Page 34 of Assassin's Mark
“Establishing alibis is what we do,” Levi said, flicking a glance at my father on-screen. “If we’re not good at covering our tracks, that is.”
If you’re not a pro, in other words. Hardly comforting.
“Councilman Roslyn,” a female voice called. Levi’s spine went tight and straight, theair around him seeming to vibrate with sudden excitement. I didn’t know why, and I really didn’t want to remedy my lack of knowledge, but, again, zero control…
I moved to stand behind Levi so I could see the screen on his right.
“Yes, Ms. Downing?”
Derrick was staring at a petite blonde reporter, consternation creasing his brow.
“Councilman, it seems the abduction of your daughter is not theonly concern plaguing your run for governor of the state of Georgia. Our office received a tip this morning that a substantial donation was made from your account to a business we know from FBI sources is considered a front for mob activity. Care to comment?”
A mottled red flush rose up Derrick’s neck, into his cheeks—not embarrassment. Rage. I held my breath and glanced at Levi. Pleased grayeyes locked with mine.
“See? You have to be good at covering your tracks,” he said.
I didn’t answer; I couldn’t. The flood of emotion that swamped me right then was too heavy, too confusing, too…everything. Satisfaction, anger, loss, worry, fear—it crashed into me like a brick wall tumbling down, smothering me, making it impossible to breathe. I couldn’t fight it, couldn’t hide from those all-knowingeyes, so I did the only thing I could. I retreated. Turned around without a word and walked out of the living room. The bedroom was quiet, especially with the door closed, but even so I climbed onto the bed, curled up, and dragged the covers over my head.
Then, like a child, I closed my eyes and pretended I’d disappeared.
