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  “Right.” Lanessa sat on the edge of the table. “And Charles Metoyer got real interested in the Commerce Committee, too.” She winced at the memory of Yasmin’s fury. “The jerk has caused all kinds of trouble for me already. Now this.”

  “Obviously you were right. Paxton-Waite is up to something.” Robyn’s eyes were bright with excitement.

  “Yeah, and they dragged me into the dirt with ‘em.” Lanessa jerked a thumb in the direction of her office. “Those guys are convinced I’m in on it.”

  “So what do we do next, boss?” Robyn seemed anxious to become even more involved.

  “What we did to get in this mess, find out more information and hope it gets us out it.” Lanessa swung the door open and walked back to her office. Robyn followed.

  “Sorry for the delay.” Lanessa sat at her desk again.

  “Funny, I didn’t hear the phone ring,” Brandon said.

  “It didn’t,” Robyn answered quickly. “I returned a call from Ms. Magillacutty and she needed the information urgently.”

  Lanessa smiled at them. “Now, back to Paxton-Waite. Why don’t you guys just ask me what you really want to know?” She looked at Brandon first then Tate. Brandon opened his mouth to speak but Tate cut in.

  “It’s routine when dual-technology is being sent out of the country.” Tate slipped the note pad back in his pocket.

  “I answered your questions. You could at least return the favor,” Lanessa said.

  “Did you really tell us everything?” Brandon said.

  “Everything I know, yes. I’m willing to cooperate if you just tell me how.”

  “Sure. You worked at the legislature for years, your father has connections all over the state and,” Brandon paused for effect.

  “So what?” Lanessa shrugged. “Sorry, but you just listed the reasons why other companies have used my services. And I didn’t get a visit from federal agents those times. I still don’t see why my work for Paxton-Waite is any different.”

  Tate glanced at Brandon with more than a little irritation. “Ed, go check in at the office for messages.” His tone was commanding.

  Brandon seemed about to protest until he saw the look on Tate’s face. “Right,” was Brandon’s clipped reply. He left the room with a distinctly sullen expression stamped on his wide face.

  “Can we speak privately?” Tate glanced at Robyn then back at Lanessa.

  “Robyn, you can go.” Lanessa nodded to her.

  Robyn stood in a far corner near the Abita Springs water dispenser. “I’ll be close by if you need anything.”

  She frowned at Tate’s back as she walked past him. With one last significant glance at Lanessa, she left closing the door behind her.

  “Alone at last,” Lanessa said in a dry voice. “Your partner wanted to whip out the handcuffs I’ll bet.”

  “Ed can be impatient.” Tate offered this as an explanation, not an apology.

  “That’s one way to describe him. Not the word I had in mind though,” Lanessa

  “He’s committed to the job of preventing technology from getting into the wrong hands.” Tate settled back in the chair. “Which brings me back to Caine Dawson.”

  “And dual use technology.”

  “We think he’s positioned himself to get computer hardware, among other things, to a dealer who will sell them to restricted countries. This will be done through a complex maze of transactions,” Tate said.

  “You mean they’ll be buried under other sales and eventually wind up… where?” Lanessa tilted her head to one side and gazed at him.

  “Syria then onto any number of wealthy men who support terrorist activities. Pick a hot spot and you’ll have a likely home for it.” Tate’s heavy eyebrows came together.

  “Then it can end up back here, such as the bombing of the World Trade Center in New York.” Lanessa had not thought this far ahead before now.

  “Or one of our embassies abroad. Think of what happened in Nigeria.” Tate’s somber face matched his serious tone.

  Lanessa thought of the horrible images of innocent people buried underneath tons of rubble. She knew his intent was to shock her into talking. Despite the obvious play to her emotions, she decided to be more open.

  “Okay. It was a straightforward job at first. I have the expertise and connections to give them a full picture of Des Allemands. I could give them a unique view. Distant enough to be objective, yet a native who could talk to residents without making them nervous.”

  “I see.” Tate nodded. “So that answers the question why they sought you out.”

