Read Online COLLATERAL CASUALTIES (The Kate Huntington mystery series) by Kassandra Lamb - Free Book Online Page B

that was because he didn’t want her involved. Now, it was looking like she was already involved.
                “Sit down, guys. This is top secret, for two reasons. One, it’s about a client and confidentiality doesn’t die with the client. And two, I’m not sure I want to tell Skip what’s going on. I’d like your input on that, Rose, once you hear the whole story.”
                Without using Miller’s name, Kate filled them in. When she got to the obituary, Mac, who was one part Greek Orthodox and three parts Irish Catholic, crossed himself. Rose followed suit.
                When Kate had finished, they were silent for a moment. “First order of business is bodyguards,” Rose finally said.
                “No! If someone’s watching me that will give it away that I’ve told others.”
                “Not necessarily,” Rose said. “You could’ve just hired some guards on your own.”
                Kate shook her head. “I’ve got my gun on me, and I know enough aikido now to put up a good fight. I think it’s important that it look like I’m not worried about anything.”
                Mac rubbed his stubbled chin. “She’s got a point.”
                “What do you think the risk is?” Rob asked him.
                After a moment, Mac said, “We got two options here. Tell the authorities the ambassador’s secret. Then Kate’s no longer a threat. Or sit tight and act normal. See what happens.”
                Kate noted that Mac hadn’t answered Rob’s question about the degree of risk. She suppressed another wave of nausea. “I’m not comfortable telling the authorities. That’s condemning the man to death. I don’t completely buy his story. I’m sure he’s cleaned it up some to make himself sound more innocent than he was, but I think he’s sincerely turned over a new leaf. Either that or he’s the best pathological liar I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen quite a few through the years.”
                “So we go with act normal for now,” Mac said.
                “Now the other big question,” Kate said. “Do I tell Skip?” Her husband was as laid-back and level-headed as anyone she knew, but they’d all seen him blow before, when something threatened his family.
                Rose sat still, a thoughtful look on her face. Then she shrugged one shoulder. “I honestly don’t know what to tell you.”
                “He’s gotta know ’bout it eventually,” Mac said. “And he’s gonna be royally pissed when he finds out you kept it from him.”
                “That boat’s already sailed, I’m afraid,” Kate said. “He’s gonna be royally pissed now or later. The question is whether he’ll go off half-cocked and try to investigate the situation, or worse yet, confront this ambassador.”
                “He’s not normally an impulsive man,” Rose said.
                Kate arched an eyebrow at her. “Key word is normally .” She rubbed her temple. “I can’t think straight. I haven’t slept well in over a week.”
                “You know you need to tell him,” Rob said. “But you don’t have to figure out how to handle that conversation just now. Why don’t you go home and relax for awhile, get your head clear. Then look for an opening to tell him this evening.”
                Kate gave him a slight nod. Her stomach churned again at the thought of that conversation.
                Mac stood up. “Gotta get going. Try not to worry, sweet pea.”
                Overwhelmed by a wave of gratitude, Kate jumped up and pulled him into a hug. He squirmed and patted her awkwardly on the back. Letting him go, Kate turned toward his fiancée.
                Rose jumped out of her chair and backed away.
                Kate grinned for