Chapter 18
Sam
Mr. CJ Cavell picked one of DC’s finest steak houses to meet with us. In a loud, thick accent, he explains every minute detail of his political action committee. Other than liking our meat rare, we have no views in common but Suds, with his gift of gab, keeps the conversation going.
On the plus side, he does mention many of Selena’s clients. The man is all smiles until my husband questions him about a newly appointed federal judge.
“Strange how Bannerman changed his mind all of a sudden-like. I’m guessing a turnabout like that would be worth millions to some folks.” Eyes on the lobbyist, my southern rambler dons his Mr. Congeniality smile, cuts his meat, and brings a bite to his mouth.
The justice’s name rings a bell, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s related to the congressman who killed his wife a couple years ago.
Eyes darting to the exit, our subject clears his throat, then glances at his phone. “I’m sorry. Something rather urgent has come up. How about I give you a free invite to our next fund raiser?” Digging into his inner jacket pocket, he places two tickets on the table, shakes our hand, and rushes out the door.
“That was weird.” I gird my loins as the waiter drops the dessert menu in front of me. Ignoring the crème brûlée, I order decaf coffee with skim milk.
Fucking diet.
My husband requests the same and when we’re alone, slips into the chair next to mine. “What if the judge changing his mind all-of-a-sudden-like wasn’t a coincidence? What if someone coerced him?”
“Well, if money exchanged hands, Jason should be able to search bank statements. Follow the money. Isn’t that what they always say? Also, I’m going to ask if he’s related to the representative who tried to kill me.”
Suds eyes grow wide. “You’re probably right. I’m pretty sure his son got life. A powerful family like theirs has plenty of secrets and accounts in the Bahamas or the Caymans.”
“Exactly why we need the AI unit to dig deeper.”
“Should you be delving into the dark side? Youareworking for the Feds.”
“Only as a contractor and I can’t wait to quit. Now, I remember why I hated my job.”
“Not what you told me when I first got you fired.”
“Well, you were obnoxious.”
“I was, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Let’s go back home and speak with Selena. See if she remembers this guy together with the judge.”
As we pass the lobby’s unisex room, he grins. “Should we try this one out?”
My clit twitches and my panties dampen, then I shake my head, no. “I’m worried. We hit a nerve with the lobbyist. Who knows what he might do next?”
Back in the hotel room I show Selena a picture of CJ Cavell. “You ever see him?”
She nods. “He looks familiar.”
“Was he with you at Bannerman’s?”
Her eyes widen and her mouth parts. “Yes, I think so. One evening, he and another man were about to leave as I arrived. I didn’t think anything of it.”
“What else do you recall?” As Suds leans in, she closes her eyes.
“The loudmouth handed the judge a thumb drive. After they left, George put it in his safe.”
“Do you know what day this was?” I open the calendar app in my phone hoping to jog her memory, but she shakes her head no.
Scrunching her brows, she purses her lips. “It was the same day someone almost ran me over in the parking garage.”
