Last Word Read online

  last word

  A Kate Reid Novel

  Robin Mahle

  HARP House Publishing, LLC.

  Published by HARP House Publishing

  July, 2017 (1st edition)

  Copyright ©2017 by Robin Mahle

  All Rights Reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, by any means, including mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper, or broadcast. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  Cover Art: Covermint Design

  Editor: Hercules Editing and Consulting www.bzhercules.com

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  About the Author

  Also by Robin Mahle

  1

  The melodic echoes of the four-piece orchestra wandered among the guests whose chatter eclipsed the haunting purity of the strings. The formal dinner and, more importantly, fund-raiser, was being hosted by one of Washington’s most influential lobbyists.

  This, however, was just another dinner for Congressman Grant Copeland, who knew better than to miss out on the opportunity to grease palms and pick the pockets of donors. With cocktail in hand, he searched for the woman he had grown fond of in recent months. An ambitious woman looking to advance her own career and who sought out Copeland’s mentorship. And he jumped in at the prospect with both feet. A second-term representative of Virginia’s fifth district, the independent congressman was still considered a junior member compared to the longer-serving high-ranking congressional members who had averaged 8 terms.

  Copeland was elected at a time when the people of his district were seeking change and had grown tired of the political system that seemed ever more corrupt and dysfunctional. His independent status allowed him to pander to both sides and win his seat. A seat he had protected at all costs, which was exactly the reason for his attendance tonight.

  “Congressman Copeland, pleasure to see you.” A nameless man with a forgettable face approached him.

  “Good to see you too. Shrimp is fantastic. You should give it a try.” Copeland nodded and took his leave, continuing on the path of his initial intent—to see her. He moved through the clusters of Vaseline smiles, pearl necklaces, and sideways-glances, eventually approaching the woman he’d thought about all day. “You look stunning.” He placed his hand on the small of her back and lightly kissed her cheek.

  “There you are. I was wondering if I would see you tonight.” Janine Atherton returned his greeting with a warm smile and placed her hand on his chest, her red-painted nails and pale skin contrasting with his black suit.

  “I escaped the clutches of Chairman Dominguez in time to make it here just so I could see you.”

  “And chat up your donors, no doubt. You don’t fool me, Congressman.” She raised her glass to her lips, her eyes fixed on his. “And where is your lovely wife tonight?”

  He peered at his watered-down cocktail. “My son is down with a bug, unfortunately. She’s looking after him.”

  “That’s too bad.” Her gaze implied otherwise.

  The moment was interrupted by Copeland’s chief of staff. “Grant, glad I found you. Do you have a second?”

  “I haven’t even finished my first drink and you want to talk shop? Can this wait?”

  “I don’t think so. I’ll keep it brief.” He glanced to Janine. “Don’t you clean up well? Pleasure to see you, Janine. Please excuse us.”

  Copeland followed him toward the ballroom’s entrance. “What’s so important that it couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”

  “I apologize, but I think you should know that the new poll numbers are out.”

  “And?”

  “And, your numbers are slipping. I think it’s time to reach out; conduct a few town halls during recess.”

  “Fine. Might I rejoin the party now?”

  “Of course. I just thought you would want to be the first to know.” He began to walk away. “I see Janine is keeping you company this evening. Where’s Mrs. Copeland?”

  His expression hardened. “Home.”

  “You should know Janine’s been doing a great job for us running interference. She’s to be commended for her tireless efforts on your behalf.”

  “I’ll be sure to let her know. Thank you.” Copeland turned and surveyed the room in search of Janine once again. Upon spotting her, he thrust his hand in his pants pocket and smiled.

  She had been a loyal member of his staff for some time, having started as a volunteer during his re-election campaign this past fall. He’d been so impressed by her work, he took her on as his media relations advisor.

  Copeland continued to make the rounds alone until sufficient time had lapsed that would allow him to slip away with few questions. As he exited the ballroom and passed through the lobby doors of the museum, the music and voices faded, replaced by the sound of cars and horns and a bustling city street on a steamy summer’s night. He reached for his valet ticket. “I’m ready to go now.”

  “Of course, sir. We’ll bring your car around.” The man in the white jacket took hold of Copeland’s keys and directed another to fetch the car.

  The silver Lexus sedan approached with a smooth purr from its engine and the valet driver stepped out. “Here you are, sir.”

  Copeland slipped inside, cradled by the supple leather seat while the valet closed his door. Examining the grand entrance of the museum a final time, he pulled away and pressed the call button on his steering wheel. “Call home.”

  The line rang and an undemanding voice answered. “Hi, honey. Is everything okay? Are you on your way home?”

