The four watching at Hoolihan’s Gym in Chicago high-fived one another when the press conference was over. “Belinda was the only one who ever helped us,” Sherlock said, “but even she let us down.”

Savich said to his wife, “That reminds me. I haven’t pulled those rollers out of your hair yet,” and kissed her.

“I’ll buy some tomorrow,” Sherlock said.

THIRTY-SIX

An hour later the four of them were at Senator Rothman’s office on Briarly Avenue in downtown Chicago. Press were hovering about in herds. “I feel sorry for the poor soul who just happens to be walking near here today,” Nick said, and led them to the back of the building. “It looks like the reporters haven’t found out about this back entrance just yet.”

Savich said, “It won’t take them long. I saw security people in the lobby. At least they can keep the vultures out of the building.”

The secretary, Mrs. Mazer, jumped to her feet when she saw Nick and yelled, “Oh goodness me, you’re all right! Oh, Dr. Campion, the senator will be so pleased to see you. Even though he hasn’t said anything, I know he’s been dreadfully worried, particularly after we all saw you on television and realized you were involved in that horrible script murder case. We all thought you were visiting your family. Oh, come in, come in. Who are these folks with you?”

“It’s good to see you, Mrs. Mazer. Is John free for a moment?”

“Oh, yes, certainly. He will be so pleased to see you.” She paused a moment, looking at Dane, Sherlock, and Savich, a gray eyebrow arched.

“It’s all right. They’re with me, Mrs. Mazer.”

Mrs. Mazer said nothing more, opened the senator’s door, then stepped aside.

Senator John Rothman was standing in the middle of his large office when Nick walked first into the room. She stopped, said, “Thank you for seeing me, John.”

He stood stiff as a lamppost. “Nicola,” he said politely. “Who are these people?”

Nick introduced each of them in turn. “Did you see the press conference?”

“Oh yes, I saw it all,” Senator Rothman said. “Mrs. Mazer, please close the door and see that I’m not disturbed.”

When the door was quietly and firmly closed, Senator John Rothman turned to Nick. He tried to smile at her, flanked by three FBI agents.

“It’s good to see you, Nicola. Like everyone else in the world, I saw your photo on television. It was a shock, as you can imagine.” He paused a moment, searching her face. “There was the fire in your condo. I was frantic but I couldn’t find you. You simply disappeared. I called the university. The dean told me you’d written a letter stating that you had a family emergency, but that was a lie, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, it was a lie,” Nick said.

“I had no idea where to find you. I didn’t think it was a good idea to call the FBI and demand information about your whereabouts. And now you’ve come back. Why?”

“First of all, to tell you I’m sorry about Cleo.”

“Yes, I am, too. The thing is, some people believe I killed her, but I didn’t. I’m sure my lawyers think they’ve died and gone to heaven, they’re going to make so much money off this mess. Listen, I didn’t hurt anyone, Nicola.” His eyes never left her face. “I didn’t try to hurt you.”

Finally, he broke the moment, turning, when Savich said, “Senator, as Nick told you, I’m Agent Savich, this is Agent Sherlock, and Agent Carver. Since Nick helped us out on the murder cases in California, we’ve decided to help her out with her involvement in this particular mess.”

“It is a mess,” said John Rothman. He ran his fingers through his beautifully styled salt-and-pepper hair.

Dane, who’d said nothing, stood quietly behind Nick, eyeing this elegant aristocrat. He wanted to kick the man’s teeth down his throat.

“John,” Nick said, “do you remember that night I asked you how many women you killed?”

Dead silence.

“Yes, of course I would remember when the woman I love accuses me of being a serial killer. I assume all these Federal agents are familiar with what you think of me, Nicola?”

She nodded. She realized in that moment that she was now perfectly safe. No one could hurt her again. She drew herself up even taller.

“Did you know there was an attempt on my life in Los Angeles?”

“Of course not. How could I possibly know that?” He paused a moment, then said, “Should I have my lawyer present?”