Midnight Runner Read Online Free PDF

him. "You expect her to give to Arab causes. But I agree. There's more here than meets the eye."
    Ferguson nodded. "So what do we do?"
    "To find out what she's up to?" Dillon turned to Hannah. "Roper?"
    She smiled and said to Ferguson, "Major Roper, sir?"
    "The very man," Ferguson said.

    Chapter 4.
    D ANIEL QUINN WAS WAITING BY THE ENTRANCE OF THE Hay-Adams when the limousines arrived. Clancy Smith was first out, followed by three other Secret Service men from two escort vehicles. Clancy passed Quinn and nodded as he went in. Blake got out and waited for the President, who went up the steps and shook Quinn's hand.
    "Daniel."
    It was all for the cameras, of course. There were, as usual, two or three photographers who'd heard the President would be there. Lights flashed, photos were taken, Cazalet shaking Quinn's hand. Clancy appeared in the entrance. The other Secret Service men flanked the President and Blake as they went in.
    Blake, Cazalet, and Quinn were placed by the restaurant manager at a round table in a corner, excellent from a security point of view. All around them, enthralled diners produced a muted buzz of conversation. Clancy organized his men, who stood against the wall. Clancy himself hovered, always the dark presence.
    "Drinks, gentlemen?" Cazalet said. "What about a good French wine?" He turned to the waiter. "Let's try a Sancerre."
    The waiter, his evening made, nodded eagerly. "Of course, Mr. President."
    "I'll tell you, I can use a drink." Cazalet turned to Quinn. "I've been trying to deal with this whole energy thing we've been having. With the prices skyrocketing, oil demand climbing, those damn rolling blackouts--it's like I'm just waiting for some disaster to strike. And people are starting to notice. Did you see that poll last week? 'Why doesn't the government do something about it?' Well, I'm trying, damn it. Some people are starting to smell blood in the water--you know who I mean. If I can't figure out a way to alleviate this mess, the midterms next year are going to be a disaster, and then I can forget about trying to get through any of my programs. I might as well resign for any good I could do."
    Quinn started to say something, but Cazalet just waved him off. "Oh, never mind me. I'm just venting. That's not what this dinner is about." He smiled. "We're here for a little entertainment. It's like waiting for the start of a Broadway play." He glanced toward the door. "And I believe the curtain is about to go up."
    The Countess of Loch Dhu was at the door. The diamonds at her neck and throat were dazzling, the black silk trouser suit a kind of art form. Beside her, Rupert Dauncey wore an elegant Brioni blazer and slacks, with a white shirt and dark tie. The blond hair was perfectly combed.
    The restaurant manager was on to them in a moment and began to lead them through the tables. As they grew closer, the President said, "Speak to her, Blake, you're the one who knows her."
    Blake stood up as she approached and said, "Kate. Well, this is serendipity."
    She paused, smiled, then reached to kiss his cheek. "Why, Blake, how nice." She turned. "Have you met my cousin, Rupert Dauncey? No, I don't believe you have. You have a lot in common, you know."
    "Oh, his reputation precedes him," said Blake.
    Rupert Dauncey smiled. "As does yours, Mr. Johnson. And Senator Quinn's here."
    "Thank you," said Quinn. "Nice to see you again, Countess."
    She nodded. "Likewise."
    "Mr. President," said Blake, "may I present Lady Kate Rashid, the Countess of Loch Dhu."
    Cazalet stood and took her hand. "We've never met, Countess. Will you and Mr. Dauncey join us for a drink? A glass of champagne, perhaps?"
    "How could I refuse?"
    Blake waved to the waiter and spoke to him. Rupert pulled a chair out, seated her, and turned to Clancy Smith.
    "The last time I saw you, Sergeant Major, we were in very deep shit inside Iraqi lines."
    "We surely were, Major. I missed you in Bosnia."
    "A good place to miss anybody." Dauncey smiled