Crash And Burn

by Fern Michaels

  “It was you, I swear. Now tell me why you had Cyrus drag me down here at this ungodly hour.”

  “Starry Knight. That’s why. Think Chessmen. Think about their names. Starry’s last name is Knight. Knight is one of the chess pieces. Six pieces to a chess game. Only pawn is missing. Think about how they all got sick suddenly at Starry Knight’s restaurant. Knight as in knight. Think, Jack!”

  “You’re thinking what, exactly? That somehow that aging hippie is somehow involved with the Chessmen,” Jack said as he tried to smooth down his bed hair.

  “Don’t you? It’s the only thing that makes sense.”

  “That would have to mean that Starry is friends with their wives. We already know she is friends with Myra and Annie. And the agenda is . . . ?”

  “I don’t know, Jack. I’m just throwing that out there to see if we should run with it or not.” The oven timer went off. Nikki slid the tray of sticky buns out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool.

  Jack refilled his coffee cup. “This is getting weirder by the minute. I don’t know why I’m saying this, but I think you might need to keep a sharp eye on your new associate when she starts work next month. Something is not right about all that.”

  “Yeah, I know. You think about that, and I’m going to hit the shower. Lizzie’s plane should be landing any minute now. She sent me a text saying she was going to stop at the hospital to see Maggie, then head to my office. If you’re bored while I’m showering, call Avery Snowden and ask him to run a full background check on the Chessmen, back to the days they were born. Then if you’re still bored, call Charles and have him call a meeting tonight at Myra’s. We need to get cracking on this and have all our ducks in a row before that divorce complaint is served on good old Buzz Lambert.”

  “Yeah, sure.” Jack reached for his third sticky bun, then a fourth, which he slipped to Cyrus. He was about to pour more coffee in his cup when he heard the ping of an incoming text on Nikki’s phone, which was on the counter. From Lizzie. The message was short and sweet: I’m on the ground. See ya.

  “You know what that means, Cyrus, right? Lizzie’s here!” Cyrus let loose with a sharp bark to show he understood that the cavalry had arrived.

  * * *

  Lizzie Fox had indeed arrived at Reagan National Airport. Incognito. Lizzie was a head turner, with her mane of silver hair, incredible long legs, and the longest eyelashes in the world. She always turned heads; men’s glances, as well as women’s, always followed her until she was out of sight.

  During her years practicing law in Washington, D.C., she’d become a legend in her own time. There wasn’t a lawyer who didn’t groan in misery when they found out she was their adversary. She had the ears and eyes of every judge on the bench, and it was rumored when the court docket was worked on, the judges fought among themselves to hear her cases. Lizzie Fox never lost a case.

  The nation’s capital went all out to throw a going-away party, which was the envy of the White House, when Lizzie announced that she was relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada. It was rumored for months after Lizzie’s departure that every judge in town went into a funk and took out their frustration on every lawyer to hit their courtrooms. It was further rumored that more than one judge had hanging on their walls a picture of the silver-haired goddess, who battled for the underdog, right alongside photos of dignitaries no one knew or remembered. Everyone remembered Lizzie Fox. Every politician on Capitol Hill knew of her personal friendship with President Martine Connor and the time she had spent working for her in the White House.

  Today, though, at this hour of the morning, no one in the busy airport recognized Lizzie Fox. Today, she was dressed in faded jeans, sneakers, a dark blue hoodie, and a baseball cap. A plain black Lands’ End backpack rode her shoulders. She carried no purse and wore no makeup. She was just another traveler getting off the red-eye.

  With no luggage to declare because her husband, Cosmo Cricket, had sent it on an earlier flight with instructions to deliver it on to Pinewood upon arrival, Lizzie strode through the airport and out to the taxi line. She hopped into the third taxi in line and instructed the driver to take her to Georgetown University Hospital.

  Lizzie arrived just as the shift changed. She walked down the hall as if she knew where she was going, which she did, and entered Maggie’s room quietly. “Hey there, Miss Reporter, how’s it going?”

  Stunned that she had a visitor, Maggie gasped. “Lizzie! What are you doing here? Oh, my God, am I dying? Is that why you’re here? Lizzie!” she squealed. “How did you get in here, anyway?”

