THE VIRON CONSPIRACY (JAKE SCARNE THRILLERS #4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

death.”
    “Children?”
    Todd shook his head sadly.
    “Katherine was three months pregnant when Bryan was killed. The shock of his death and the media circus surrounding it was too much for her. She lost the baby.”
    “That’s really tough,” Scarne said, a bit chagrined at his censorious comment about the woman’s potential gold-digging motivation. “I’m sorry. I really am. The woman lost her husband, and then miscarried. I’m not surprised she is obsessing on all of this, even if she has all her marbles. But I don’t see what I can do. I’m not your man.”
    “Perhaps this will change your mind,” Todd said, blowing a smoke ring before putting down his cigar. “Don, kindly pass me my briefcase.” He pulled out a folder and passed a document to Tierney. “Standard contract. Of course, you and Don should read it before you sign, but I’ll give you the gist.”
    Scarne was somewhat miffed at the man’s presumption.
    “Winston, I just told you I’m not interested.”
    Todd ignored him, with the air of a man who made a lot of money ignoring things he didn’t consider important.
    “Your normal rates don’t concern my client,” he said. “If you sign, you will be paid a retainer of $100,000. Non-refundable and subject to adjustment higher, if necessary.”
    Tierney and Scarne both stared at the old lawyer in astonishment. It was an absurd amount of money.
    “I don’t do assassinations,” Scarne finally said, only half in jest.
    “The $100,000 is yours, no matter what you find out,” Todd continued in his attorney’s voice. “You do not have to provide an accounting of your time or your methods. Mrs. Vallance is only interested in the results of your investigation, whatever they may be. You get to keep the retainer even if you prove her wrong. She trusts you implicitly.”
    Scarne couldn’t believe his ears.
    “That proves it. She has to be crazy, Winston. I don’t even know Katherine Vallance.”
    “This is where it may get dicey, Jake,” Todd said. “You do know her.” He paused. “Her full name is Katherine Ellenson Vallance.”
    “Oh, shit,” Tierney said.
    “I understand Katherine left you at the altar, Jake” Todd said, not unkindly.
    “Not quite,” Scarne said, recovering. He took a belt of his bourbon. “We hadn’t yet decided on wedding invitations.”

CHAPTER 5 - FRANKENSTEIN STUFF
     
    “You should have told me about this, Todd,” Tierney said. Scarne could tell from his tone that he was angry. “Jake is my friend, as well as client. I would have discussed this with him so he wasn’t blindsided.”
    “I’m sorry, Don.” Todd didn’t sound sorry. “But I had my instructions from my client. “Mrs. Vallance wanted Jake to hear her story unencumbered by any past prejudices or emotions. One other thing. The $100,000 fee is non-negotiable. If Jake takes the case, he must take the fee. Katherine doesn’t want this to be pro bono. She realizes that he might feel conflicted, but she wants to keep this as businesslike as possible.”
    “Do I have to be here for this meeting?” Scarne said. “Or don’t I have any say in any of this?”
    Todd looked at his watch.
    “I have a flight out of JFK at 4:10. You two will probably want to discuss this. I’ll leave the contract with you, Don. Call and tell me what Jake wants to do. If he signs it, just overnight it to me with bank instructions on where to deposit the retainer. Then I’ll arrange a meeting with Mrs. Vallance.”
    He stood, as did the others.
    “It was a pleasure to meet you, Jake,” Todd said, putting out his hand. “I’m sorry if I’ve been a bit brusque and mysterious, but Katherine didn’t leave me much choice in the matter. Please don’t shoot the messenger. She really is a wonderful woman. If you decide to help her, I know you can put her mind to rest, no matter what you find out. But I certainly understand that this is not an easy decision.”
    He then shook Tierney’s hand and