A VAN PULLED up at Nelson Knott’s Washington office shortly after lunch, and a television reporter and a crew got out and went inside. They took an elevator to the executive floor and presented themselves at the reception desk.

“Mark Whittaker, from 60 Minutes,” the reporter said. “We have an appointment.”

“One moment.” She made the call. “Go right in,” she said, pointing at the double doors behind her.

Nelson Knott rose to greet them.

Whittaker introduced himself. “Thank you for seeing us on short notice, Mr. Knott.”

“I was expecting Martin Shawn,” Knott said.

“Martin’s out of town. When we heard you were releasing a statement today, our executive producer thought we should try and get ahead of the game.”

“Fine, but you can’t release this interview until after seven PM this evening.”

“We’re good with that.” He turned to his crew. “Let’s do this with Mr. Knott behind the desk. Get set up.” He turned back to Knott. “Do you think I could have some coffee?” he asked. “My throat is a little scratchy.”

“Of course.” Knott went to a sideboard and poured two cups. “Cream and sugar?”

“Black is fine, thanks.”

Knott handed Whittaker a mug and set his own on his desk. It was emblazoned with one word, “BOSS.” He sat down and sipped his coffee while the makeup man dabbed at his face, then they were ready.

“All set,” Whittaker said.

“Then let’s do it,” Knott said, taking the last swallow of his coffee.

Whittaker moved Knott’s coffee mug across the desk. “Let’s get this off camera.”

55

DON, FROM THE FAMILY’S SECURITY TEAM, called a colleague at the cottage.

“Beta here.”

“This is Alpha. We’ve spotted opposition at the pub, and we’ll be heading out shortly for the cottage. We’re going to need backup before we depart.”

“Roger.”

“Put two of you in a car and watch our ass on the way back. Leave the other two inside the cottage. The opposition is in a green Range Rover. We’ll make the transfer to the cottage from inside the garage. Call me when your vehicle is in place at the pub parking lot.”

“Roger, wilco.” He hung up.

“Okay, everybody,” Don said, then he looked up to see the five men across the room throw some money on their table and leave the pub. “We’re going to finish our lunch, then get into our car and drive back to the cottage. We’ll have other men in another car following us. Take your time.”

Everybody went back to eating, and Don got up and had a look out the front window, then called Beta again.

“Beta.”

“Be advised the opposition has a second vehicle, a Toyota 4Runner, the big one.”

“Roger.”

Don went back to the table and made idle chatter while everyone finished lunch.