"No."

"You have that party, right?"

"Good grief." Sarah slapped her forehead lightly. She'd completely forgotten.

"I want to go with you." He sighed as he put the car back in the flow of traffic. "I never thought I'd volunteer to be a pony wrangler at a seven-year-old's party, but I guess there's always a first."

"What about the Bureau?"

"I'll take care of that," Daniel a.s.sured her. "Can I use the car? I'll be back in time to help you load up for the party."

"Sure." Sarah saw the furrow pull his brow down. He was up to something. Probably something dangerous. She felt a shiver of fear. "Just be careful, okay?"

"You bet."

"Where are you going?"

"To a department store to get some clothes. Then to Cody's lab. I have to check his records before I do anything else. I'll call in to the office, so don't worry."

"I can't make that promise." Sarah opened the car door as he pulled up to the front curb. She glanced over to the shady side of the street. The dark sedan wasn't there. Caution made her check farther down the street. There was no sign of it. She waved Daniel off and was pulling her keys out of her pocket when she heard rapid footsteps approaching.

"Does that black cat belong to you?"

Sarah turned around to face the angry scowl of Sandra Fowler, owner of the Proud Peac.o.c.k Salon. "What?"

"That scroungy black cat that's been lurking around here. Is he yours?"

"Yes." Sarah didn't know what prompted her to lie.

"Well, keep him inside or I'll have him picked up by the animal people. He's terrifying my customers and he attacked the telephone man." Sandra shook her fist in the air. "Cats are awful creatures. Nasty. Just keep him away from my shop, or he'll find himself at the pound."

Sarah stepped inside her front door and slammed it in Sandra's face. The old witch! She opened the door again, "listen, Mrs. Fowler, if you want to start trouble, you can. Just remember, your clients block my alley. I've never made a fuss, but I will. I can have their cars towed away." She slammed the door again.

The truth of the matter was that the street was dangerous for the cat, but he seemed to have a mind of his own. As if she'd conjured him up out of thin air, Familiar turned the corner from the alley and stepped up to the door. He put both front paws on the gla.s.s, asking to be let in.

Opening the door, Sarah checked down the street. There was no sign of Sandra Fowler or the black car. "Get in here, you little troublemaker. Between you and Daniel..." She stopped. It was true. Ever since she'd met the black cat and the FBI agent, her life had been topsy-turvy.

HANG ON TO YOUR SOCKS, Dolly. You aren't the only one who's been hit by the flat hand of fate. Eleanor is ticked at me for staying out all night, and I've been put on a diet! What cruel and inhuman punishment. She thinks I'm eating out on the street. Little does she know that I've spent a major part of the day performing feats no mere human could accomplish. And I have some brilliant deductions.

Chef Andre at the White House is one busy, busy man. The black car with the muddy license plate has been hanging around the White House kitchen, and I've seen Chef Andre step outside for a few words with the driver. I wasn't close enough to hear, but it was not a friendly exchange. Could it be that the master chef is in trouble and Sarah has been set up to pay the price? This is what Socks was so concerned about-that someone was trying to use Sarah. And the First Cat may be on the right track.

I've also been watching the clients who come in and out of the Peac.o.c.k henhouse. Not a single one of them shows any interest in the spy car that's been parked down the street. That's what it is, too. That man behind the un.o.btrusive newspaper has been spying on Sarah. But who does he work for? I might have found out if that old harridan hadn't come at me again. She's been after me for several days now. First it was water, and then earlier today she got after me with a broom. Can you imagine? I was thinking she might hop on it and ride around.

There's been some strange activity in the alley. I may not be able to win the College Bowl in trigonometry, but I can count. There have been two meter readers back in the alley in the last two days. Not to mention the phony phone man, working after five o'clock. Give me a break! Those guys work late-after a storm or during an emergency. They're great then, but this guy was just hanging around on the pole, doodling with the hookups. I'll have to figure it out. I can't expect too much help from the humanoids. Not even the FBI agent. E.A. Poe would be quite put out by the lack of reasoning abilities in the modern branch of law enforcement.

Ah, that's why Socks hired me. Agent 009, the feline with a strange and brilliant mind.