  “Shift change. No, you are not dying. You look better than I expected. Talk to me, Maggie,” Lizzie said in a voice that she only used for her husband and son.

  Maggie started to cry. Lizzie didn’t move or say a word or try to comfort her until she felt that Maggie was done sniffling and sobbing.

  “A family is a wonderful thing, Maggie. I, for one, know this. Even when that family isn’t from the same bloodline. Family is family. Your family was here for you until they were forced to leave. I understand the boys had to use a crowbar to get Ted to leave. That isn’t quite true, but close. I’m sorry I wasn’t here. The reason our little family is so successful is because we’re all sisters under the skin. Not one of us would knowingly hurt or harm any of the others. I’m hoping, Maggie, you see that now and regret preventing the most important people in your life from seeing you.

  “Nikki told me about the meeting they had planned to discuss what they thought might be a problem where you were concerned. A possible problem, Maggie. The reason you were not included in that meeting was they pretty much knew you weren’t a problem, but they needed to be sure. You can’t fault them for that. Nikki said they would have gone to you immediately to bring you up to date. She also said, if anyone would understand, it would be you. I guess she was wrong. Is she wrong, Maggie?”

  “I’ve had nothing to do other than lie here and think and think. No, she isn’t wrong. Yes, I did overreact because all I could think about was that goof-up with Abner and the boys. I didn’t want that to happen to me. I really didn’t, Lizzie. I’d give up my right arm for any of them, that’s how much I love all of them. It just hurt so bad that they would think I couldn’t be trusted. Me, of all people.” Tears trickled down Maggie’s cheeks, but Lizzie still made no move to comfort her.

  “Forgiveness is a wonderful thing. I had to learn that the hard way many moons ago. To forgive is to be free. Coming from the gambling mecca of this country, I am willing to bet you five dollars that once you let it go, you’ll feel on top of the world. And you need to be there, because the reason I’m here is to help the girls. They’re going to need your expertise, so when are you blasting out of this place?”

  “Are you kidding me? I’ve been begging them to keep me as long as possible, just so I wouldn’t have to face . . . you know . . . everyone. This is just a guess, but I think I can leave tomorrow if I agree to stay housebound for a week or so. I’ve been ditching the pain meds. I hate not being in control. So, if I can handle what I’ve handled, then I can handle it at home. Besides, Hero misses me, I’m sure. Let’s shoot for tomorrow, okay?”

  “And the family?”

  “I’ll make it right. They might have to wait until I’m all healed, so I can grovel, but I will grovel. I promise. Now, tell me what the mission is, and don’t you dare leave anything out.”

  Lizzie told her everything she knew. When she was finished, Maggie let out a loud whoop, which brought the nurse in the crackly uniform running. Seeing that her patient was okay, she homed in on Lizzie, who squelched her with one ferocious look. Miss Snap, Crackle, and Pop turned and went back to the nurses’ station.

  “Oooh, I wish I had that power. She makes me crazy.”

  Lizzie smiled. “And yet you wanted to stay.”

  Maggie rolled her eyes. “I have been wanting to go after those Chessmen for years. For whatever her reasons, Annie always killed my requests. Are you saying she’s okay now w
ith going after them? I have tons of research, and so does Ted. Lordy, Lordy, for sure I have to get out of here. You sure do look different, Lizzie.”

  “I’m going to take that as a compliment, Maggie. Look, I have to go. They’re expecting me out at the farm, and I’m getting hungry. First, though, I did make a promise to drop in at Nikki’s office. I must admit that I’m looking forward to one of Charles’s gourmet breakfasts. Is there anything I can do for you before I leave? Do you need anything?”

  “A cell phone would be nice. I don’t know what happened to mine or to my backpack, and the doctor said I didn’t need a phone. What does he know?”

  “I have a burner I can leave with you, but I need it back when you get home.”

  Maggie’s eyes popped wide. “The great Lizzie Fox has a burner phone! Wow! Why?”

  “Cosmo got it for me. He has one, too. They’re untraceable. You never know when one comes in handy. Like now. Here,” Lizzie said, handing over a cell phone that looked just like every other cell phone in the world. “I taped the number on the back because I keep forgetting it. Remember, you have to give it back.”

