Home Free by Fern Michaels Read Free Book Online

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. “I was at the White House this morning before the sun came up. Actually, I was summoned. It wasn’t a social visit, although the president and I did some personal catching up.”
    The Sisters waited.
    â€œThe president asked me to tell you that after her surprise visit while you were all in Vegas, the timing wasn’t 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?”
    The Sisters looked at one another, then at Charles, as they shook their heads.
    â€œThat’s a good thing. She was a little worried and, for obvious reasons, did not want to communicate those worries.”
    The ever-blunt Kathryn said, “So she wants to collect on the pardons, right? Forget that she promised them in the first place. This hand washes that hand? That’s how Washington works. You know what? I’m not so sure I’m interested this time around. However, I’m open to being convinced.”
    â€œKathryn, I would never try to convince you or the others of anything. I’m just your lawyer, the intermediary here to present . . . for want of a better word, an offering.”
    â€œAnd that would be . . . what?” Annie asked, her eyes shiny bright.
    â€œIt 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 shouldn’t 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€œTo do what?” Yoko asked.
    Lizzie smiled. “I have no clue. My guess would be that whatever she wants done, she and those alphabet twisters don’t 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 you’re home free if you take this on.”
    â€œAccountability and immunity are two different things? In writing?” Charles asked quietly.
    â€œAll you could ever want,” Lizzie said just as quietly. “But nothing in writing. One cannot put something in writing if it doesn’t exist. I didn’t just fall off the watermelon truck, Charles. I have it covered.”
    Charles inclined his head slightly to show he would accept Lizzie’s response.
    â€œProof?” Nikki, the other lawyer in the room, said.
    â€œAbsolutely one hundred percent full proof.” Lizzie smiled as she looked over at the sideboard, to the box she’d brought with her. The Sisters followed Lizzie’s 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.
    â€œI know you all want to know what’s 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 president’s new agency.”
    The Sisters looked disgruntled, especially Kathryn, who grappled with a smart-ass retort. When she couldn’t come up with a suitable one, she simply scowled menacingly.
    Annie took the bit and ran with it. “Let me make sure we all understand what you