Ace continued. “It shouldn’t be hard to get in to talk to him. He’ll do anything for a buck or exposure it seems.”
“We pretend to be reporters from some sensationalized magazine then,” Jeremy said. “Christy, Ace, and I will go in on the interview. We’ll be in advanced disguises. Halluis, get us that interview and then look into where Alvarez was last night.”
“On it boss. You want the meeting at his home or office?”
“Ace, did you get us a way in to his office?”
“I did.”
“Then his home, Halluis.”
Ace immediately started creating graphics and everything they needed to masquerade as a big time gossip magazine. Marybeth didn’t move from her position at the table as everyone left. Christy figured she needed some time. She and Jeremy went into the disguise kits and came up with two great disguises. It was nice to be able to spend a little time on them. With a new nose, higher cheekbones, and a bit of stuffing around her body, no one would ever know she was the same woman who’d been on the news earlier in a high speed chase.
They rushed down to show off their new looks, but Halluis suddenly yelled out, “I’ve got it—tonight at eight p.m.”
Chapter 8
CHRISTY
The house was elegant and untouchable. Christy felt like she needed to walk around clasping her hands to make sure she didn’t get near any of the furniture or fancy knickknacks all around. Unfortunately, her sexy reporter disguise required her to be strong, flirty, and confident. She couldn’t imagine being a child in this atmosphere. Granted, they were only in the entryway. Perhaps the formality ended at this point and the rest of the house was whimsical and approachable. She had her doubts. This man was a show-off, and this was one of the ways he liked to show off apparently.
She exchanged a look with Jeremy, who was posing as Ace’s assistant. Ace would be acting as the photographer for the interview. Jeremy raised his eyebrows back, smirking at the overdone opulence of the senator’s home.
The grand entryway gave way to a room that was just as elegant and untouchable, with a huge fireplace, grand piano, fine art, and draperies from ceiling to floor.
McClintock stood looking out the open window onto his grounds. He probably thought that would make a great photo op. He turned his head and paused. Christy obliged, feeding his arrogance.
“Don’t move, Senator. That will make a great picture.”
He did as instructed, and Ace took out his camera and started snapping away, his tatted arms giving him a great artsy vibe that fit the character he was playing. Despite all his bellyaching about having to go out into the field, he was doing a great job. Ace positioned him this way and that and moved him about the room. Jeremy held a large reflector for Ace, making the whole thing seem very professional. Meanwhile, he’d be here to back Christy up if there was anything she needed.
“Oh, sir, could you make sure you’ve silenced your phone so we won’t be interrupted?”
“Most certainly,” he said and reached into his pocket. The outline of a phone sat about mid thigh. He had some deep pockets. He pulled the phone out and silenced it. It slid back down into his pocket.
McClintock had a great time with the photoshoot. Christy could see him deflate when Ace announced that he had the shots he needed. The phone still sat in his pocket. They took a moment to introduce themselves, all shaking his hand, and an exchange of pleasantries followed.
“I hope it’s okay that we do this a bit informally,” she said. “I find that the best interviews are conducted in an informal atmosphere.”
“Certainly,” he said. “Nothing worse than a stuffy interview.”
“I thought we could just sit across from each other and chat.” She gestured to the two leather armchairs on either side of the fireplace.
They talked about his family and his childhood and what it was that gave him his bad boy reputation and built controversy around him.
“I have what I need. I’m going to go out to the van and start searching for the perfect picture. My assistant will stay to take a few candids of you while you’re talking.”
“Excellent!” McClintock said. “Make me look fabulous now.”
“No worries there. You’re naturally fabulous.”
It was a little much, but McClintock seemed to like it and chuckled, waving him away. The guard left at the same time.
“We’re thrilled that you let us come and talk to you about your life, family, and children,” Christy said. “I hate to break the light mood that we have by delving into this next section of questions.” She patted her notepad. “But we are grateful that you’re willing to give us the exclusive about what happened last night. I can imagine that it was a hair-raising and unforgettable experience. If you could start out with maybe dinner and what you did from that point on.”
He told her about his night, boasting about who he saw and talked to, what he told them and how funny he’d been. He spoke about the rally and how he felt so much love and overwhelming concern for his constituents, especially in a re-election year. “But,” he said. “As all good things must come to an end, it was that time. The driver took me home and…” he winked.
She didn’t miss the wink. She had to interrupt. “Did you get some action after the rally?”
“If you print it, I’ll deny it.” He grinned.
Going with her intuition, she said, “But you and your wife have an open relationship, don’t you?”
“Yes we do, but the wife doesn’t like that broadcast all over the world. You know how women are.” He reached out and touched Christy’s knee. “You are one after all. They like to feel they’re special and that other people think they’re special.”
“But everybody already knows that about you two.”
“True. But having it written up in the papers or magazines, or on TV, somehow makes it more real. She thinks it makes her look bad.”
