“Sharp,” Kelland said as he got on the elevator. “Good thinking, Kendra. I agree, but it never hurts to soothe the beast on a day when everything else is going wrong.”
“He’s in a nasty mood.” Jessie watched the elevator door close before she turned and started down the hall with Kendra. “Not that I helped. I’m used to him being all smooth and diplomatic, and that remark terrified me. I didn’t expect him to let loose on me.” She made a face. “Though I actually respect him more for it.”
“So do I. It was honest. And we should have expected that reaction. Metcalf said he was the complete agent, and everyone was betting on him to become director someday.” She shrugged. “Dealing with the political bullshit connected to the job would become second nature.”
“Not one that pleased him today,” Jessie said dryly. “I wonder what ticked him off.” She opened the conference room door. “Beside the fact that his turf is being invaded by Noah. Though that might be enough to—” She broke off as they saw Noah Calderon sitting at the conference table surrounded by three of his executives buzzing around him. Papers and documents were spread out in front of him. He was on the phone and as he caught sight of Jessie and Kendra, he didn’t stop talking but beckoned to them imperiously to come to him. “Never mind,” Jessie murmured. “He’s turned this official FBI conference room into his own corporate boardroom. I can see why Kelland might be annoyed with him.” There was a reckless smile on her face as she started across the room. “Shall we go and see what the great Calderon requires of us?”
“Easy,” Kendra said quietly. “There’s a reason Kelland is putting up with him. We need everything to go smoothly until we get Dee back. And you said yourself that Calderon seems to be doing his best to make that happen.”
“I’m not going to explode. I just don’t have much patience for arrogant assholes right now.” She stopped before Noah. “You summoned, master?”
He stopped talking on the phone, took one glance at her expression, and pressed the disconnect. “I guess it seemed that way.” He smiled ruefully as he jumped to his feet. “Sorry, Jessie. I’m just swamped trying to pull this deal together so that nothing will happen to Delilah. We only have another twenty-four hours to deliver, and I showed up here almost an hour ahead of time this morning to show my support and eagerness to help.” He shook his head. “But Kelland didn’t appear to appreciate the urgency and is dragging his feet. He kept saying that we had to wait until he was able to talk to his superiors before we could make any plans. I almost got up and walked out.”
“Which would have accomplished nothing,” Kendra said. So much for her cautioning Jessie to be discreet. For a moment she’d been drawn back into that same warmth and appeal that she’d experienced that first time she’d seen Noah on TV. But his last remark had been too similar to that of a small boy who had wanted to take his toys and go home because he hadn’t gotten his way. “I vote we wait and see why the FBI thinks we should let them consult to find the best way to do this. Do you suppose it might even save lives? Wouldn’t that be amazing?”
“I don’t appreciate your sarcasm, Dr. Michaels.” He actually sounded hurt. “Jessie realizes that Delilah is my very dear friend, and I’m only trying to do what’s best for her. It’s obvious you have a relationship with this Agent Kelland and these other FBI people, and it’s getting in the way of your objectivity.”
“Yes, you mustn’t let your objectivity be put in question, Kendra,” Kelland said from behind her. He was at the door and entering the room with several agents trailing behind him. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Calderon. But we’re ready to go forward now. We had to come to an important decision about the handling of the ransom and then we had to wait for the courier.”
“Courier?” Kendra repeated. “What courier?”
“I told you that this is a big deal to the director.” His expression was totally noncommittal. “There were several strategies from Quantico about how it could be brought to a successful conclusion. I thought we were doing very well and making progress keeping it within the Bureau. But the director let himself be influenced to go in a different direction. He wanted to indicate to the media and public that we were going all out in every department with no holds barred.”
“What do you mean?”
“He involved the Justice Department. They brought in a black ops expert to do the delivery of the ransom.” He gestured to the door. “He just arrived. Naturally we’re very eager to work with him. I believe you know him, Kendra.” He paused. “Adam Lynch?”
She froze in shock as Lynch walked into the conference room. She heard Jessie inhale sharply beside her.
For an instant Kendra couldn’t speak. “Yes, both Jessie and I have worked with him before.” She couldn’t take her eyes from him. Lynch was smiling and nodding politely at her as he crossed the room to stand beside Kelland. “Though the last I heard he was busy in Asia. I had no idea he’d be available to take on an assignment like this.”
“Always glad to go wherever I’m needed.” He met her eyes. “I found I had a break in my schedule. I’ll look forward to having you fill me in on all the details of the case later.” Then he smiled gently at Jessie. “Good to see you again, Jessie. Sorry it’s under these circumstances.”
“I’m not sure I am,” she said slowly. “Hello, Lynch.”
“Mr. Lynch?” Noah was on his feet and reaching across the table to eagerly shake Lynch’s hand. “Noah Calderon. I’m glad to meet you. I was getting a bit worried about how the case was progressing under FBI direction. I’m sure if the Justice Department is involved it will give us an even greater chance to rescue Delilah.”
“I wouldn’t be concerned,” Lynch said. “As far as I can see, the FBI appears to be doing a very good job. And I’ve just been designated as a glorified errand boy at the moment.” He turned to Kelland. “Now if you’ll run down what you want from me, then tell me about my backup and how you want me to handle any snafus.”
“There won’t be any snafus,” Noah interrupted. “I’ll deliver the cash to you in an armored car tomorrow morning and you’ll take it to the kidnappers. We should have Delilah free by evening.”
“Really? But I’ve seldom run across any crime involving big money when I didn’t run across a snafu or two. I understand that there have been a few problems with these kidnappers, and I’m wary of problems.” He looked back at Kelland. “So let’s pretend that snafus might occur and prepare for them. Then let’s go step by step when we get the final directions and see if we’ve missed anything. Would that be okay, Kelland?”
“Absolutely. Exactly what I would do anyway.” He gestured at the other agents who had followed him into the room. “That’s why I brought my team to give their input.”
Kendra couldn’t take any more at the moment. Shock on top of shock, and now Lynch was in the process of taking over the investigation within minutes of walking into the conference room. “Well, this sounds as if you’re in agreement, and so I believe I’ll opt out while you get down to FBI strategy. I have something else to do.” As she stopped at the door, she met Lynch’s gaze. “And I’m sure one of you will let me know what’s happening later if you think I can be helpful.”