lavender-scented candles and turned up the dining-room chandelier, the Sisters leaned forward.
It was time to get down to it. Whatever it was.
Lizzie, too, leaned forward. âI was at the White House this morning before the sun came up. Actually, I was summoned. It wasnât a social visit, although the president and I did some personal catching up.â
The Sisters waited.
âThe president asked me to tell you that after her surprise visit while you were all in Vegas, the timing wasnât quite right to do what she originally wanted to do at that time. She said to extend her apologies. It appears that the timing for what she had in mind is now more to her liking. This is my question to you all. Have any of you changed your minds about helping her out?â
The Sisters looked at one another, then at Charles, as they shook their heads.
âThatâs a good thing. She was a little worried and, for obvious reasons, did not want to communicate those worries.â
The ever-blunt Kathryn said, âSo she wants to collect on the pardons, right? Forget that she promised them in the first place. This hand washes that hand? Thatâs how Washington works. You know what? Iâm not so sure Iâm interested this time around. However, Iâm open to being convinced.â
âKathryn, I would never try to convince you or the others of anything. Iâm just your lawyer, the intermediary here to present . . . for want of a better word, an offering.â
âAnd that would be . . . what?â Annie asked, her eyes shiny bright.
âIt seems the president has formed a new agency. An agency that has no address and is not listed anywhere. The president left it up to me to negotiate the remuneration you would all expect. I probably shouldnât tell you this, but the sky is the limit on this one. She spoke briefly about a mystery slush fund somewhere that remuneration would come from. Another mystery fund will be set up for me to oversee and pay out. The president does have the backing of the FBI, the CIA, the DOJ, and a few other alphabet twisters.â
âTo do what?â Yoko asked.
Lizzie smiled. âI have no clue. My guess would be that whatever she wants done, she and those alphabet twisters donât want anyone to know about. In other words, those other agencies have to show accountability to the government and the public, whereas you will not. All she wants is to get the job done. Whatever that job may be. No questions asked, no accountability. That means youâre home free if you take this on.â
âAccountability and immunity are two different things? In writing?â Charles asked quietly.
âAll you could ever want,â Lizzie said just as quietly. âBut nothing in writing. One cannot put something in writing if it doesnât exist. I didnât just fall off the watermelon truck, Charles. I have it covered.â
Charles inclined his head slightly to show he would accept Lizzieâs response.
âProof?â Nikki, the other lawyer in the room, said.
âAbsolutely one hundred percent full proof.â Lizzie smiled as she looked over at the sideboard, to the box sheâd brought with her. The Sisters followed Lizzieâs gaze to the dark blue box sitting there like a Christmas treasure just waiting to be opened. With the overhead lighting turned on high, they could all clearly see the presidential seal on top of the box. As one, they all raised their eyebrows questioningly.
âI know you all want to know whatâs in the box, but my instructions were very explicit. I am not to reveal the contents of the box unless you agree to join the presidentâs new agency.â
The Sisters looked disgruntled, especially Kathryn, who grappled with a smart-ass retort. When she couldnât come up with a suitable one, she simply scowled menacingly.
Annie took the bit and ran with it. âLet me make sure we all understand what you