***
Smith dropped the pen in his hands and rubbed his eyes. Beth flipped through the next few pages, crossing words out and adding others as she went.
“I think I need a break,” Smith said.
“Okay,” Beth replied, still lost in the work.
“Getting hungry?”
Beth didn’t respond. She kept going through the documents, her pen busy with notations. She was in her own world.
“Beth,” Smith said, a little louder.
“Yeah?”
“Are. You. Hungry?” Smith asked, adding in some dramatic hand movements to act out the definition of his words.
“Dr. Carlson is rubbing off on you,” Beth said.
“And why do you say that?”
“Because you’re starting to annoy me.”
Smith’s phone rang. He paused when he saw the number, but he answered it.
“Hello?” Smith asked.
“Hello,” Daniel answered.
“And to what do I owe this pleasure? Giving me a warning this time before the authorities come to arrest me?”
“David, I’m sor—”
“What do you want, Daniel? If it’s about Jones, I can’t help you with that anymore. You’re too far down the rabbit hole.”
“No, it’s not about Jones. I wanted to see if there was anything I can do. To help.”
Smith covered the phone with his hand and grabbed Beth’s attention. “It’s Daniel,” he said quietly. Beth simply shook her head.
“No, I’m afraid there isn’t, Daniel. But I appreciate the call.”
“Well, then maybe there’s something I can give you.”
“Such as?”
“I recently took a flight to Mexico with Congressman Jones to discuss a cease-fire with the Mexican government. The paperwork has probably already been drawn up, and I would think Jones will use it in the debate against you.”
Smith knew that Jones couldn’t have orchestrated that without the help of the president, and if he was going to the president for help, then he was desperate.
“Was there anyone else with you on the trip?” Smith asked.
“Just security.”
“Thank you, Daniel.”
“David,” Daniel paused on the other end of the line. Smith knew what he was going through. There was nothing harder than asking for forgiveness after a betrayal of trust.
“It’s fine,” Smith said. “Really. I think we’ve both done enough distasteful deeds for one term. Actually, there is something I could use you for.”
“Of course.”
“I have Dr. Carlson in the process of setting up a new lab. I could use a pair of eyes at the location if you’re interested?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good. I hope your passport is still valid.”
Before Daniel could ask any more questions, Smith hung up the phone. Beth had stopped her work and stared at him.
“What?” Smith asked.
“You really think it’s a good idea to involve him again?” Beth countered.
“He’s not going to make the same mistake twice, Beth.”
“You don’t know if he’s still working for Jones.”
“Even if he was, it wouldn’t do any good. Jones doesn’t have any connection or pull with the Canadian government. And the Canadian ambassador isn’t going to forgo the opportunity for a free pass on their water debt.”
“I still don’t like it.”
“Where are we with the meeting with Senator Harris?”
“He hasn’t gotten back in touch with me yet.”
“Keep trying. This isn’t going to work without him.”