Nathan entered his hotel room and collapsed on the bed. He knew Harv would hear him.

“That you, Nate?”

“Yep.”

“How’s Holly doing?”

“Better. And thanks for sending the balloons and flowers. Her room looked nice.”

“I figured it might brighten things up a little.”

“I need a shower and some chow. Have you eaten?”

“Not yet. Let’s grab a bite down in the restaurant. Dr. Fitzgerald promised to fax everything he has on Ernie Bridgestone’s drunk-driving accident. We don’t have it yet, but it might be here by the time we finish dinner.”

Nathan rubbed his face. “I keep having this feeling.… Doesn’t it seem like there’s something’s missing? Something we’re not seeing? I mean, think about it. Lansing’s gone to a lot of trouble to monitor my every move. The use of his Lear. The agent on the Lear, the two agents in the bar. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s tapped our phones. They’re probably listening to us right now.”

Harv nodded. “Whatever the case, we should probably go stealth from now on.”

“Agreed. Also, I was thinking about Frank Ortega. When was the last time you talked with him?”

“I called him early this afternoon.”

“How’s he doing?”

“Hard to say. He seemed calm. He was very curious about your trip out to the Castle and your chat with Fitzgerald. He was especially interested in your meeting with Amber Sheldon. He really grilled me over it.”

“Grilled you? What about?”

Harv pointed at the ceiling. “I’ll tell you on the way to dinner.”

In the elevator, Nathan resumed their conversation. “What did Ortega want to know about Amber Sheldon?”

“Everything. He wanted to know what you two talked about. Word for word.”

“What did you tell him?”

“I thought it best not to get too specific. I basically told him you asked Amber about Ernie’s background, anything she could share that might help us find him. I said she didn’t have much to offer. I didn’t say a word about Janey being his daughter.”

“Good thinking. We need to keep that under wraps.”

“I’m uncomfortable withholding information from him.”

“I’m not. Something tells me Lansing and Ortega are closer pals than we realize. I’ve been thinking about that too. How much clout would you need to involve a couple of outsiders like us in top-secret bureau business?”

“A lot.”

“Exactly. Ortega’s been cashing in a big debt Lansing owes him. I wish we could find out what it is.”

“With all due respect, Nate, why would we care? We don’t need to know.”

Nathan sighed. “I suppose you’re right. I guess all this cloak-and-dagger crap is getting to me.”