Cab felt an urge to snap back at Diane. That was probably what she wanted. Instead, he tightened his grip on the wine glass and settled back into the chair. ‘It’s really supposed to be me asking the questions here.’

Diane laughed. ‘Sorry. There I go again. It’s just that she’s my best friend.’

‘I know. I love her, too, you realize.’

‘Of course, you do.’

‘Unfortunately, for Tarla, being a part of my life means trying to control me.’

‘Well, rather than running away, you could try saying no.’

Cab smiled. ‘Yes, I could.’

Diane had already drained most of the wine in her glass, and she refilled it. He knew she was nervous, even if she didn’t show it. She lifted the bottle of red, but he shook his head. After she took another swallow – a large one – she put down the glass and gripped the arms of the chair a little too tightly.

‘Caprice tells me you’re looking into threats against me,’ she said.

‘That’s right.’

‘Is this real, or just an excuse for her to seduce you?’ she asked.

‘I don’t think she needs an excuse,’ Cab said. ‘As for whether it’s real, I suppose she showed you the note.’

Diane nodded. ‘She did. Am I supposed to take it seriously? I really can’t believe the Liberty Empire Alliance would be so bold as to try this again. It’s gracious of you, Cab, but I think you’re wasting your time. I have security. We have a very able police force, not to mention the FBI. I’m sure if there were any genuine threat, they would know about it, and they’d be able to deal with it.’

Cab felt as if he were being dismissed. ‘You may well be right.’

‘That’s not to say I don’t like having you around. I’m sure Caprice feels the same way.’

Her words had gotten faster, as if she were racing for a conclusion she didn’t want to admit openly. She wanted him to stop investigating. She wanted him to quit.

‘I do have some questions,’ he said.

‘Such as?’

‘Do you really believe that the Liberty Empire Alliance killed Birch?’

Diane’s jaw hardened. She looked offended. Or her offense was a convincing political act. ‘That’s your question? I watched one of their soldiers murder three people. Including my husband. It could have been me, too, and it could have been your mother, in case you’ve forgotten.’

‘I haven’t,’ Cab said.

‘Then clearly, my answer is yes. I was there. I saw it happen.’

‘I’m sorry. I realize how horrible it was. If it’s possible that the same person could be focused on you, then I want to follow any avenue to know who really pulled the trigger that night. That means finding out everything I can about the Labor Day murders.’