When the Dead Speak

Chapter 83

Chapter 83

Preston glanced over his speech as he stood backstage at the Jenkins Art Center. Already an hour late, he moved as if he had all the time in the world. The waiting area was small but lavishly decorated with burgundy velvet upholstered chairs and solid oak flooring which was carried through to the stage.

"Mister Hilliard." A man in full military regalia greeted Preston at the door. Ivan Lambert was a World War II veteran. He offered a pale, veiny hand to Preston. It looked as if a strong wind could blow his frail body from here to Chicago.

"Sorry, I was up late last night giving a statement to the police." Preston peered behind the curtains at the sea of veterans, most in uniform. The first two rows were filled with reporters and cameramen. "Nice crowd."

"About four thousand, Sir."

Preston looked toward the exit door and saw a dark-suited man wearing sunglasses, his hair cut short. A cord snaked around the side of his neck to his left ear. A man dressed identically was positioned at the doorway to the auditorium. Preston assumed they were there for his protection.

"What the hell is going on, Preston?" Gordon Sudecky snapped. The seam of Gordon's auburn hairpiece shifted slightly as he moved his head. "I've been trying to call you all morning."

Preston's raised eyebrow prompted his stout press secretary to take two steps back. "I had an attempt on my life last night," Preston explained, "or haven't you heard."

Gordon stuck an arm toward the stage. "Have you seen the press release?"

Dismissing him with a wave, Preston said, "After my speech. I know it's a terrible revelation and I'm sure the reporters have a lot of questions."

A man in his fifties wearing fatigues rushed in from behind the curtain. "Any time you're ready, Mister Hilliard."

Preston checked his hair in the mirror and straightened his navy pin-striped tie. The news about Sergeant Casey's death had made his morning. Things couldn't be better.

Turning back to his press secretary, Preston said, "Just go out there and tell them to make the introduction." Preston smiled, imagining how the media must have reacted this morning when they received the photos of Governor Meacham.