  “Okay. Oh, man, this is going to be such a good day. I can feel it already. Thanks, Lizzie. I’ll call to let you know if they’ll be discharging me tomorrow. Uh-oh, here comes Miss Snap, Crackle, and Pop again. You’d better get out of here, since it isn’t visiting hours.”

  Lizzie leaned over and kissed Maggie lightly on the cheek. Maggie almost swooned at the scent of gardenias and hibiscus that emanated from her friend. Lizzie always smelled like gardenias and hibiscus. “See ya tomorrow. Thanks, Lizzie.”

  “That’s what friends are for, Maggie.”

  Maggie let out another loud whoop of happiness as she waved the burner phone in the air. A moment later, Lizzie Fox was gone, replaced by Miss Snap, Crackle, and Pop.

  “Doctor said no phones, Ms. Spritzer. Hand it over.”

  “That’s not going to happen, and I think we both know it. And don’t think you’re giving me a sponge bath, either. I’d like a really good breakfast this morning, if you don’t mind. None of that mushy oatmeal that tastes like cardboard, either. Real eggs and real bacon and warm toast. Lots of coffee, and not decaffeinated, either. Please,” Maggie added as an afterthought.

  “I’ll see what I can rustle up for you. A word of advice, Ms. Spritzer. I wouldn’t let Dr. Latuda see that cell phone. You might want to stash it somewhere until the doctor finishes his rounds. He’s on the floor, so he’ll be in momentarily.”

  “Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden?” Maggie asked, suspicion ringing in her voice.

  “Maybe because you’re a woman, and I’m a woman, and that lady that just left here has been my idol for a very long time. She might look like a hippie today, but I darn well know Lizzie Fox when I see her. She successfully defended the nurses’ union some years ago. Like I said, she’s my idol. Now, how do you want those eggs?”

  “Sunny-side up,” Maggie said smartly.

  Nurse Handley gave her a thumbs-up as she waltzed through the door, crackling with every step.

  Maggie threw her good arm up in the air. “Thank you, God, the Universe, Lizzie, and everyone else in the whole world!”

  Chapter 9

  Mitzi Doyle, Nikki’s office manager extraordinaire, poked her head in the door, and said, “Got a visitor for you, boss.”

  Nikki created a draft when she bolted out of her chair to run across the room and wrap her arms around Lizzie. “Oh, it’s so good to see you, Lizzie.” She turned to Mitzi, and said, “Coffee, please, and send Alexis in.” Then back to Lizzie, “Thanks for coming on such short notice. How’d it go with Maggie? Is she okay? Talk to me, Lizzie.”

  Nikki herded Lizzie over to the plush seating area and motioned for her to sit down. “Coffee and sticky buns will be here shortly. Tell me everything, and don’t leave a single thing out.”

  Whatever she was about to say went unsaid when Alexis buzzed into the room to hug Lizzie. Squeals of pleasure and laughter took over as the three dear friends reunited after a long absence.

  “Lookin’ good, Lizzie!” said Alexis.

  “Gotta say the same about you, Alexis. How’s tricks?”

  “Same old, same old. Sorry I can’t stay—I have a client in the office who is acting like she stepped into an anthill. See you out at the farm tonight.” A moment later, she was gone.

  “You look tired, Lizzie, so I won’t keep you. We can talk tonight.” Nikki poured coffee and handed the cup to Lizzie. “Just tell me about Maggie, sign the divorce complaint, and you’re good to go. You’re okay with this, right?”

  “Absolutely. Maggie is back in the fold. Her feelings were hurt, really hurt. Nikki, she would never betray you and the girls. Never. She’d walk away first.”

  “I know, but when there is even a shadow of doubt, we have to deal with it. Otherwise, it doesn’t work. You know that.”

  “I do know that, and so does Maggie. It was a knee-jerk reaction. Then there was that episode with Abner, which was still so fresh in her memory. It’s over and done with, and we’re all moving on. There’s a good chance Maggie will be discharged tomorrow. A week or so, with a home health aide, and she’ll be almost as good as new.” Lizzie popped a piece of sticky bun in her mouth and rolled her eyes in pure pleasure. “I haven’t had one of these in ages. Okay, where’s the complaint?”

