HER FATHER’S DAUGHTER by William J. Coughlin

Author:William J. Coughlin [Coughlin, William J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lume Books Crime, Thriller & Mystery, A Joffe Books Company
Published: 2024-05-08T00:00:00+00:00

8

Upon returning from the breakfast meeting with Joyce, Victoria called the hotel. She had left a note, but that seemed so inadequate.

Her call awakened Barry. The sound of his voice helped soothe the terrible hangover feelings and she quickly explained her reasons for leaving. He sounded disappointed but not resentful. His easy assurance seemed to lessen all her troubles. She wondered if she really was falling in love. It had been such a long time that she had forgotten what that feeling was like.

‘Why don’t you come down to Washington with me this afternoon?’ he asked. ‘I think you’d enjoy yourself. I rate myself a pretty fair host.’

It sounded like a wonderful invitation but she couldn’t accept. ‘To tell you the truth, Barry, I’d love to chuck it all and go with you. But I can’t, at least not today. As I told you last night, my little world needs some rather intensive care at the moment.’

‘You’re carrying much too heavy a load, Vicky.’ His voice had a quality like smooth velvet. ‘You should delegate. That’s the answer. Find some good people and let them do the work. You need some time for yourself.’

‘I really wish I could get away, honestly.’

‘Well then, how about this weekend? You could fly down Friday night and go back on Sunday. I’m sure the world wouldn’t come to an end. I can show you some places on the Chesapeake that are pure magic.’ He paused. ‘You need a break now and then, or you’ll go stale. Chalk it up as part of doing business.’

‘Put it in the “I’m doing it for my morale” column?’

He chuckled softly. ‘Something like that. Can you make it?’

She desperately wanted to say yes. But she couldn’t just walk away. Not now. She had never ducked a challenge in her life. Still, something might be worked out. At least she could try. ‘I’ll let you know in a couple of days,’ she demurred.

‘I really hope you’ll come.’ He wasn’t making a demand. It sounded like a gentle invitation. ‘Well,’ he laughed, ‘if the republic is to survive, I suppose I had better get back to the Capitol and save it.’

‘Important work?’

‘Not really,’ he answered. ‘I have a subcommittee hearing later this afternoon. The whole thing is mostly for show, but I’m the chairman, and I’m expected to show up.’

‘I could have the company limousine take you to the airport.’

‘Thanks, Vicky, but that’s too much bother. I’ll just grab a cab. Want to come with me? At least as far as the airport?’

‘Barry, you know I want to. But I can’t.’

He again chuckled. ‘Well, promise me you’ll try for the weekend.’

Before she could answer he had hung up. She replaced the receiver and sat quietly for a moment. Everything in her life was happening so fast. Nothing seemed real somehow.

*

Barry Lytle sat back in the taxi, feeling comfortable and relaxed. He watched the people on the streets of Manhattan as the cab driver fought to find a quick and easy way to La Guardia.

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