Christy’s senses buzzed, and in a flash she remembered what Mikelle had said about Alvarez using an app to hook up with girls. Could McClintock be involved in the same thing? She took a gamble. “So you got on the app and found yourself a cute woman, and you hooked up.”
He started to fidget and looked very uncomfortable. “No. No app. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She had hit on something and wanted more.
“Oh, sorry. I thought all senators used that app. You used an escort service or something like that?”
He relaxed a bit. “If only it were that easy.” He was lying, but what could she do? He continued, “Using something like Tinder or escort services is so blasé. No. I like to have a relationship with those that I choose to see on the side. Strong women with strong voices.” The look he was giving her made her slightly uncomfortable.
“So you actually meet with these women at times when you don’t intend to have relations?”
“Of course. But this isn’t going in your magazine, right?” There was a gleam in his eye, and she wondered if that wasn’t exactly what he wanted.
“Oh, no. I do like to get to know those I interview on a very personal basis. I don’t print everything we talk about. A person’s romantic interests and inclinations help me write and depict your life in the best light. Before this interview, I would’ve thought you just got on Tinder to hook up and then never saw that person again.”
He looked anywhere but at her. “Oh, no. Never. I’m sure a person could find a great woman on those apps, but that’s not for me.”
It was time to change the subject. “And what happened after your date?”
They discussed the actual murder and how tall the man was as well as what he was wearing and how he was totally hidden behind a black ski mask. Besides height and build, he couldn’t describe anything more.
“Any idea who might have wanted you dead?”
“Those who dislike me are just as passionate as those who love me. I wouldn’t put it past any of those nutters.”
“Some are saying there’s a connection between t
he attempt on your life and Senator Alvarez’s aide being murdered.”
“Really?” He truly looked surprised.
“Are you friends with Senator Alvarez?”
“He scratches my back and I scratch his.” So it was a business relationship then.
“You two don’t hang out?”
“Not outside the regular grind of congressional life.” She didn’t detect any deception in his answer. Time to move on.
“Why would anyone come after you?”
“Oh honey, when you’re on the verge of greatness, all the crazies come out. I’ve had several attempts on my life, this one is about as close as they’ve gotten, though.”
“So you don’t think there’s any connection?”
“Between Alvarez’s aide and the attempt? Nah.”
“You think somebody who is against um…you or your policies did this to you?”
“Most definitely.”
“And what would lead you to believe that?” He looked like he was holding something back so she pressed him, “Is there something that leads you to believe that?”
“There is, but it’s not something going in that rag of yours, sorry.”
“Well, you can just whisper it to me, and I won’t print it.”
“Just whisper it to you?” He raised his eyebrows suggestively. “The police told me not to tell anybody that detail. It was something they were keeping back to uncover who it is.”
“So, what? You have my word it won’t go in the paper, but we need to make sure I can leave the idea of conspiracy out of it so that people understand that senators’ aides and senators aren’t being targeted by the same individual.”
“All right. I have your word? I want to catch this guy.”
“You have my word.”
“I need your word too.” He looked at Jeremy.
“You got it.”
“Ok then. The shooter yelled out, right before he shot. That’s what made my guard leap in front of me. He said, ‘Meet your maker scum. You’re an abomination among men. Worst lawmaker in the Senate.’ And after he shot, he said, ‘Say hello to the devil. And may someone righteous take your place.’”
“Ah. So it was someone who just had a beef against you.”
“Yes.”
After that admission, Jeremy gave the signal to end the interview. They had what they needed. But a tingle at the back of Christy’s neck wouldn’t let her back down yet. Her spidey senses were alive.
“So, about tonight. My producer said that you couldn’t meet us until later. Who was the lucky lady?”
He chuckled. “I don’t kiss and tell.”
She smiled. “You have to give me more than that.” He was beaming, and she thought she’d take the chance again. “She was the best one available on the app tonight?”
“You can’t go after the first beautiful lady. Finding beautiful women is an art.” Then his eyes popped wide like he’d realized he said something he hadn’t intended. “What app are you talking about?”
“Tinder, Zoosk, and Match are good, but I thought there was a special app made just for senators.”
He ran his hands over his face and set them in his lap. He stumbled over his words. “I—I—I mean Tinder is so crass. I admit I give an occasional look on there but no, no. I don’t use any app.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Christy looked at Jeremy to see if he had caught what she had. He pulled out his phone and waved it slightly, an indication to Christy that she needed to get that phone.
“Thank you so much for the interview,” she said, closing her notebook.
“Any ideas on the title?” McClintock asked, eagerness etched on his face.
“I was thinking something like ‘Bravery against All Odds.’”
He didn’t seem to think that was good enough, and instead leaned forward and suggested, “Or, ‘The Man. The Myth. The Legend. McClintock.’”
She could see that he put a lot of thought into that. “That’s a great title. That may be it. But you’ll just have to be surprised.”
“It comes out in the next edition?” When he stood, Christy couldn’t help but notice that bulge in his left pocket. She’d never be able to reach down in there and get it without him noticing, but maybe she could get him to take it out.
