The Assassin's List Read Online Free Page B

she was in this morning.
    “Law office. Wondered when you’d call. Kind of got used to you keeping in touch and all. When I didn’t hear from you yesterday, I assumed you were dead. So, I accepted a job with your enemy, that guy from the Public Defender’s office. He wants to pay me big money to learn the secret of your past wins. Back when you were an attorney that gave a damn, and had some wins. How are you this morning, boss?”
    Drake resigned himself to her mood. She was the person closest to him, next to his wife, and he hadn’t told her where he was going yesterday.
    “Good morning, Margo. Thought I called the wrong number and got someone’s secretary dealing with a bad case of PMS. Until I recognized your voice, and realized you must be upset because there weren’t any billable hours yesterday.”
    Drake heard her swallow her anger, almost.
    “That wasn’t my concern, and you know it. I was worried about you. You’re not the only one who knew what yesterday was. I’m mad that you didn’t call and say you needed time away. You think I had a party here myself?” Margo asked.
    “Sorry, I wasn’t thinking right yesterday. I just called to say I’m headed to Hillsboro to meet with a new client. Thought that would make you happy. I should be back shortly after lunch. I’ll explain things then, okay?”
    “Sure, new clients are good, right? Means maybe we’ll be able to pay the bills this month.”
    She wasn’t mad. They’d been through too much together over the years for either of them to misread the other’s mood. Drake knew Margo was just worried about him. Hell, he had to admit he was worried too.
    “Margo, before you hang up, do me one favor and call your husband. Find out what he’s heard about the murder of the secretary at Martin Research in Hillsboro. That’s where I’m headed, that’s our new client. I know it’s out of his jurisdiction, but senior detectives hear things. Anything I can learn about this will be helpful. Could you also check into the security company Martin Research uses? It’s ISIS, or something like that. Call me right away if Paul knows anything, and tell him lunch is on me.”
    “Do I get to come along, or is this a guy thing?”
    “Depends on how well he comes through, so I guess it’s up to you. Call me.”
    The city of Hillsboro, where Drake headed, was west of Portland on the Sunset Highway. The city grew, along with Oregon’s metropolis, when the high-tech boom exploded. Intel and other Silicon Valley firms expanded there, and the area was dubbed the Silicon Forest. But with the tech bust in the nineties, satellite offices downsized, leaving a lot of Porsches and BMWs on the dealer’s pre-owned lots. The tough survived, and Martin Research had been one of the survivors.
    Twenty minutes after talking with his secretary, Drake pulled off the freeway. He followed 185 th Ave. for a block or two, then turned west onto a parkway lined with sweeping lawns and modern sculptures. He was driving past these modern monuments to art, when his cell phone buzzed.
    “Paul talked with the head of detectives in Hillsboro. They’re sort of friends. They don’t think much of the burglary motive. The surveillance system was turned off, and they can’t find fingerprints or any physical evidence. Burglars aren’t that careful. That’s all they know at this point,” Margo relayed.
    “Tell Paul I owe him lunch. I’m going to meet with the head of security after I take a look at Martin’s office. I’ll call when I’m finished, and yes, you can join us for lunch.”
    Martin Research occupied two modern buildings at the end of a cul-de-sac. The buildings were surrounded by lawn, with a small lake that had a fountain in the center. An amphitheater with rows of cement benches sat to the south. Drake doubted that lectures took place there, but the scene suggested learned discussions taking place in a park-like setting. Investors would be impressed.
    A crime lab van was