  “I’m afraid I got called in to a late night session. I’m leaving the dinner now, but I have to head back to the office. I’ll probably pull out the sofa bed and sleep there tonight.”

  “Of course. You thought that might happen. I’m glad I didn’t bother attending or I’d be stuck for a ride home. Kids are upstairs and I’ll be heading off to bed soon anyway. Don’t work too late.”

  “I won’t. See you tomorrow. Good night.” He ended the call and pulled onto the highway, opposite the direction of his office on the Hill. A hotel was nearby. One he’d frequented on several occasions in the past.

  A knock sounded on his hotel room door, and as Copeland approached, he paused to check his reflection in a mirror that hung near the entrance. The first two buttons of his white Oxford shirt were undone and his full head of black hair was no longer slicked back and had begun to sprout wavy strands. He pushed it into place and opened the door. “I thought you’d never arrive.”

  Janine stepped inside without awaiting the invitation that would undoubtedly come next. “It was harder for me to slip out than I expected, but here I am.”

  “Here you are.” He closed the door, which
brought him within inches of her lips. “You want a drink?” Rather than take advantage of his proximity, he instead took her hand and led her into the suite. “Anyone see you leave?”

  “Sure they did. If you’re asking did anyone follow me, then no, of course not. You’re not that important—yet.” With a soft titter, Janine lowered herself onto the sofa. “I’m certain we’ll be able to fix that soon enough.”

  He stepped toward her, offering the drink. “With your help, I have no doubt.”

  Janine awoke to the door across the hall closing shut with a resounding thud. She reached for her phone and squinted when the screen illuminated, displaying the time. “Shit.” She pulled herself from the bed.

  “Hey, where are you going?”

  “I’d better leave before daylight. It’s already three. Go back to sleep.” She leaned in to kiss him before heading into the bathroom to pull on the cocktail dress in which she had arrived.

  Returning to the sitting area, she pulled on her strappy heels before slinging her evening bag over her shoulder. A brief peek inside the bedroom of the suite and she found Grant had returned to his slumber.

  Upon making her way into the parking lot, Janine pressed the remote entry and stepped into her car. Staying so late had been unintentional, but both had fallen asleep after what turned out to be a raucous romp in the sack. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time he was quite so amorous. He was almost 15 years her senior and she’d become accustomed to his stamina. Perhaps talk of his impending success was a bigger turn on for him than she’d expected. His time was coming and she would be the one to propel him. But it had to be sooner rather than later in order to avoid any hint of their scandalous relationship. He’d promised to take care of it, but she was still standing on the sidelines.

  With the turn of the key, Janine pulled out of the lot and on to the main road, heading home, which was a good half-hour away. The roads were quiet, at least for D.C. and she turned up the radio to help keep her awake. But what seemed more effective were the headlights shining in her rear view. She turned away from the glare and tried to refocus on the road ahead. “Turn off your damn hi-beams, asshole.”

  She changed lanes so whoever was behind her could pass. Instead, they pulled back into her rear view. “Jesus! What the hell is wrong with you? There’s no one on the road. Go around.” She pressed down on the gas pedal to gain distance, but the car caught up and began riding her tail.

  The hairs on the back of her neck raised and her pulse quickened as her eyes shifted between the road ahead and the rear view. Gaining in speed again, the headlights remained closer still. Janine studied her navigation screen to find the nearest gas station or other public place that might offer refuge, but there were none close enough to solve her immediate need. Another option was to divert onto the road that was still about a quarter-mile ahead and see if the car continued to follow.

  She veered off the exit and stared into the mirror. The momentary relief diminished when the car appeared once again. “That’s it. I don’t know who the hell you think you are, but I’m calling the police.” She pressed the call button when the lights behind her grew brighter and the revving engine grew louder.

  “Shit.” The voice activated system finally kicked in. “Call…”

  The car plowed into her, thrusting her head forward and then back again. The bumper dragged on the ground, throwing sparks, as the back-end of her Audi coupe had crumpled and she began losing control of the wheel. Stunned, Janine swerved toward the side of the road and the car slowed to a stop. She unbuckled her seatbelt with trembling hands, still peering in the rear view at the car that stopped moving, but was still behind her. The driver’s side door was jammed as she tried to push it open. “Damn it!” Tears streamed down her cheeks and her shoulder throbbed as she slammed the door in an attempt to force it open. It wouldn’t budge.

  When she again tried to call 911, a figure appeared at her window, shadowed by the bright lights still shining from the rear. She strained to see who had run her off the road. An object—a crow bar or something similar—appeared out of nowhere and smashed her window. Janine turned away from the glass that flew inside, shielding her face as she screamed. Half-dazed and in shock, she began, “What are you doing? What the fuck is wrong with you?” It was then she spotted the unmistakable shape of a gun and the arm that raised it nearer to her head. “No. Please, don’t. Please…

  A moment later, Janine’s world turned to black.