  “Not entirely,” Lanessa said. “Sure it was a legitimate contract. I’m a ‘three-fer’”. She grinned at the baffled look Tate wore.

  “I don’t follow.”

  Lanessa held up three fingers and ticked them off as she spoke. “I’m black and a female, shows how much they value diversity. And I’m a native with strong family connections. Three for the price of one. So if they catch flack, they can point to me.”

  “As proof of how sensitive they are. Very clever.” Tate made notes.

  “I began to wonder about the location. It’s out of the way,” Lanessa said. “Robyn pointed out it was a good spot for shipping. Barges come up from Grand Isle through Barataria Bay.”

  “And that answered your questions.”

  “Not about why they were secretive. Then I wondered if it was related to the environment. A small group of determined residents in St. James Parish stopped a multi-national company from building last year. But that turned into a dead end, too.”

  “Why?” Tate said.

  “They’ve got all the permits, nothing shady there. And the local residents haven’t opposed it.” Lanessa sat forward.

  “I see.”

  “I earned my fee, but I didn’t want to help them hurt the local people in anyway.”

  “Commendable. You mentioned having connections. Did you use them to help Paxton-Waite get permits or deal with regulations?” Tate wore a blank expression.

  Lanessa gazed at him. He must think she was stupid. No, that wasn’t it. Tate wanted her to know they were considering her role in the scheme. She smiled at him.

  “Caine Dawson and Ken Hargrove didn’t need my help making connections. I completed the report, period.” Lanessa stood up. “Now I have another appointment.”

  Tate was making notes. At her last words, he stopped and looked at her. “You’re investigating Paxton-Waite,” he said in a level-tone. “Why?”

  Lanessa felt a jolt. His tone suggested they were watching her as well as Dawson and Hargrove. Yet she would not let him rattle her.

  “For my profile database in case we do business in the future. I can show it to you.” She pointed to the computer.

  “That’s okay.” Tate stood. “We may need to talk with you again.”

  “No problem.” Lanessa gave him a firm handshake. “Just give Robyn a call to set it up.”

  “Of course.” Tate wore a slight smile. “I hope we haven’t disrupted you day too much.”

  They walked out to find Brandon still on the phone. Robyn was working at her desk but wore a frown of distaste. She kept casting dark glances at him.

  “Good, girl. See you when I get back to the office. Yeah, goodbye.” Brandon hung up the phone. “So where are we?”

  “On your way out, I believe,” Lanessa said in a light voice.

  Tate wore a mild expression. “I’ve got all we need for now.”

  Brandon did not appear at all pleased with this development, but merely pressed his lips together. He shot a glance at Lanessa that communicated his suspicion of her.

  “Goodbye,” Lanessa said.

  “Goodbye. Thanks again.” Tate’s tone was genuinely polite. He opened the office door and waited for his partner to leave first.

  “Good thing I was out here. That jerk Brandon looked like he wanted to plant a bug or two,” Robyn said.

  “Hmm.” Lanessa leaned against Robyn’s desk and stared at the door.
<
br />   Robyn went to the door and peeped out. Then she went to the window. “They’re leaving in a brown Chevy Lumina. Let’s remember that in case they decide to follow us.”

  “What?” Lanessa laughed out loud. “Girl, please. This isn’t a James Bond movie. Not that Brandon knows it.”

  Robyn frowned. “What a jerk.”

  “Yeah, he wanted to make me nervous. I guess he thought it would make me give something away.” Lanessa shook her head.

  “The quiet one, Tate, was easier to take. What did he ask you?” Robyn walked back to her.

  “He wanted to know how much I’d helped them with my connections.” Lanessa turned that fact over in her mind again. “I wonder if they’ve decided I’m in on whatever it is Dawson is doing.”

  “Then let’s set them straight!” Robyn puffed with outrage. “To think we pay taxes so they can stroll in here and accuse us of being crooks. I’m going to—“

  “Stop right there.” Lanessa put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m the one they’ve got under a microscope, so don’t you do anything.”

  “You need my help and you’re going to get it.” She wore a stubborn look.

