"Good point. Let's see if we can find someone considered culpable but who wouldn't be at the summit. They could be the next target."
They spent another half hour trying to find out everything they could about the tower fire. "There are several possibilities," she murmured. "It depends on who someone would find the most responsible. There was an architect and several different contractors in addition to Redstone Technologies involved with the building of the tower. There was the smart system installation team, too. And then you could look at the DA's office. Samantha wasn't the only attorney involved. A judge signed off on the plea deal," she said, her fingers flying across the keyboard. "Judge Michael Androni. He wouldn't be at the conference on Tuesday. If someone wanted to get to him, they'd have to find him at home or at the courthouse." She paused, looking at Max. "Obviously, I don't know if he's next, but he could be."
"There are a lot of people who could be next," he said, fighting off a yawn. "It's almost midnight. I think we should call it a day, because the calendar is going to turn in three minutes."
"I can't believe it's that late," she murmured, having lost all track of time.
"You definitely know how to go all in on something," he said with a smile.
"Which is why I'm still single."
"If I leave, you're not going to stop working, are you?"
"I might just do a little more," she said honestly. "But you should go home. I'm sure you didn't sleep that well on my couch last night."
"Actually, I slept fine." He took a breath. "In fact, I was thinking I might try the couch again."
"You don't have to stay here and watch over me, Max. I'm a federal agent. I'm armed. I'm good."
"I know. But I'm tired, and it's cold outside, and I'll have to get a cab or a ride… Can I buy another night on the couch?"
"Well, you don't have to buy it. I owe you for putting up with my family, so if you really want to stay, you can stay." She wasn't sure that was the best decision, but she also didn't really want him to leave.
"Then I'll stay." He got up from the table, walked over to the couch, and sat down.
"Are you going to sleep now?" she asked. "I can take my computer into my bedroom."
"I think you should close the computer and come sit over here."
She gave him a wary look. "Why would I do that?"
He laughed. "You're very suspicious, Kara."
"And you're giving off shady vibes again."
"I just want to talk to you. We're both wired with too much information right now. Sleep won't come easy. Let's try to calm our brains down by discussing something else."
He had a point. She was so tired, the names were starting to blur in her mind.
He patted the couch next to him. "Come. Sit."
After a moment, she joined him on the couch, careful to keep a good foot between them. As he kicked off his shoes and propped his feet up on the coffee table, she took off her shoes and pulled her legs up under her as she faced him on the sofa. "What shall we talk about? Your time in the CIA? Qadir? I'm interested in both those subjects."
"We're done with shoptalk," he said firmly. "Tell me what you like to do for fun."
"I mostly work."
"Try harder, Kara."
She let out a sigh. "Well, I work out because I need to stay fit."
"That sounds like it's related to your job."
"You're being very picky, Max."
"It's not a hard question."
She thought for a moment. "I like to bicycle through Central Park. The Lake is one of my favorite spots. There are a bunch of flat rocks to sit on, and when you look out over the lake, you can see the city reflected in the shimmering water. It's really pretty and peaceful. It makes the city feel less chaotic. Not that I don't love the chaos. There's an energy here that I've never felt anywhere else. I know it makes people cranky at times. That's why New Yorkers can sometimes seem rude, but this city is filled with passion. People come from all over the world to chase their dreams. I love the art scene and off-Broadway. I love going to shows in the smaller theaters where beginning playwrights are putting on their first plays. Some of them are bad. But some are brilliant, and you're right there watching someone's career take off." She paused. "I am rambling."
