"Not here," Bud said softly. "Don't kill her yet. She knows where Herb is."
Norma wanted to scream. She only half opened her mouth when the Oligarch's hand slapped sharply against her neck. Her knees buckled and she dropped unconscious to the heavy carpet.
"She knows where Herb is," Bud said again. "We've got to find him before he tells someone—tells someone else about Frank."
"She was telling the truth," the Oligarch said. "We are going to blow up the world. That's what I came back to Washington to tell you."
Herb arrived at the new Senate Office Building. He paid his fare and dismissed the cab. No one noticed him as he entered the lobby. He took the elevator to Senator Council's office. He was taking his time; he had several hours.
The secretary, John, was behind his desk. The reception room was empty. Herb felt his stomach muscles tighten, and his hands clenched the pocketed gun tightly and grew damp.
"Yes?"
"I want to see the Senator."
"What is the nature of your business?"