  Lanessa sighed. “You’re not going to listen if I tell you to stay out of this, are you?”

  “No.” Robyn crossed her arms.

  “I really appreciate it, but—“

  “Boss lady, we’re wasting time.” Robyn went to her computer. “Now I’ve got a few ideas.”

  “You’re the best.”

  “Same to you.” Robyn grinned at her. “Back to our buddies from the government.”

  “I got the feeling they’ve been after Dawson for a long time,” Lanessa said.

  “Then why come here? If they know so much, they could just go after him.” Robyn tapped on the keyboard as she spoke. She logged onto the internet.

  Lanessa had a flash of insight. “I’ll bet they want to see if I’ll warn Dawson. Maybe they want me to.”

  “To scare them I guess. But then they’d stop what they’re doing.” Robyn looked at her.

  “Or it could force them to make a mistake.” Lanessa walked around the room as she spoke. “Maybe they’ve already got a buyer pressuring them. Or maybe they need the money.”

  “Paxton-Waite seems healthy enough financial wise. Of course there are ways companies hide trouble.” Robyn glanced at the computer screen. “They were heavily into the Asian markets.”

  Lanessa turned to her sharply. “What did you say?”

  Robyn tapped the computer screen with a forefinger. “I’ve been looking at some of the business web sites.”

  Lanessa walked around to stand next to Robyn. “Let’s go to the Code of Federal Regulations on-line. I want to find out as much as I can about dual-use technology.”

  “Got it. Oh, and let’s check on restricted countries, too.” Robyn’s fingers darted over the keyboard.

  “We can compare that to the countries Paxton-Waite does business with.” Lanessa stared at the computer monitor. “Although I’m sure it won’t be easy to spot. But it will be a starting point.”

  “This could take hours. I’ll call Marlon and let him know I’ll be working late.” Robyn picked up the phone.

  Lanessa stopped her. “No way. We’ve got plenty of time left in the workday. You’ll go home on time.”

  “But we need to stay ahead of those Commerce guys.” Robyn brushed her hand away and punched the number pads.

  “No.” Lanessa pulled the receiver from her hand and hung up the phone.

  Lanessa felt the ever-present sadness that seemed to follow her around. Missing Alex was a dull ache that she’d grown used to. She had little reason to look forward to leaving the office. At least she could keep Robyn from making the mistakes she had.

  “We’ll get more than enough done by five. Take it from me; don’t give up your love life for work.”

  Chapter 17

  Lanessa fussed about the room. She changed the position of the accent pillows on the sofa for the third time. She fiddled with the volume of the compact disc player once again. Mood music was fine, but she did not want it to be suggestive. Yes, she’d been happy to hear from him. Who was she kidding? The sound of his voice had sent her into the clouds. After almost a month they would be together. Still a small voice urged caution. Lanessa would not let emotion rule her the way it did Yasmin. The doorbell rang. Lanessa steadied herself and walked to the door despite the urge to run. When she opened it, she was composed.

  “Good evening,” she said.

  “Hi.” Alex smiled nervously. He stood watching her as though for some sign.

  “Come on in. I won’t bite, for now.” Lanessa tried to lighten the awkward moment. She noticed the flowers held but did not comment on them.

  “Right.” Alex came in.

  Lanessa closed and locked the door. She led the way to the living. There was another awkward moment when both tried to judge where they would sit on the sofa. Lanessa did not want appear eager by sitting too close to him. Alex apparently glanced at the sofa for a moment before sitting down. The result was they were at opposite ends.

  “So how’ve you been?” Alex said.

  “Okay. Just working like crazy.” Lanessa groaned inwardly. How stupid to mention the main reason for their fight.

  “Yeah, me too. We’re trying to finish a big contract with the state.” Alex answered.

  Lanessa felt a wave of relief. He seemed not to notice her blunder into the sensitive area. “So it’s going well?”

  “Not too bad. There have been a few problems. But overall it’s been smooth.”

  “Good.” Lanessa wondered what to say next. “I’ve got a few interesting projects myself.”

