Capital Offense

She agreed with his point; it was his delivery she found unacceptable. Carolyn smiled in an attempt to ease the tension of the moment. “I certainly didn’t mean to offend you. And I didn’t mean to infer that party politics should take precedence over integrity. It just seems that we’re often at odds, when I believe that fundamentally we share the same ideals.”

“You’re quite chaining. Mrs. Lane. But I don’t agree.”

If nothing else, he’s direct. Stay calm, keep trying. He’s a good man, there’s just a communication problem. “What seems to be the problem?”

Bill leaned back. “It appears, from a conversation I’ve had with Mort Fields and some paperwork I’ve received, that you have put yourself and Warner in a compromising position for the next election. Since this involves you, I thought it best to take it up with you directly. Our party can’t afford to put forth a candidate who may have hidden questionable business dealings. So, if Warner still insists on seeking the other senatorial seat, I’m here to tell you that I’ll be requesting an investigation into these affairs. If everything’s clear, it will help you. If not, then we save the party the embarrassment.”

Carolyn sized him up. She had to minimize the damage. Tell the truth, but let him know you’re not a pushover. “I don’t know what you or Mort Fields think I’ve done, but I can assure you that nothing’s occurred that would be considered improper. I would never jeopardize Warner’s career or the party’s position. Never.” She tucked files into her briefcase as she spoke.

The expression on Rudly’s face told Carolyn that he’d already tried and convicted them. As a result, she found no point in continuing their meeting.

“Unfortunately, I’m due in court in five minutes, so you’ll have to excuse me. ” she lied.

An unruffled Bill Rudly rose. “We’re not finished with this topic.”

“Suit yourself.” She watched him leave.

***

Carolyn called Mark. “Mort Fields has gone south on us. I don’t know how it happened, but Bill Rudly was just in here claiming he’s had conversations with Mort that suggest impropriety on my part that would jeopardize Warner’s pursuit of the Senate. He said he has the paperwork to back it up. He’s going to request an investigation.”

Mark paused. “This doesn’t sound good. Are you worried?”

“Concerned, not worried. If he had anything concrete, Rudly would have said so. At this point, I think all he’s got is supposition. I doubt he’s even got enough to start an investigation. But we need to check it out, hire Cain to look into it.” she said. “This was a warning. What bothers me the most is Mort. I know he won’t come forward himself – he would cut his own throat in the business community. No one would ever trust him again if they believed he turned on a partner. But he obviously set this up through the back door.” Carolyn massaged the throbbing in her temples. A migraine was the last thing she needed right now.

“What can I do to help?”

“Put Cain on Rudly, and call Fields. I don’t care if he’s angry with me. I’m still a partner in his company. Tell him I want out. He’s obviously lost faith in our deal, so he can buy me out. Otherwise, I’ll offer my shares on the open market. He’s not going to want an unknown on his board of directors, so he’ll ante up. Do we have a recent summary of value?”

“Yes.”

“Great. Fax it over to him. Tell him he’s got until Friday – after that I sell to the highest bidder. That company’s a hot commodity, so it won’t be hard to sell.” Carolyn took a deep breath. She was getting used to doing battle.

“I doubt if he’s going to like the strong-arm tactics.”

“He’s left me no choice. Feel free to tell him that.”

“I’ll take care of it.” Mark said. “Why don’t you stop by later today?”

“I wish I could. But I have a trial starting next week and a stack of files to go through. Now this. As it is, I’ll be working until midnight.”

“I have to work late, too. I’ll bring some Chinese food down to your office later, and you can take a short break. Deal?”

“Deal.” Carolyn hung up.

Her gaze fell on the chair recently occupied by the senator. She couldn’t allow an investigation. If Rudly presented these allegations to party leaders in Washington. Warner’s career would be seriously damaged, if not ruined. No matter the cost, she wouldn’t allow anyone to hurt him. Yes, she thought, this was war. And she was ready to fight.

***

“Mort’s gone to Bill Rudly with his accusations, and Bill confronted Carolyn,” Mark told Edmund on the phone. “He’s going to have Carolyn and Mort’s business arrangement investigated.”

“The selfish bastard.” Edmund said. “Mort’s gone too far. I warned him. He’s on his own now.”

“Rudly claimed he had paperwork on the matter. This could destroy Warner.”

“That won’t happen.” Edmund’s voice was flat.