"YOU LOOK MIGHTY self-satisfied." Sarah picked up the cat and hurried into the kitchen. "I have to finish this cake, the cupcakes, and about a million other things. Now you can have a little snack and help me."

Familiar gave her a purr and put his paw on her chest. "Meow."

"Good. I like a cooperative cat." Sarah set to work, keeping one eye on the clock. She had to stop by the party store for a few extras, but she'd make it in plenty of time. Along with the cake and homemade peach ice cream, made, of course, from only the finest of Georgia's peach crop, she'd decided to serve peach fizz punch and a series of crunchy snacks. The little urchins would be on a sugar high so intense by the time they got home-She heard the bell to her shop ring, and she was ready to pick up the broom, just in case Sarah Fowler had decided to strut back over and fan her tail, when she recognized her uncle's special knock.

"Sarah!" Vincent Minton's voice held surprise. "Do you always arm yourself with a broom when a customer comes inside?"

Sarah couldn't prevent the chuckle that rose to her lips. Just seeing Uncle Vince made her feel much, much better. "No. I thought that old witch from the beauty salon next door was coming to complain about my cat." The events of the morning seemed to rise up in her throat, and more than anything she wanted to tell him about them. But she couldn't. "How about some coffee?"

"No, thanks." Vincent's eyes finally settled on the sleek black torn. "An elegant creature, to be sure. Should he be in the kitchen where you're preparing food?"

"He doesn't eat cake and icing, Uncle Vince." Relieved to have her thoughts focused on something other than the horror of the morning, Sarah almost laughed at the expression on his face. He was clearly not a cat lover. In fact, she'd never known him to have a pet of any kind. And just as well with Jean-Claude in the house. He would probably have tormented an animal to distraction.

"Cats are happier out of doors." He looked at the back door.

"Not in Washington, D.C., where the chances of surviving the traffic are about one in a hundred."

"That's a point." He took a seat on the opposite side of the table. As if to prove a point, Familiar jumped up into the chair across from him. The cat began to thoroughly clean himself, extending one back leg in a long line.

"He is cute," Vincent said with some hesitation. "I think it's a good thing you have a companion."

"Well, he's sort of a come-and-go type of buddy. He shows up when he's hungry, and he takes off when he's ready to go. I'm not sure he doesn't belong to someone else."

"Take a picture and post it," Vincent suggested. "If he lives around here, the owner will claim him. He looks well cared for."

"I might." Sarah was reluctant to pursue the topic. If she did find his rightful owner, she'd have to give him up.

"So, where have you been this morning?" He eased his elbows on the table and relaxed as she picked up the icing tube and proceeded to finish the cake.

"I ran an errand with Daniel." She found that her voice was higher when she lied-or didn't tell the complete truth. But she'd promised Daniel she wouldn't say anything about the day's events. When she looked up, Vincent was watching her closely.

"Is something wrong, Sarah? I thought that agent was going to leave you alone." She saw the set of his jaw and knew he was angry.

"It's okay. He left something here, and when he came to get it... well, it's a long story. But he didn't bother me."

"He should not speak with you." His hands clenched on the table. "No one can understand what you and Mora went through. No one except me, because I was there to watch it. A loving family was destroyed by the FBI. This young man is not good for you, Sarah. Stay away from him."

Sarah slowly put the icing tube down. "I've never seen you so adamant about who I see or don't see. Is there something you haven't told me?" She could feel her heartbeat increase with antic.i.p.ation.

"Did he tell you he was visiting Joshua Jenkins earlier this morning?" He nodded. "No, I can tell by your expression that he did not. He is not a truthful man, and someone is going to be hurt by his lies and deceptions. I don't want it to be you."

"Someone already has." Sarah sank into the chair beside Familiar.

"What are you saying?"

She looked across at the tall man who had always shown her such kindness. More than anything, she wanted to tell him what had happened, to ask his advice on what she should do. She could. Daniel would never know. And if what Uncle Vince said was true, she didn't owe Daniel any allegiance whatsoever.

"Sarah, who has been hurt?" Vincent leaned across the table and took her hand.

