7 - Rogue: Ike Schwartz Mystery 7 Read Online Free PDF Page A

office in two years, it wouldn’t be permanent. She saw it as an opportunity to become involved in things she cared about, and Picketsville isn’t that far away. We commuted, as you know.”
    “Excuse me,” Doctor Kravitz interrupted, “but you did say the Department of Education?”
    “Yes. She was recruited by the secretary as an assistant secretary. Her job was to review the progress of Title Nine programs. I guess they hadn’t had a thorough review in a while. After she arrived, she also assumed the chair of a committee set up to study school textbook standards.”
    “How is that connected to Title Nine?”
    “It isn’t. She took it because no one else would. She is that way. As you probably know, many state school boards have their own textbook screening committees and they, in turn, have notions about what constitutes correct and acceptable history and science. The concern the secretary had, and by indirection the president, centered on how new textbooks would mesh with the recently enacted National Curriculum Standards. Her committee was charged to look at that and perhaps recommend legislation to bring them into sync with the curriculum. That’s when her Enemies List got started.”
    “Wow. Do you think she’s still in danger? Do I need to contact Security?” The doctor seemed worried.
    “I doubt it. If I’m right, that is, if the wreck was in fact related to the job, then I think they will feel that they have sent their message. If and when she does go back to work, and that is not likely to be anytime soon, and if they need to, they will remind her of what happened. But I would guess her days as a federal bureaucrat are pretty much over. Meanwhile, the rest of her committee has been warned and, I assume, suitably intimidated.”
    “This is madness.”
    “No, this is the USA in the first decades of the twenty-first century.”
    The doctor shook his head. “Meshuggeneh.” He left the room.
    “What did he say?”
    “It’s Yiddish for craziness. He’s got it right. We have come to a pass in this country where we will either find a way to settle our differences amicably, or I will need to hire many more deputies, assuming I still have that responsibility in a month. At any rate, to be open and objective, I haven’t ruled out random stupidity, mistaken identity, or a psychopath on the loose.”
    “Take me home,” Eden said, “wherever that is today. I need a drink and a think. Oh Lord, what are we going to do, Ike?”
    “You’ll be fine. It’ll be okay.” Eden nodded but her eyes remained clouded with doubt. He didn’t blame her. He had reasons to doubt as well. He understood more “doctor talk” than she and remembered what Kravitz had left out of his summary just now.
    When they reached the parking lot, Ike gave her Ruth’s apartment key and directions how to find it. She drove off. Ike called Charlie.

Chapter Five
    Charlie pushed his way into a coffee shop in Fairfax where he’d earlier agreed to meet Ike. He had a manila folder under one arm and his raincoat draped over the other. His expression indicated something had him spooked. Charlie did not spook easily.
    “Where’ve you been? I left you a note to call me when you woke up. Holy cow, Ike, all hell is breaking loose.”
    “Excuse me? Hell for whom? I’m not aware anyone of my acquaintance, except Ruth, is in any way, shape, or form, close to being in the sort of jeopardy you suggest, and Hell isn’t an option for her, thank you.”
    “Sorry, I didn’t mean to…you’re right. By hellish, I refer to the preliminary results of your forensics request. I thought you’d want them right away and then you didn’t call. Then the Director—”
    “Okay, as far as wanting the results? I did. I do. I just didn’t imagine you’d have them so soon. Then, I had to meet Ruth’s mother at the hospital, get her settled afterward, and talk to the doctor. Then…never mind. So, tell me.”
    “How is the beautiful Mrs. Eden Saint