Book 1 of the H&K Series : Path of Knowledge

Chapter 14

Katharine sat at the red light in the Honda SUV she had hotwired at a dance club. She had left Tess at the safe house with the housekeeper. Against Sarasin's orders, she had snuck off in search of Samantha Craig. She had heard Sarasin speaking to someone about Samantha Craig being at an anti-human trafficking fundraiser tonight in Philadelphia at the Ritz Carlton. She was set on meeting this woman face to face.

Katharine had stopped by an old acquaintance's office, knowing he would still be working. She knocked on the door at the end of the hall on the fifth floor. The security camera panned down at her from above the door. A second later, Katharine heard a click and the door opened slightly.

Katharine stepped inside the dimly lit room to see Jason Graff come around his desk. He smiled as he approached her.

"Well, Ms. O'Reilly, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"I need a few items that I am pretty sure you may be able to assist me with."

"Samantha Craig."

"Yes," Katharine said, knowing it better not to lie to Graff.

"What do you need?" Graff asked.

"Here's a list. No one else can know anything about this. Especially Hank."

"I understand. I owe you for that incident in South America anyway, so whatever you need. I'll get it for you," Graff swore.

"Can you deliver it to this location?" Katharine asked, handing the man a piece of paper with satellite coordinates on it. "It's in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey."

"I know of the area. I'll have it there in a few hours. I just have to wonder where you learned about these items or how to use them." Graff said as he looked at the list.

"The internet. You would be surprised what Google and YouTube allow to show up on their sites." Katharine responded.

"I'll have to remember that. Before long, the internet will put me out of a job."

"That's doubtful. By the way, I know you've been talking to my cousin. I would ask that you dissuade her from joining the foundation or any of your pet projects. She has two young children to think about," Katharine said.

"I will do what I can, but if she insists, there's nothing I can do other than refrain from using her as an asset," Graff said.

"Thank you," Katharine said as she closed the door behind her. She glanced back at the small metal nameplate to the right of the door. "CIA Philadelphia Field Office," it read.

As soon as Katharine closed the door, Graff called Tess. After several rings, she answered the phone.

"Katharine just left and has asked me to dissuade you from doing anything more than helping the foundation out. She is concerned about you and your children," Graff explained.

"I understand my cousin's concerns, but I will protect my family the best way I know how. Do you have any information on Liam's killers?" Tess asked.

"Not as of yet. Another team is also working on it," Graff told Tess.

"Okay, please let me know if you hear anything," Tess said as she terminated the connection.

The Ritz Carlton was just a few blocks away. She had several clients who lived in the building so she would have no trouble gaining access to the building. Her purse rubbed against her right thigh. The hidden compartment held the Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol she had retrieved from the lockbox on Karen's boat at the West End Marina. The black evening dress hung snuggly to her body, the plunging neckline accentuating her cleavage and buxom bosom. She smiled as she parked. She wore flats since she hated heels. This was going to be a night to remember.