"It's, uh, no one." No matter how much she wanted to, she could not break her word. As soon as she saw Daniel again she would confront him with what she'd learned and then let him know that she was calling the police. Better late than never.

"Sarah, what in the world is wrong with you, cherie? You're very pale. Your hands are trembling."

"I, uh, need some breakfast, I think." She hurried to the refrigerator and got out a slice of homemade raisin bread. "Would you like some raisin toast?"

"No, I must be going. I just wanted to stop and make sure you were okay." He got up and walked over to her. "You are not. I'm going to insist that you take a vacation."

"I can't. I have too much work-"

"The party this afternoon. When it's over, I'll send one of the men to get you. Since you won't come to New York with me at noon, then you can stay at the Idlewild house for a couple of days. It'll give you a chance to rest." He looked over at the cat. "And bring your friend, if you must. I know that's going to be your next excuse."

Sarah put her arms around Vincent's neck. "Thank you," she whispered. "I think getting away for a few days will be the very best thing in the world for me. But don't send any of your employees. I'll drive myself. I prefer to have my car."

"Excellent. You work too hard, cherie," he said, kissing the top of her head. "I have never regretted helping you because you work so hard to make things happen." A frown touched his face, "Jean-Claude takes so much for granted. But you take nothing. You push and work and struggle. You will succeed. You could be a good influence on my son."

Sarah hugged him. "I don't think so. Jean-Claude will mature. He's just slower than I was. He had the luxury of taking it slowly."

Vincent gave her another squeeze. "And you're such a little diplomat, too. You will have the biggest catering business in D.C. Now, I'm off. If you speak with Mora, give her my love."

"I will," Sarah promised as she waved him through the front door. When she returned to the kitchen, she b.u.t.tered her toast and finished the cake and cupcakes. Thirty minutes later, just as Daniel pulled up to the alley, she had everything ready, "Thanks for the use of the car," Daniel said as he stepped in through the back door.

Sarah saw that he was wearing casual slacks and a pullover. "Where's the suit?" She'd decided to give him a chance to tell her about Jenkins.

"I'm officially suspended." He shrugged, but it didn't hide his worry. "I called in and Gottard said I was suspended for not reporting back from duty."

"Did you tell them you'd been kidnapped?"

Daniel shook his head. "I'm not sure how that fits into the puzzle, Sarah. I'm afraid to tell anyone anything."

"Are you afraid to tell me you've been talking to Joshua Jenkins?" She looked up at him, blue eyes sparking with an anger that was upon her suddenly.

"I didn't see any point in telling you that." Daniel knew she was enraged.

"Well, I don't see any point in lying for you anymore. I just wanted to tell you to your face. I'm calling the police and reporting Cody's death. I'm going to tell them everything."

"Sarah-"

"It won't do any good to try and talk me out of it. I hate liars, Daniel, and a lie of omission is just as d.a.m.ning as an outright lie in my book."

"I didn't tell you because I knew it would upset you."

"Great." She tossed a dish towel into the sink. "You lied to me to protect me from my own emotions. That's a good one. Isn't that sort of like the bank robber who took the money so the tellers wouldn't be tempted?"

"Sarah, it isn't like that. I asked Jenkins about your father."

"And that's the one area I asked you not to meddle in." Sarah picked up the cake and strode past him to the car. With great care, she placed it on the backseat. "I'm going to the party, Daniel. Alone. I'm going to report this mess, even if I have to take the coward's way out and report it anonymously."

"If you do this, there's a chance I could get in serious trouble'

"Maybe you need to get in serious trouble. My uncle said that you were a renegade, a troublemaker who broke the rules to suit his own purposes. I didn't want to believe that." Sarah felt the tears building. "So I ignored him. Now I'm partially responsible for a man's death. That's what I get for not listening to my uncle." She pushed past him and went back into the kitchen, bringing out the trays of cupcakes.

"What uncle?" Daniel let the question slip before he thought of the consequences.

"Oh, right. You know my background. I don't have any blood uncles. But I do have an adopted one." She was even angrier than before.

"Who is this man?"

