To Die For by David Baldacci

Author:David Baldacci [Baldacci, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Macmillan
Published: 2024-09-27T17:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

44

WHEN THEY ARRIVED AT THE hotel, Devine made introductions with Beth Walker and Saxby and Odom. Saxby at first had seemed leery about a local police officer in the mix, but Walker’s cordial manner soon put her at ease.

“What happened to your face, Devine?” asked Saxby. “It’s all bruised and scratched. And you’re moving a little stiff. Please don’t tell me someone else tried to kill you?”

Devine glanced at Walker before saying, “Just a little blowup. No big deal.”

Walker hiked her eyebrows at this comment, but then she turned to Odom. “I’m so sorry about your parents, Betsy.”

“Thanks,” Odom said curtly.

Devine said, “You ready to meet with your uncle?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

He noted that she had on new clothes, presumably from her shopping trip with Saxby. He could tell that the pair seemed to have reached a truce of sorts; at least their manner toward each other appeared relaxed and amiable.

“And the court hearing?” asked Devine.

“Agent Saxby sort of walked me through what it will be like. I’m just going to tell the truth if I have to say anything.”

“Always a good idea,” observed Walker.

“And have you decided on your uncle being your guardian?” asked Devine.

She didn’t answer him, but simply put on her new coat and headed to the door.

They drove over to the Four Seasons in Walker’s car. They were met at the entrance by Glass’s majordomo, Dennis Hastings. He was dressed in a suit, but with a tie this time.

Devine had to vouch for Walker’s presence, and although Hastings didn’t like the notion of a cop and an FBI agent meeting the boss, Devine made it clear that it was all or none.

Hastings phoned Glass about it, and a minute later he nodded at Devine. “Let’s go.”

As they were heading up in the elevator car, Devine turned to Hastings and said, “So what’d you do last night? Anything fun?”

Hastings shrugged. “Room service and a movie. You?”

“Same. What movie did you watch?”

“It was so bad, I forgot. You?”

“I forget the name, too, but I know it opened with a house blowing up.”

Walker caught his eye but said nothing.

Hastings said, “Really? Sounds like something I’d watch. You know, exciting.”

“Yeah, I bet.”

“Anybody die?” asked Hastings.

“Somebody always dies,” replied Devine curtly.

They were escorted down the hall and had to pass by the security team at the entrance to the presidential suite. Danny Glass was sitting in the same chair as last time. Only now he had on a dark blue suit with a striped tie for his court appearance. Hastings had, once more, taken his clothing choice from his boss, Devine observed.

Devine also noted that Odom looked around in awe at the luxurious space and the sweeping views out over the water.

Think and Grow Rich. He could almost see the wheels spinning in her head.

Glass rose, greeted and embraced Odom, and then was introduced by Devine to Saxby and Walker.

Glass smiled. “I’ve never felt so safe in my life with so many cops and federal agents around. Coffee, tea, water?”

They all declined.

“So what do we talk about?” began Saxby, looking directly at Glass.

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