for some time to come. Out of sight, out of mind.”
Morgan nodded. “Whatever you say.” He turned away and started up the path. “I left my rifle up there with Runne. I'll just go up and get it and make sure Keller has the scenario right. I'll be right back.”
Alex watched him climb. He was moving quickly, his gaze on the top of the bluff.
“It's going to take a little while to clear you, Ms. Graham,” Andreas said. “We have to keep the Matanza guilt story in place if we're to keep this conspiracy from the public. Betworth managed to tar you with the same brush. We'll give it a while and then discover evidence of your innocence. But we will do it.”
“I don't have any doubt you will. We've already agreed right is right. So you'll clear Morgan too.”
Morgan had reached the top of the bluff. He was silhouetted against the sky, and he looked lean and tough and . . . alone.
Sweet Jesus.
“That's more difficult,” Andreas said. “His past is considerably more tarnished. But we'll— Where are you going?”
She was streaking up the path after Morgan. “He's not coming back. He lied. He's been stung too many times to believe that— He thinks he's made a deal with you, dammit.”
He was out of sight.
“Morgan, you come back,” she shouted. “I'm not going to stand for this!”
She reached the top of the bluff. Keller was kneeling beside Runne, but Morgan was nowhere in sight.
“Where is he?” she asked Keller.
He nodded toward the north side of the bluff.
She ran to the edge.
No Morgan.
Her hands clenched at her sides as tears stung her eyes. “Don't you do this to me, Morgan. You son of a bitch, it's not fair.”
No answer. No sound.
No Morgan.