Ramona leaned across the table. ‘Honestly? Because I believe the Common Way Party would do anything to elect Diane Fairmont as governor. Including falsifying threats if it would churn up sympathy among the voters. It’s no surprise that they’re trotting out the Alliance again, given my own professional history with them. Believe me, Cab, I know these people. I know Diane. Hamilton Brock isn’t the only client of mine who was on the wrong side with her. These people are ruthless and dirty, and you shouldn’t be working with them. They’ll sacrifice you in a minute if it suits their purposes.’

Lala had told him the same thing. You may find yourself in over your head with these people. Even you. Chuck Warren had used similar language to describe the upstart party. Ruthless. Dirty.

One thing was certain. People were afraid of them.

‘It’s hard to believe that the Common Way Party could be any worse than what we’ve been getting from the other two parties for years,’ Cab said.

‘I disagree.’

‘And you base this on what?’

Ramona shook her head. ‘I’m afraid I can’t say anything about that.’

‘I’ve heard suggestions that Diane was somehow responsible for the scandal that enveloped the Governor this year,’ Cab said. ‘The Common Way people set up his aide. Do you think that’s possible?’

‘Yes, I do. And believe me, I’m no fan of the Governor.’

Cab eyed the Attorney General with surprise. ‘That’s a serious accusation.’

‘We’re under the cone of silence here. I’m telling you what I believe, not what I can prove. I really don’t think that it’s a coincidence that the Governor found himself knee-capped this year. When the Common Way people face opposition, they mow them down. That’s what they’ve done on policy issues for a decade. They’ve been shaping a legislature to their views by targeting candidates and destroying those that oppose them. Now it’s time for Diane to march in and take over.’

‘Hamilton Brock called it a coup,’ Cab said.

‘I’m not sure he’s wrong about that.’

‘Do you think they’ve acted illegally? Or are you just complaining because they’re better at the game than you are?’

‘I think people complain about the government – as do I – but at least the actions of the government are largely transparent. There are watchdogs everywhere. An organization like Common Way has a huge endowment that allows them to wield influence behind the scenes with virtually no oversight. I think that kind of power offers an extraordinary temptation to cross the lines.’

‘If you believe that’s true, shouldn’t you be investigating them?’ Cab asked.

‘What makes you think I’m not?’

Cab nodded. He put down his napkin on the plate and stood up. ‘I appreciate the warning.’

‘Will you do what I asked? Will you quit?’