Page 74 of A Deeper Darkness

“I can’t say.”

Sam sighed deeply and took another sip of the scotch. Let it roll around on her tongue.

“You don’t know? Or you have her hidden?”

“Hidden, for her own damn good. She finally got the message after Jackal bit it.”

Hal Croswell. Apparently Donovan hadn’t been a strong enough message. “And you’re certain she wasn’t the one doing the killing?”

“Hundred percent. No way. This chick is looking for answers, and she knows her questions are what got a bunch of people in trouble. She’s scared to death she’s next.”

“Have you ever heard of a woman named Maggie Lyons?”

Taranto crossed his stubby arms on the table.

“What if I had?”

“Do you know where she is?”

“Nope. Pinky swear. But I know where she’s been.”

“And that would be…?”

“Not that. Who.”

“Who? Oh. Wow, you really have been into this story. You must have spoken to the husband. He claims the child isn’t his. Do you know who the father is?”

“Think so. Which is another reason I need to keep King’s old lady away.”

Sam took a moment to think, finished her scotch. It all started to make sense.

“King is the father.”

Taranto snapped his fingers.

“Mr. Taranto—”

“Again with the names. Jesus, lady, you trying to get me killed?”

“Sorry, you never told me what I should call you.”

“Ralph.”

“Ralph. Of course. Silly of me not to draw that conclusion on my own. So,Ralph. You really expect me to believe that you’re not working this story now?”

It was his turn to smile. “Maybe I got a few things cooking. Be crazy not to at least make a few nudges, take some notes. Thing is, something like this, I get the feeling it’s big. Real big. And there’s heroes to think of. Dragging names through the mud, fucking with benefits—’scuse my language—with awards and stars and all that jazz, isn’t my cup of tea. I may hate why they’re there, but I respect the gig.”

Sam didn’t think the two were necessarily mutually exclusive, but now wasn’t the time for a debate.

“Who’s your contact inside?” she asked instead.

“Whoooooo, I ain’t telling you that, girlie. Nice try, though.”

Sam stared at him for a few moments. “I think you’ve got more than a few notes. I think you’re about to bust something wide open. Why play with us like this? I’m sure De…that Chevy could help. He could bring to bear the full might of the D.C. police on your clandestine investigation.”

Taranto laughed, a choking, chortling sound. “As if. Thing is, I’m not ready to go out wide yet. But you and your buddies started poking around, and suddenly my pan’s too hot and I gotta scramble some eggs instead of making the omelet. I just need the fire turned down a bit, so I can get some more info together.”

“I doubt I can do anything to help, but I’ll pass along your request.” Sam had a thought. If Taranto was pushing to find out the details of the story… “You didn’t happen to be anywhere near McLean in the past week, have you?”