“What do you know about him?”
“Not much. Why?”
“Just looking for a way out.”
“Try the nearest airport.” Galen’s gaze narrowed. “I can see the wheels turning. What are you up to?”
“Do me a favor. Send the CIA here.”
“What?”
“Make sure the CIA finds out where I am. I don’t have much time. I want them bursting in here within the next few hours.”
“What are you up to?”
“I was wondering how I could get out of Amsterdam. Isn’t it lucky Andreas wants me in Washington?”
“Or he may want you dead.”
Travis shook his head. “I don’t think so. I would have heard if there was a sanction. Give me two hours to make some preparations and check out a few things and then send them to pick me up.”
“I can’t talk you out of it?”
“It’s the best way.”
“Whatever.” Galen turned but stopped at the door. “How did you find out about that attack on Vasaro?”
“I have my sources.”
“Damn good ones. I didn’t hear a murmur about it.”
“You think I knew about it because I was part of the plot?”
“It occurred to me.”
“A very logical supposition to a man of your cynical nature. But then why should I go to the trouble of a double cross?”
“How do I know? I’ve never met anyone capable of more convoluted machinations.” He waited. “You’re not going to tell me.”
“I don’t usually use kids in my plans.”
“But you’re not saying you didn’t this time.” He opened the door. “It was a pretty foul game at Vasaro. I wouldn’t like to think you’d drawn me into something that dirty. Tell me who your source was.”
“You know me. We’ve been friends for seven years. If that’s not good enough, you’ll have to think what you like.”
Galen swore softly. “Damn you. Give me something.”
“I don’t make excuses or explanations. You take me as I am or not at all.”
“I’m supposed to trust you blindly?”
Travis didn’t answer.
Galen sighed. “You’re a tough friend to have, Michael. I don’t think you were in on the setup at Vasaro, but the CIA may have a different view. I hope you know what you’re doing.”
He hoped he did too, Travis thought as the door closed behind Galen. The situation here was very dicey, and he didn’t know how long he could stay on the run. He needed a safe haven while he negotiated a way to stay alive and get out with all the marbles in the game.
And keep the marbles from falling into the hands of the CIA. He’d have to do some fast talking and even faster manipulating to place himself in a position to bargain with Andreas.
So what was new? It was what he’d been doing all his life. Deception, manipulation, sleight of hand, and balancing on the tightrope Galen said he wanted nothing to do with any longer. He wasn’t sure he wanted it either. God, he was tired.
Snap out of it. The adrenaline would come back in a rush when the CIA came through that door. Think of the challenge. It wasn’t every day a man got to match wits with the leader of the free world.
Juniper
The nurse who opened the door was middle-aged, her red hair peppered with gray. “Dr. Riley is with your daughter, Mr. President. I’m afraid she’s having a bad night.”
“How bad?”
“Just a nightmare.”
He knew about the nightmares and the almost catatonic withdrawal that followed. “I’ll go to her right away, Teresa. Will you have some coffee made for my driver and the Secret Service men in the other car?”
“It’s already made. Shall I bring some up to you?”
“Thank you.” He was climbing the oak steps to the second floor. The house breathed of ages past and the same genteel warmth his own house in Charleston possessed. If Cassie came back, this place might remind her of all the weekends she had spent there.
If ? She would come back. He couldn’t tolerate anything else.
He threw open the door to Cassie’s room without knocking. “How is she?”
Jessica Riley looked up. “She’s fine. She had a bad time, but it’s over now and she’s resting. Isn’t that right, Cassie?”
He strode over to the bed. “God, she looks—”
“She’s resting,” Jessica interrupted, standing up. “And I think we’ll leave her to rest while we get a cup of coffee.” She turned to the little girl. “We’ll be right back, Cassie.”
“I don’t want to—”
“We’re going to get a cup of coffee.” Jessica’s voice was steely with determination. “Now.”