On that subject, I was starting to think that Schaeffer's surveillance team hadn't seen us going to the Custer Hill Club, or if they had, and reported it, Schaeffer was not doing anything about it. And why would he? More important, I pictured Tom Walsh having dinner or watching TV instead of reading Kate's e-mail to him. Actually, I had the feeling that the cavalry would not be arriving soon, or ever. So, it was up to us to make the arrest.

This case, however, had some unique problems, like the suspect's private army, and some familiar problems, like the suspect's status as a rich and powerful man.

And, of course, aside from the homicide, there was the suspicion that the suspect was involved in a conspiracy to nuke the planet. And that was my more immediate concern, and my and Kate's jurisdiction.

So, with that in mind, it was time to go nuclear, and I said to Bain Madox, "Speaking of houseguests, you had a guest who arrived Sunday, and has apparently not left yet. Will he be joining us for dinner?"

Madox stood suddenly, then walked to the bar. As he poured a short one, he remarked, "I'm not sure what-or who-you're talking about."

I didn't like him being behind me, so I, too, stood, and motioned for Kate to stand. As I turned toward the bar, I said to Madox, "Dr. Mikhail Putyov. Nuclear physicist."

"Oh. Michael. He's gone."

"Gone where?"

"I have no idea. Why?"

"Well, if he's not here," I said, "then he seems to be missing."

"Missing from where?"

"Home and office." I informed him, "Putyov's not supposed to leave home without telling the FBI where he's going."

"Really? Why is that?"

"I think it's in his contract." I asked, "Is he a friend of yours?"

Madox leaned back against the bar with his glass in his hand, and seemed to be in deep thought.

I asked, "Was that a tough question?"

He smiled, then said, "No. I'm considering my reply." He looked at me, then at Kate. "Dr. Putyov and I have a professional relationship."

It sort of surprised me that he'd say that, but I guess we all realized that it was time to be honest, open, and sensitive to one another's needs and feelings. Then we could all hug and have a good cry together, before I arrested or shot him.

I inquired, "What kind of professional relationship?"

He waved his hand in dismissal. "Oh, John-can I call you John?"

"Sure, Bain."

"Good. So, what kind of professional relationship? Is that the question? Okay, how can I describe this ... ?"

I suggested, "Start with nuclear weapons miniaturization."

He looked at me, nodded, and said, "Well, that's a good start."

"Okay. Can I also say suitcase nukes?"

He smiled and nodded again.

Well, this was easier than I expected, which might not actually be a good sign, but I continued, "Two more houseguests-Paul Dunn, adviser to the president on matters of national security, and Edward Wolffer, deputy secretary of defense."

"What about them?"

"They were here-correct?"

"They were." He added, "You can see why I don't want people snooping around."

"You're allowed to have famous and powerful friends over for the weekend, Bain."

"Thank you. The point is, it's no one's business."

"But in this case, it might be my business."

"Actually, John, you may be right."

"I am right. Also, James Hawkins, Air Force general and member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was here, too. Right?"

"Right."

"Who else?"

"Oh, about a dozen other men, none of them important to the business at hand. Except Scott Landsdale. He's the CIA liaison to the White House." He added, "That's secret information, so it can't leave this room."

"Okay ..." I didn't have that name, but I'd be disappointed if there wasn't a CIA guy involved in ... whatever. I said, "Your secret's safe with us, Bain."

Madox explained to Kate and me, "Those four men make up my Executive Board."

"What Executive Board?"

"Of this club."

"Right. So, what did you guys talk about?" I asked.

"Project Green and Wild Fire."

"Right. So, how's that going?"

"Fine." He looked at his watch, so I looked at mine. It was 7:33, and hopefully Walsh was getting around to reading his personal e-mail. Hopefully, too, the state troopers would be arriving soon. But I wasn't counting on that.

Madox said, "Well, now I have some questions for you. Are you alone tonight?"

I did a good imitation of a laugh. "Sure."

"Well," he said, "it doesn't matter at this point."

I didn't want to hear that.