  “Really? Like what?” Alex assumed a polite listening posture.

  As Lanessa talked, she tried not to respond to the warmth his presence generated. Alex wore a forest green short-sleeved shirt neatly tucked into khaki chinos. The knit cotton hugged his upper body accentuating his chest. His warm scent of musk cologne was like an invitation to move closer. Lanessa savored the sight of him from his dark, tightly curled hair to the tips of his tan leather loafers. Keeping up this cool pose would certainly be a chore. She suddenly realized they were no longer talking, but gazing at each other in silence.

  “I’m glad you’re doing good,” Alex said. His voice was soft.

  “Same here.” Lanessa had trouble responding. Her breath was short.

  Alex moved toward her a few inches. “Listen, I wanted to talk to you about…”

  “Yeah,” Lanessa cut in. “We really should— talk, I mean.”

  “I said things I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry.” Alex breathed as though in relief. “I know how much your work means to you.”

  “I’ve been too preoccupied with getting paid lately. You had every right to be angry.” Lanessa felt tension drain from her. “Even though I said it at the time, I’m sorry.”

  “No, I went too far. I just wanted to tell you that first.”

  “Right. Get the apologies out first.” Lanessa slapped the sofa cushion. “What say we have a toast? I’ve got your favorite, Barq’s cream soda.”

  “A perfect way to end hostilities.” Alex smiled.

  “I’ll be back.” Lanessa stood.

  “Hey, don’t treat me like company. I’ll come with you.” Alex followed her down the hall to the kitchen.

  Lanessa insisted he sit at the breakfast table and be served. The bay window faced onto her back yard. The night sky was a deep blue. Soft lights in the garden made the flowers visible in the dark. Music through her intercom speaker system helped with the relaxed atmosphere. Their casual conversation was no longer forced and laced with uneasiness. Lanessa felt the cozy sense of intimacy returning. When Alex laughed at some silly story she told, the sound sent heat through her.

  “I’m glad you understand about my work. I’ve always loved learning new things and finding out the answers. Being successful at something without help from my father or anyone has me
ant a lot to me.”

  Alex drank the last drop from his glass mug “That reminds me. Stay away from Charles Metoyer. He’s a piece of work.”

  “Tell me about it. Yasmin isn’t speaking to me because of him.”

  “I warned you.” Alex raised his eyebrows.

  “Alright. All right. I didn’t count on the snake having such an effective poison. He’s in her system bad.” Lanessa thought of Yasmin and her stubborn resistance to the truth.

  “And the more you talk against him, the less she’ll listen.”

  “There is one thing I can do.” Lanessa wore a steely expression.

  “No. Stay out of it.” Alex took her hand and smiled. “Besides, we’ll need all our time together.”

  “It’s not just the way he’s treating Yasmin. Not only did he mess with my friend’s head, but now I’ve got the feds on my doorstep. I tell you—”

  “Hold it,” Alex cut in with a frown. “What is this about feds coming to see you?”

  “Two agents from the Department of Commerce came to my office the other day. You best believe I’m going after the whole story now.”

  “All you did was research. You’re not an employee or anything.”

  “Which is what I told them. It took hours, but Robyn and I are definitely onto something. The internet is wonderful.” Lanessa grinned at him then grew serious at his expression. Alex was not amused.

  “Lanessa, Charles Metoyer is a powerful man. He believes in punishing his enemies.” Alex shook his head once.

  “Yes, but—”

  “If they’re doing anything illegal, let the authorities handle it.” Alex looked at her.

  “But what he did to Yasmin burns my butt.” Lanessa took her hand from his. “And he could hurt more people.”

  “Yasmin made it clear she resents you getting involved in her love life. And I agree with her.” Alex spoke in his fatherly manner. “Drop the whole thing.”

  “I don’t think I can. My reputation is on the line,” Lanessa said.

  “Nonsense. No one will connect you to their mess.”

  “Well my instinct tells me I’d better take care of business. According to this website on…” Lanessa stopped short at the way he was looking at her.