"None of your d.a.m.n business, Daniel. Now you'd better stay out of my way." Three trips later she had everything loaded. Daniel stood helplessly and watched. She wouldn't allow him to a.s.sist her.

"Sarah, if you'll let me explain, I know I can make you understand. I wasn't doing anything wrong."

"Maybe not in your books, but in mine you're nothing but a convenient liar. Stay out of my life, Daniel. Every shred of trust I had for you is gone." She finally looked at him, taking in the handsome face and the big shoulders. She had begun to develop feelings for him. Now she was going to pay the price for allowing anyone inside her private world. When would she learn that bitter lesson-she couldn't be hurt if she didn't let anyone in.

"I'll call you this evening."

"You can call until the cows come home, Daniel. I won't be here to answer it."

"Where are you going?"

Sarah picked up the cat and put him in the car, along with a bag she'd packed earlier. "That's none of your business. I'm telling you, though, tonight I'm going to call the police. That will give you six or seven hours to do whatever you have to do."

Frustration, anger, and concern for Sarah were all mixed together as Daniel watched her drive away. Lucky for him he'd had his flats repaired and the car delivered to Sarah's shop. He waited until she'd turned left out of the alley, and then he ran for his car and followed her.

She might be mad at him now, but he was a trained agent. He could follow her without getting caught.

Two hours later he was hiding in a hedge on the lush lawn of the U.S. senator from Georgia. The party was a smashing success, and the bronco birthday cake had just been cut. Daniel toted up the cost of the party-at least a couple of grand, what with the trained ponies fitted out in silver saddles and the actors dressed as cowboys and cowgirls who were playing with the seven-year-olds.

There had been a staged gunfight and a roping exhibit. Not to mention the cowboy with the guitar who sang a few cowpoke songs and then "Happy Birthday." The entire extravagant affair had been wonderfully coordinated, and Sarah had taken care of all the food. Now the kids were stuffing their faces with ice cream, cake and a million other goodies.

Shrill laughter rang out as the children ate and played, but Daniel's gaze was focused on Sarah. She was packing up her things and putting them in the car. And that black cat was sitting on the pa.s.senger seat as if he knew what was happening.

After a few brief words with several of the grown-ups, Sarah got into her car. She was finished. Daniel made a dash for his car, pulling around to the service entrance so that he could wait for Sarah to come around. In less than a minute, she did, and he pulled into traffic after her, aware that she was headed due east, away from the city. And she was in a hurry.

When the dark sedan pulled in after her, Daniel didn't realize at first that the car was following Sarah. It was only after several turns that he knew she'd picked up an additional tail. He eased up as close as he dared to the car, feeling a sudden thud of acknowledgment as he realized it was the same car he'd seen parked on her street. He'd recognize the mud-covered car tag anywhere.

Chapter Nine.

"What's wrong with you?" Sarah asked the black cat as they pulled into the shadow of Vincent Minton's beach house. It was a beautiful building, constructed of natural wood and gla.s.s, built on pilings against the chance of floods. In the rear of the house, stairs led to a wraparound porch, and the front of the house faced Chesapeake Bay with a view that increased the value of the property ten times over. Uncle Vince had inherited the house from his grandfather, who'd received the property from his own grandfather. Through the years, it had been improved and modernized, but it had never lost the rustic appeal that Sarah loved. She stared up at the darkened house, ignoring the cat as he continued to look out the rear window of the car, giving an occasional low growl.

"This isn't exactly the city, I know, but I think you can adjust to a little peace and quiet for a night or two. It'll do you good." Sarah stroked the cat's head. "It might even make you realize that you enjoy living with me. You might want to stay around a little more than you do."

"Meow." Familiar rubbed hard against her hand, then hopped to the ground and started up the stairs.

"Eager little rascal, aren't you?" Sarah was relieved to see the cat so adaptable. She'd had some concern about bringing him, but she couldn't leave him in the city with no one to look out for him. And to be honest, she wanted his company. She'd been so busy all afternoon that she kept Daniel's betrayal tamped down. Now, though, she was going to have to call in and report what she knew about Cody Pruett's death. And no matter how hard she tried, she hadn't been able to avoid thinking about that.