“I think I’d really like to spend more time with you. You are quite the charismatic creature.”
“Really?” he said, his face lighting up.
“Or am I not your type?”
He reached one hand out and touched her arm. It was creepy in every sense of the word, but she fought the urge to shudder. “I’m a busy man, but maybe I could find an opportunity to get back together. I really enjoyed this interview.”
She pulled out her phone and he followed suit. She handed hers over as if that were the totally natural and normal thing to do. At the same time, she reached and took his. He didn’t resist. “Oh,” she laughed. “I guess we need to disable our passwords first.” She handed his back and watched him. He did a simple swipe from left to right, then handed the phone back. She put fake information in and set it down on the table. He did the same with hers. Now to divert his attention. With his guard down, Jeremy could easily take his phone. “Oh my goodness, is that what I think it is?”
“What?” he asked, following her gaze to a picture on the wall.
“Is that a Monet?”
“Well, yes. I got it just last year. It’s the prize of my collection.”
They talked about a couple other special items in the room and when they turned around, two phones still sat there. She looked at Jeremy, who gave a slight nod. No matter what it looked like, they had his phone. He stood in the entryway to the room, ready to skedaddle. “Well, I think we’re boring my crew. We’ll have to continue this another time.”
“Indeed,” he said, his eyes roving her body. She walked quickly over and grabbed her phone. “Until next time, then.” She gave him a winning smile.
“Until next time.”
Jeremy climbed into the driver’s seat, and Christy joined Ace in the back. Once they were outside the gates, Jeremy pushed on the gas and they flew down the road.
Back at the safe house, Ace went into the control room to work on the phone, while Jeremy and Christy whipped up a snack of nachos. It could be a long night. Once they were in the oven, he pulled her to him.
“Why don’t you go change. I’m not sure I can kiss you looking like you do.”
“What, you don’t like a more voluptuous body?” She frowned at him.
“Only if it were really yours.”
“Good answer,” she said. “Don’t let the nachos burn.” She flipped up one leg behind her and sprinted upstairs to change. Halluis arrived while she was changing. She tried not to feel disappointed, knowing it’d be right back to work now. They had important things to do; kissing would just have to wait.
They brought nachos in to the boys and got an update. Halluis had found nothing in McClintock’s office, and Ace was trying to find a way into the app.
“I’ve got it.” Ace said, indicating his screen. Halluis was seated in a chair next to Ace and Ace was rambling to himself. “The code for this baby. Wow. Lead developer. Hidden signature. Not for long. Oh, you tricky little bugger. Oh, no you don’t.” His fingers flew across the keyboard. “Aha. I have you.”
“What do you have?” Jeremy asked.
As if he had just come out of the trance, Ace said, “Oh. Oh, yeah. Sorry. I found the creator of this app.” He looked sheepishly at them.
“Is that information going to be something we can use?” Halluis asked.
“Hey, that was no picnic. They hid themselves well.”
They all looked at him like, And…?
“It’s important because this app was developed by Patriotware,” Ace said. “This company was launched and continues to be funded by tax payers. Patriotware funding is continuously added to bills as pork. If we can find out who sponsors the bills, we’ll be led to the person who asked f
or the app to be developed.”
“Are you saying this app is a bribe?”
“One and the same. The senator or senators supporting this app must have told Patriotware that they would get them funding for a little something on the side. That something was this app.”
“Why don’t you continue to research that, Ace, and the rest of us will look into the app itself.”
“I can tell you a few things about that app.” Ace steepled his fingers.
“Okay,” Jeremy said, taking a seat. Christy found a seat too. Ace could have lengthy explanations.
“There are only about five hundred users.”
“That seems like a lot,” she said.
“Most dating apps have millions of users at any given time.”
“Oh.”
“On top of that, this app is limited to seven hundred users. It’s meant to be exclusive. Keep that in mind as you analyze it. I set Miss Suzy up with a profile on it and it wasn’t easy.” His eyes waggled in Christy’s direction.
“Miss Suzy?” she asked, eyebrows raised.
Ace had the app live on a big screen.
While Ace was going after the developer, the computer was breaking McClintock’s password. Finally, they got into his profile. At the top of the screen, they saw the words: We have a match for you for tonight.Underneath was a blacked-out picture. He clicked on the picture. The girl was blonde with dark brown eyes and big red lips.
There was no picture of the senator, and his screen name was Imakemillions. Ace snorted. There was complete anonymity. No names. No real information for the guys. Only the girls had pictures. The last two girls McClintock had met up with had left him notes hoping to hook up again. There was no sign-up form, only a strict code of silence. Christy read it out loud. “‘This app is not to be discussed with anyone, whether a member of this group or not, or my life is forfeit.’ Are they kidding? That’s just nuts.”
“Their life would be forfeit? Seriously?” Halluis said. “It must be an idle threat. It has to be.”
“I don’t think so,” Christy said. “Look what happened to Bradley. What’s going to happen to McClintock when the developer discovers McClintock lost his phone and we’re poking around?”
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