  “Right here,” Mitzi said, handing it over along with a pen. Lizzie scrawled her signature and grinned at Nikki. “Done!”

  “Mitzi, take this down to Billy in the mail room and have him take it to the courthouse. Put it in an envelope first. Peggy knows it’s coming. Tell Billy to wait until she stamps it and bring it straight back here. Do we have our process server ready to go?”

  “The minute you give the word, boss.”

  Nikki looked over at Lizzie. “I was going to wait till Friday until Alexis reminded me about courthouse leaks. We have to serve the Speaker right away, and at the same time give Mrs. Lambert time to get airborne. She said she would be good to go at a moment’s notice, but I don’t think she meant four days ahead of schedule. Mitzi, call her and tell her what’s going on and see if she can leave now.”

  Lizzie was on her feet and gathering up her things. “I need to get some sleep, Nikki, or I won’t be good for anything.”

  “One more minute, Lizzie. Um . . . I need to ask you something. In your opinion, am I a good lawyer? I mean good good.”

  Lizzie took a step back, far enough back that she could look Nikki in the eye. Her own eyes narrowed at the question. “What did I tell you years ago?” she asked quietly.

  Nikki cleared her throat. “To never doubt myself and always go with my gut.”

  “And?”

  “Take no prisoners.”

  “So what’s our problem here?” Lizzie asked, puzzled at the question.

  “I don’t know what it is, that’s my problem. My gut is telling me I’m missing something. That I’m not seeing something. I know it’s there. I know it. If I was as good a lawyer as I think I am, then I would know. I can’t nail it down, Lizzie.”

  “If it’s there, you’ll find it. Shift into neutral. I really don’t want to ask this, but I am going to ask it, anyway. Are you perhaps a bit intimidated knowing you will be going head-to-head with the Chessmen? Trust me when I tell you that you are a better lawyer than the four of them put together.”

  “NO! I don’t practice law the way the Chessmen do, Lizzie. They fight dirty.”

  “Did you forget who you are, Nikki? Did you forget who you have watching your back? Think about that! Enough said. Okay, I’m off to the farm. I’ll see you tonight. One last thing, do not ever let me hear you doubt yourself again.”

  Nikki felt like she was being chastised by her favorite teacher, back in grade school. “Yes, ma’am. I hear you. I’ll walk you out.”

  “You know, Nikki, even in Las Vegas we get District news. I subscribe to everything that will allow me to know what’s go
ing on here from minute to minute. I have so many apps, I can’t keep track of them all. What I’m trying to say is your firm is triple-A rated. That puts you on the map. You know some very influential people here in town. And I know a few as well. Those boys don’t have a lock on people in high places. Don’t fall for their PR is what I’m trying to say here, because they’re the ones who originated the PR in the first place.”

  “Gotcha.” Nikki gave her friend a hard hug. “You’re the best, Lizzie. Thanks again.”

  “What are friends for? See ya.”

  “Yeah, see ya tonight.”

  Nikki stood at the plate-glass door watching until Lizzie was out of sight. She felt sad and yet elated at the same time. How weird was that?

  Nikki sprinted back to her office and whizzed by her secretary, who called out to her, “I have your client on the phone. Line two.”

  Breathless, Nikki identified herself and said as coolly as she could, “It’s nine thirty. How soon can you be airborne?”

  “I can leave now and take the first flight I can get a seat on. I wasn’t expecting to hear so soon.”

  “I know, I know. Things changed rather quickly. Call me when you’re ready to board. It’s crucial that I know as soon as possible. Has anything changed?”

  “No, not really. Wilson spends all his time on the phone. I don’t know who he’s talking to, because he stops talking when I enter the room. His cronies would be my guess.”

  “Who is going to answer the door when the process server rings the bell?”

  “The housekeeper.”

  “Before you leave the house, tell her someone called who will be delivering something to your husband that he has to personally sign for. Just say you forgot to tell your husband. Will she tell him or just accept what you are telling her?”