Chapter 7

'How long does it take to say goodbye?' Francine thought as she waited for Lee down by the pool. She had been downstairs for over an hour, and she was doing a slow burn by the time Lee joined her, settling into the chair next to hers.

She leaned toward him as if to kiss him, and hissed into his ear, "Well, it's about time. Half the morning's already gone!" Pausing, she asked vehemently, "Did you get rid of her?"

Lee gave her a disgusted look. "Francine, I took care of it. You don't have to worry about seeing me with 'that woman' anymore. Trust me; she won't set foot in our suite again."

"I noticed you didn't say you wouldn't see her again. Lee, remember our assignment, and don't mess it up!"

Lee replied testily, "This is getting us nowhere, Francine. Can't we just do our job?"

"What a novel idea. I just so happens I was doing that while you were saying goodbye to your 'friend.'"

Lee looked pleased and asked, "Ah, good. What have you come up with?"

"Not here, Lee. Let's go back up to our room, so no one can overhear us."

Lee nodded in agreement, and taking Francine's hand, helped her from her chair. Putting his arm around her waist and pulling her close, he escorted her back to the suite. Once they were comfortably situated back in their room, Lee asked, "So, what have you discovered?"

"Well, when I got down to the lobby, I guess I was looking a bit upset and one of the staff took a little interest in me, so I used it to my advantage." Francine smiled and continued, "He was very susceptible to my charms."

"And?"

"We started talking about the guests, and he let slip who a few of them are. I think he was trying to impress me. It's like Who's Who around here, Lee. Three Representatives, two Senators, and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff."

"Looks like we have our work cut out for us. What do we have on them?"

"Here's the good news. Nearly all of them are here with their wives or husbands and family, but one of the Senators is here alone."

"Alone? Not even a girlfriend?"

"Alone."

"Hmm, who is it?"

"Senator Weatherly. I contacted Billy, and Lee, he's on the Armed Services Committee. He's had full access to all of our intel and current weapons and defense programs."

"Sounds promising, Francine. Did you find out what room he's in?"

"No, I couldn't very well ask the front desk for a room listing. But, Billy faxed us some photos and other data, so at least we can put names to faces." Francine reached into her tote bag and pulled out a manila envelope. Handing it to Lee, she said, "This is for you. It's everything Billy sent us on all of the guests who work for the government. My money's on Weatherly, but you never know."

"Well, I guess we should get started. Why don't you take the Reps and I'll cover the others?"

"Meet back here this afternoon?"

"Sounds like a plan. See you later."