  ASAC Campbell waited for a response. “Nothing? No one’s got anything else?”

  “I don’t believe so, sir.” SSA Dwight Jameson turned to his team. “Reid? Vasquez? Is there anything else?”

  “That’s it for me.” Agent Kate Reid grabbed her tablet and began to rise along with the others. “Thank you, sir.” She stepped into the hall and headed back to her office.

  “Hey, hold up.” Dwight caught up with her. “You didn’t mention to him that you’d be training at Quantico next week. Why not?”

  “It’s only for two days. I’m sure he has bigger fish to fry.”

  He pressed his hand against her shoulder. “Kate. Come—talk with me.”

  She considered his request as Agent Alicia Vasquez reached them.

  “Everything okay?” She seemed to notice Kate’s hesitation.

  “Yeah. Go on ahead. I just need to have a quick word with Jameson.”

  “Okay.” Vasquez eyed them both for a moment before making her departure. “Whatever you say.”

  “See? Even she knows you’re hiding something.” Dwight walked into his office, holding the door for Kate.

  “I’m not hiding anything. There’s nothing to hide.” She dropped into the guest chair. “I’m going to train, just like we discussed. That’s all it is.”

  Dwight took his seat and leaned back in his chair, regarding Kate with dubious eyes.

  “Stop trying to read me. This will be no different from the last time I took hours at Quantico. It’s part of the deal, right?”

  “It is, but this time, you’ll be meeting with the profiler, right?”

  “Yes. Doesn’t mean anything, though. He still doesn’t know me from Adam and I don’t know him, so there’s no story here.”

  “Okay, fine. Have it your way. I’d just hate for Campbell to be caught off guard when the time comes for you to leave.”

  “I won’t do that to him. Nick’s departure was expected and if I am lucky enough to get a job at BAU Headquarters, then I’ll give him plenty of advanced warning.”

  “It was expected but not appreciated,” Dwight continued. “Especially after they’d finally seemed to put the past behind them.”

  “Campbell understood what it meant for Nick to get that position. It was an opportunity of a lifetime and he can’t hold that against him. It’s not fair.”

  “Still, he’s been different since Nick left.”

  “I think he’s been better, if you ask me, and that’s because you’ve picked up and taken the reins without hesitation, Dwight. So don’t sell yourself short.”

  “Oh, I’m not. I’ve got big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt I’ll be able to do it.”

  “Good. Then if there’s nothing else?”

  “On a personal note, how’s things going with you two?”

  “Great. Nick’s really happy there. We don’t see each other that much, but maybe that’s a good thing. I feel like I’m getting a chance to spread my wings a little. And if I hope to move forward, it has to be that way. Like I told Nick.”

  “You have to do this on your own.” Dwight smiled. “I wouldn’t expect you’d want it any other way, Kate. Go on. Get out of here. I’ll let you know when we get the next round of consults.”

  “Thanks.” Kate turned toward the door but stopped short. “Oh, how’s Abby? She get moved in yet?”

  “As a matter of fact, she did. This past weekend. Been pretty crazy with all of us in there, but I figure eventually we’ll have to get a bigger place.”

  �
��I’m really happy for you, Dwight. You deserve it.” She turned the corner and disappeared. As she returned to her desk, her cell phone showed a missed call from Nick.

  With a press of a button, she returned his call. “Hey. Sorry I missed you. We were meeting with Campbell.”

  “Right. It’s the weekly meeting. How could I forget?”

  “Exactly. You haven’t been gone long enough to forget that. They were never your favorite thing. So, what’s going on?”

  “Plenty, actually, but that’s not why I called. I thought we could grab dinner tonight, if you’re free.”

  “Sure. Free as a bird. I’d love to. I should be able to wrap everything up by 7 or 7:30. You want to shoot for 8?”

  “Sounds good. I’ll text you later with a place. Any preferences?”

  “Nope. You should pick tonight. I’ll see you later, babe. Bye.”

  “Bye.” Senior Unit Agent Nick Scarborough slipped his phone back into his pocket and stood from his desk. He was still getting used to life at BAU Headquarters in Quantico. It had been eight weeks and yet everything still felt so foreign. The case load was different, his team was different. He hadn’t once been in the field yet. They had people for that, apparently. Oh, he could go if he wanted to, but the bulk of his days were filled with bureaucracy; obtaining expenditure approvals, processing requests. Not exactly what he had envisioned. The few consults he’d taken part in had been fulfilling, and once he was fully integrated into the system, he expected there would be more involvement on that end.