The Secret Chord: The Virtuosic Spy - Book 2 by Kathryn Guare Read Free Book Online Page B

"We're from the ICE Office of Investigations. Are you Kate Fitzpatrick?"
    "Yes." Kate frowned in confusion. "Ice?"
    "Immigration and Customs Enforcement," the agent clarified. He looked at Conor. "And is this Conor McBride?"
    "You don't have to answer," Abigail roared. "People have rights in this country. You don't need to say anything without a lawyer."
    "Steady on, Abigail. It's okay." Conor nodded. "I'm Conor McBride."
    The agent was already shifting his flat gaze back to Kate. "Mrs. Fitzpatrick, we had a call to the tip line in Williston indicating you've employed an undocumented Irish laborer for your farm."
    "An undocumented Irish laborer." Conor gave a low whistle. "That has a menacing 'croppies lie down' sort of ring to it."
    "But, he isn't even getting—"
    "Kate."
    Conor put a hand on her arm and she realized the mistake she'd almost made. Announcing that he wasn't on the payroll wouldn't help the situation. Exasperated, Kate clamped her mouth shut. She'd never thought to ask about his immigration status. Why had it occurred to someone else? Agent Foster began again in a lecturing tone.
    "Mrs. Fitzpatrick, I'm sure you're aware employers who hire undocumented workers face serious penalties—"
    "Before you go on trying to frighten her, you might want to check that I'm actually undocumented."
    The authority and cold stillness in Conor's voice captured everyone's attention. The two agents glanced at each other and Agent Houseman spoke for the first time.
    "Mr. McBride, are you inferring you are in possession of a valid H-1 or H-2 class work visa? There's no such evidence from my research."
    "Nor would there be, but did you try typing 'green card' into your database? Do you want to head back to Williston and do that now, or shall I go collect it for you?"
    Agent Foster seemed forcibly to resist an urge to look at his partner again. "Sir, if you could produce a permanent residence visa for us we'd appreciate it."
    Conor took the stairs in two steps, stopping as he reached the front door. He skewered the men with an incredulous stare. "You're going to let me wander out of sight, now?   Have you ever done this before, for fuck's sake?"
    "Houseman." Agent Foster jerked his head and the shorter man jumped to follow Conor.  
    Abigail came down from the porch and sidled over to Kate, speaking in a stage whisper from the corner of her mouth. "Seems like he's got this under control."
    Kate almost laughed. "You think? My God, they'll be saluting him before it's done. Did you know he had a green card?"
    Abigail shook her head. "I'd have bet money he didn't even have a birth certificate."
    Agent Houseman re-appeared first. Nodding curtly, he trotted down the steps and presented the card while Conor followed more slowly, his face blank. He avoided looking at either Kate or Abigail.
    "Thank you, Mr. McBride." Agent Foster handed the card back to him. "We'll run a background check just to cover the bases. I assume you don't mind?"
    "Would it matter if I did?"
    A flicker of interest passed over the agent's face but he left it alone, and catching the eye of his partner signaled their departure with a polite nod.
    The three of them stood like mute sentinels, watching the Suburban reverse out of the parking area and coast down the driveway. Conor was first to break their motionless stupor as the car disappeared down the dirt road.
    "Like a foot on the neck," he said cryptically.
    Kate pivoted on her heel and headed for the house. "I'm having a drink. It's five o'clock somewhere."

6

    I T WAS A DESULTORY SCENE . K ATE PLAYED BARTENDER , standing behind the mahogany bar in the corner of the dining room while her 'customers' sat on barstools in front of her. She mixed a gin and tonic for Abigail. For herself and Conor, she poured generous measures of whiskey into crystal glasses and slid one over to him. He dipped his head and accepted the drink, refusing to meet her gaze.
    "I'm sorry you had to go through that." Kate put her untouched