Internado’s smug expression repulsed him. “You’ve seen the light. Very good.” The senator downed half the beer and Maverick eyed the glass like it was the Holy Grail.
“I have.”
“If you help me, there’s a chance I might be able to throw you that much-needed lifeline. Some new evidence could emerge that drops the charges against ThunderStrike, but you have to prove yourself first, boy.”
Maverick nodded. “You and I both know ThunderStrike did nothing wrong.”
“But the members of the committee don’t know that because I—how shall I say this—adjusted the subcommittee report.”
Gotcha. “You mean you falsified it?”
“That’s a weighty word. ‘Adjusted’ sounds better.”
Maverick’s blood boiled as Rudy set down their whiskeys. “Food’ll be out in a minute.”
“To you, George.” he said, raising his glass. “I’ll do everything possible to ensure you get what you deserve and nothing less.”
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about.” Internado swigged the whiskey.
“Let’s get back to how I can help you, Senator. What do you want me to do?”
“I’m hosting a donor dinner Wednesday night. Two hundred loyal supporters give me the perfect alibi. While I’m there, I want you to break into the campaign headquarters of my opponent.”
“And do what, exactly?”
“Are you a fucking idiot?”
“Do you want me to bug his office? Tap into the phone lines? Do you want me to take anything? I have no idea what the hell you want me to do.”
“I want you to bug the office and the phone lines. Hell, if you could shove a bug up his ass, that would work, too.” He laughed. “I’m going to need his donor records and a list of his strongest supporters. I’m going after them, hard.”
“Understood.”
Rudy delivered their appetizers.
Internado raised his beer glass. “Here’s to a new and improved relationship.” He ate a few beef tips and a scallop, but kept checking his watch.
As if on a mission, Maverick inventoried everything Internado touched. Whiskey glass. Beer glass. Napkin. Fork. “Don’t let me keep you.”
“My wife is headed out of town this weekend. I’d like to see her off.”
I’m sure you would. “I know how devoted you are to your family.” Maverick’s skin prickled. “Thank you again for giving me the chance to show you my full capabilities.” That made him smile.
The senator drained the beer, wiped his mouth with his napkin, and stood. “I’ll be in touch. Going forward, I’ll be calling from a burner.” And with that, he bustled out the employee entrance.
Without wasting a second, Maverick pulled latex gloves from his pocket and tugged them on. Then, he dug out the plastic baggies and placed each glass in a bag. As he dropped the senator’s fork into another bag, Rudy popped around the corner.
Fuck.
“Oh, boy.” Rudy stared at the bagged items.
“I’m sorry you had to see this, Rudy.”
“I’m sure you have your reasons.”
Maverick handed him a Ben Franklin.
Rudy waved away the money. “Too much, Maverick.”
