Free Betrayal by Tim Tigner Page A

gravity of that revelation. “I suspect that if you get it right again the Press will start spelling your last name P-r-o-p-h-e-t.”
    Wiley struggled to keep his face as stern as a battleship prow while Fitzpatrick’s comment sent a surge of elation flooding through his veins. Tomorrow, Proffitt or Prophet? would garner many a headline. He said, “Let’s hope I’ve got it wrong.”
      Fitzpatrick nodded and looked down at his notes. “Now that you’ve warmed up, let me hit you with one from left field. There is a rumor circulating around the Beltway that Dish may not be on the reelection ticket. Another correlative rumor says that President Carver is considering you for the Vice Presidential slot. Care to comment?”
    “Jim, you’re the Washington expert, so let me ask you this. Would you be a wealthier man if you had a nickel for every cup of coffee drunk within the Beltway, or a penny for each of Washington’s whispered rumors?”
    Fitzpatrick smiled, treating the home audience to a thick helping of his Irish charm. “You’ve got me there, but tell me this: would the job of Vice President appeal to you?”
    Wiley turned toward the active camera. “I’ve already got my dream job. I’m honored, thrilled, and blissfully happy to be defending America from the helm of the FBI.” He stopped there, even though he had more to say. He had hinted during the booking interview that Fitzpatrick should probe deeply on this issue.
    Fitzpatrick’s eyes twinkled. “I’m happy for you Director, but please, tell me this: Would you accept the Vice Presidency if President Carver were to offer it?”
    “It’s not Carver’s to offer. Only the citizens of America can do that.”
    “With Carver’s sixty-six percent approval rating, most experts would assert that there’s no difference.”
    “No one likes dealing with hypotheticals, Jim.”
    Fitzpatrick grunted knowingly.
    “—But then no one likes slippery answers either,” Wiley continued. “So let me say this. I will answer any call to service that the people of this great nation care to place.”
    ~ ~ ~
    Wiley found Stuart waiting for him back in the PoliTalk dressing room. Usually the sight of his campaign manager bristled the hairs on the back of Wiley’s neck. But not today. Today Stuart actually seemed pleased.
    “He called you a prophet. That’s gold in itself, Wiley, political gold. But then he went on to link you with the Vice-Presidency. Congratulations. I feel like I should write him a check.”
    Riding the adrenaline high and hearing Stuart’s words, Wiley felt a tide of courage swell within his breast. He made the split-second decision to ride it. “Thank you. Actually, I’ve got a little announcement of my own.”
    As Stuart’s features snapped back to their black-granite norm, Wiley felt a wave of trepidation, but he did not falter. He knew that if he did not stand up to Stuart now, he probably never would. Since Stuart was forcing Wiley to make him his chief of staff, the least Wiley could do was teach Stuart his place. He plowed on. “I have decided to stick with Cassi. If you still think she’s a liability, you will just have to find a way to make her an asset. Understood?”
    Wiley thought he saw a shadow pass behind Stuart’s already dark eyes, but his expression did not change. He just nodded.
    Wiley continued to hold Stuart’s gaze for another moment. His poker instincts were kicking in. As absurd as it seemed, he was getting the distinct impression that Stuart had not only seen this little rebellion coming, but was also somehow prepared …

Chapter 15

    Alexandria, Virginia

    “Y OU ’ VE GOT TO let me have this one Jack,” Cassi said, lowering her voice. “It’s too important to leave to Ralph.”
    Jack pursed his lips, trying to ignore the last part of her comment, she supposed. “You above all people should understand that you’re in no condition to be negotiating today, Cassi. Ralph will do just fine.”
    Cassi wanted to