Two assassins. One little problem...
Finding dirt on politicians is usually easy, but Congressman Clements is more careful than most. Never one to back away from a challenge, devious Diamond enlists her old friend Snow in a scheme to catch their tar...
The preliminary autopsy report came in just before I left for the airport with Snow. Unofficial, of course, but we had sources at the hospital. Mr. Clements had died from a heart attack followed by sudden cardiac arrest. The news today had been full of politicians giving their condolences, including my ex, who'd said all the right words then sent me a smiley face afterwards using a burner phone he wasn't supposed to have. And following our meeting this morning when she'd been remarkably chipper, Rhonda Swanson had donned a black outfit and done a convincingly heartfelt interview, including tears and a pledge to donate money to the children's wing of the hospital in her husband's memory. Nice touch, lady. She'd also couriered over a crate of Veuve Clicquot and the mother of all fruit baskets, so at least I had something to look forward to when I got home.
"Where are you off to?" I asked Snow as we climbed into the car. She always travelled light, and her single suitcase contained almost everything she owned. I say almost because she kept a bunch of stuff she didn't want people to see in a storage room in our basement.
"South America. Argentina to start off with. I've taken a long contract, so I won't be back for a while. But I'll call."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"Sure you're not tempted by a vacation?"
"I've got everything I need at home."
If only I'd known what lay ahead, perhaps I'd have gone with her. Climbed onto the plane and flown to a far-off land where pain couldn't touch me. Found a new sanctuary. But I didn't, so when we arrived at Dulles International, I just leaned over and hugged her. Kissed her for old times' sake.
"Let me know if you need anything?"
She gave my hand one last squeeze. "You'll always be the first person I call."
It wouldn't be long before I'd make the journey to Dulles again, but with my heart broken and agony seeping out of every pore. Karma was a bitch, almost as much of a bitch as me. Maybe I should have guessed what fate had in store for me, but that day, as Snow wheeled her plain black suitcase towards the terminal, I put the car in gear and turned towards Richmond.
For now, I'd live in ignorant bliss, or as close to it as I could manage.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
