He bounded up the cobblestone walkway. It struck him how things hadn’t changed much in the neighborhood in thirteen years. He grabbed the brass lion-head knocker he purchased in Cairo, then remembered his key. The door swung open before he could use it.
“Bobby,” Barbara Veil shouted, lunging into his arms. Her strength still amazed him. She stepped back and gave him the once over.
“Haven’t been eating again I see.”
“Good to see you too mother,” said Robert. “Chasing down bad guys keeps you thin.”
“Excuses, excuses. Boy, I tell you, what’s a mother to do,” Barbara responded, shaking her head in jest.
Age stalked Barbara Veil, but at a Dick Clark pace. Her hair, thick and full, showed very little gray, and for a sixty-eight year old woman, her figure held a respectable shape.
“I’m here, so what’s up?”
“I need a favor, a small one,” she told him, slipping her arm through his, guiding him toward the den.
“A favor? You don’t need to ask me for a favor. Just tell me what you need and it’s yours.”
Barbara pushed the den door open. A bright-eyed little girl with Lego blocks sat playing on the burgundy-gray Persian carpet.
“Good,” his mother said. “Then I need you to look after a friend of mine.”
On cue, a well-dressed blond, her eyes bluer than his, rose from his dad’s old recliner and walked over, a nervous smile on her face.
“Fiona Patrick,” she said, her hand fully extended. “And that mass of energy on your mother’s floor is my daughter, Jessica.” Robert smiled and shook her hand. “Congratulations on your appointment to the Supreme Court, Your Honor. It’s quite an accomplishment.”
“Thank you. I only wish it hadn’t come at such a trying time.”
“Oh?” said Robert, looking at his mother, wondering if he’d been too quick to offer an unchecked favor.
“What she’s referring to, son, is the case you’re working on.”
“You mean the Bear?” he said, the picture coming clear.
“Yes,” Fiona jumped in, her smile fading. “Barbara mentioned your involvement several months ago when this psychopath started killing more judges. I didn’t think much of it then, well, not until he killed Judge Weiss. We were very close.”
“I see,” said Robert. “But I understand security has been stepped up since then.”
“It’s not enough,” his mother snapped. “They can’t do the job you can, besides, you’re already working the case. How difficult can it be?”
“It’s not my only case,” said Robert. “Now, I’m sure the Secret Service and FBI will go above and beyond to see that you’re safe.
Especially since your nomination.”
“Mr. Veil, if I thought that would be enough I wouldn’t be here,” said Fiona.
“Son, you have Thorne to back you up. Can’t she take your other cases for awhile, at least until after the confirmation hearing?”
“It’s not just for me Mr. Veil,” added Fiona, looking over at Jessica.
“Quite frankly, I’m not worried about myself. I just don’t want to take any chances with my little girl.”
Robert looked over at Jessica. He wanted to help, but the Kennedy case made it impossible.
“I’m sorry Your Honor, but my partner and I are at our limit. I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you.”
“Robert, this is important,” Barbara exclaimed.
“They’re all important mother,” he shot back. “I’m sorry. I’ll check with the agents watching Judge Patrick to make sure they’re on top of things. That’s the best I can do.”
“Robert!”
“Barbara, don’t push him,” said Fiona, her eyes swollen and red.
Robert didn’t really know what to say. Fiona turned and left the den.
Jessica called out to her mother and gave chase. Barbara stared, her displeasure obvious.
“I don’t understand Robert. It’s not like you to turn away from something like this. Something this important.”
“Mother, I told you. We just can’t right now.”
“What are you working on that’s more important?” Robert never kept any secrets from his mother. In fact, he often found her instincts keen, her advice solid. On more than one occasion, he’d sought her counsel.
“I can’t talk about it.”
“Can’t talk about it? Since when?”
“Since I don’t want to lose you the way I lost dad.” Barbara’s eyes searched his. “Son, ever since your father’s murder, we’ve always played it straight with each other, never holding anything back.” She moved closer. “What is it son?” Robert’s stomach tightened. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Trust me on this one. I’ll tell you later. For now, it’s just too dangerous.”
“I can take care of myself. What’s so bad you can’t share it with the woman who taught you how to shoot?”
Robert smiled, leaned forward and softly kissed her on the forehead.
“All in due time. I promise.”
Barbara gave him a sly mischievous look. He knew her appeasement would be temporary. “Fine. Keep your secret, for now. But I still want you to take this assignment.”
Too good to be true. “I told you, I can’t.”
“Dammit Robert, if you don’t watch over this woman and her child, I’ll do it myself.”
“Look, I’ll talk to the Secret Service and make sure they’re on top of things. That’s all I can do. So please, stop asking.” Barbara’s face deflated. “I better go check on our guests.” She stomped out of the room.
Robert flopped down on the couch, head pounding. His cell buzzed, and Thorne didn’t sound excited. She whittled down the number of cemeteries to twenty-five, and each held at least a thousand crypts or more. The news pained him.
“What’s Barbara want?”
He laid it out plain.
“Robert, we’ve got too much on our plate. Don’t let her bend you this time, like always.”
He assured her, not as convinced as he sounded. They agreed to meet at the office after he searched the area around Crossroads, and talked to Popeye. He hung up, rested his head back, closed his eyes and groaned.
“Are you okay mister?”
Robert opened his eyes and smiled at Jessica. He didn’t have much experience with children. His selfish ex-wife wouldn’t tolerate them.
“I’m just fine,” he told her. “And you?”
“I’m okay,” she said, her voice full of strength and confidence, “But I’m worried about my mom.”
Robert checked to see if his mother lurked in the shadows. The heart-tugging scene had Barbara Veil written all over it. “Now why would such a pretty, special girl be worried about her mother?” He picked her up and placed her on his knee. “Your mother seems like a very strong lady.”
“She is,” said Jessica, assurance in her voice. “But she’s worried, I can tell. I hear her on the phone sometimes. She thinks we’re really in danger.” Jessica tried not to cry, but couldn’t.
Robert wiped away her tears. “Thanks mother,” he mumbled under his breath. “Your mom’s going to be just fine, and so are you. There’re a lot of people watching out for both of you. Nobody’s going to get close. I promise.”
She rewarded him with a big smile. “Aunt Barbara says you’re going to take good care of us so we shouldn’t worry. That makes me feel better.”
Mother, my patience is wearing thin. “You’ll be safe Jessica, but I’m not the one who’ll be watching you.”
A curious look fell over Jessica’s round little face. “Why not?” She folded her arms across her chest.
“Well, I’m, really busy right now,” he said, reading her irritation.
“It’s a bad time.”
“Why can’t you help my mommy?”
“It’s a little complicated,” he tried to explain. “I’ll do what I can, but I can’t make any promises.”
Jessica hopped off his knee, tears streaming down her cheeks. “You don’t care if my mommy dies!” She cupped her face in her hands. “It’s not fair!”
Robert reached out but she snatched away. “I want my daddy,” she said sobbing.