After several hours of sweeps, Leopold had found almost a dozen potential kill zones. The auditorium would force Melendez to stand out in the open, inviting attack. The hotel was large, sprawling, impossible to search every corner. Traffic routes were mapped out, but largely accessible by anyone, and nobody would notice a rifle or grenade launcher until it was too late.
Leopold checked out the crowd as he passed through the lobby. A mix of white, black, brown, Asian, Hispanic guests. Nobody stood out. Some dressed in suits, some in casual clothes. Some carried luggage, suitcases, some were empty-handed. Rental cars parked outside the doors, taxis coming and going. No way to single anyone out, nothing to catch his attention.
If someone were planning an attack he would already be here. Lost in the crowds perhaps, or hiding inside the hotel. Maybe even scoping out a vantage point somewhere outside. It would be impossible to cover all the bases, even with the Secret Service on standby. All Leopold could do was keep Melendez from taking any stupid risks, make sure he took all the necessary precautions.
The rest, Leopold knew, was up to fate.
Chapter 19
JACK MELENDEZ ARRIVED at the hotel in a black Lincoln Town Car. The driver waited by the curb, engine running, while Jack finished up a telephone call. Leopold spotted him from the lobby and headed out to greet him.
The driver unloaded Jack’s luggage and Jack tipped him. Leopold thought he saw a fifty change hands. Figured the guy was either feeling generous, or wanted to look like a big shot. Neither would be a surprise. The driver thanked him and drove off, leaving the two of them alone.
“Leopold,” Jack called, striding forward. “So good to see you again.” He held out a hand and Leopold shook it.
“Likewise.”
Jack looked around. “Nice place. Better than the joint they had me in over in Spokane.”
“Your room’s ready for you. Ms. Kato is on her way, shouldn’t be long. We’ve arranged a private dinner for you later.”
“I knew I’d made the right choice asking for your help.”
Leopold frowned. “About that. Listen, this isn’t exactly my area of expertise.”
“I’m sure you’ll do fine.” Jack beamed his trademark smile, plenty of white teeth on show. “And I already know Jerome is more than capable. He’s got quite the record.”
“I only hire the best.”
Jack leveled his gaze. “Me too.”
Leopold headed back inside. Jack followed.
“Listen,” Leopold said, “be truthful with me here. What the hell am I doing out in Seattle? And just the two of us keeping you alive? You need a much bigger team.”
“Nonsense. I’m small potatoes. Maybe when the election campaign heats up a little, sure. But right now? I bet you nobody would recognize me on the street.”
“You’d be surprised,” Leopold said, aiming for the elevators.
Jack exhaled, letting some of the politician in him fade to the background. “In all seriousness, I’ve had plenty of experience with a large security team. I know it’s inevitable, but, for now, I like my privacy. And I like to think you, of all people, would understand that.”
“How’s that?”
“Your life is hardly simple,” Jack said, smiling again. “And you get by just fine. For once, I want the chance to have a personal life. Even if it’s just for a couple of days.”
“I guess this is where Dr. Kato comes in.”
They reached the elevators and Jack hit the call button. “She’s a great partner. The best. I owe her some alone time, and calling in the Secret Service is hardly going to help that happen. They’d be all over us like a bad rash.”
The elevator arrived and they stepped inside.
“Speaking of which,” Leopold said, “they’ll be camped out next door for the next few days. If we need any backup, I’m sure they can spare a few men.”
“I should hope it won’t be necessary,” said Jack.
“It’s their job,” said Leopold, hitting the button for the seventh floor. “And, apparently, it’s my job now too.”
“And I can’t thank you enough.”
Leopold grinned. “I’m sure you can try.”
“Anything you need.”
“Really?”
Jack grinned wryly. “Within reason.”
“You’ve got contacts at the DOJ.”
He laughed. “You’ve not got yourself into trouble again?”
“Sort of,” Leopold said. “It’s a long story. I’ll owe you.”
“You already owe me.”
“Not after this weekend.”
Jack paused. “I might know a few people. What do you need?”