Liv nodded. She didn’t recall any Asian families back when she was in school. Nebraska wasn’t a cultural melting pot. But Adair was more diverse than most areas. Adair Irrigation attracted people from all over the country, luring executives with high pay and a cheap cost of living, the promise of an idyllic Mayberry existence for their kids. Even after moving away, the company was a mainstay in the Pines’ lives—Evan’s main client at his accounting firm was Adair Irrigation. Her father’s best friend from high school had been a vice president and had stuck by Evan even after he’d transferred to the Chicago office.
“I really hope we can work something out,” Liv said. “My father was a pillar of this community. He raised a family here, like his father. He worked at the plant for forty years, coached high school football. And he’s a kind, sweet man. He just—”
Chang held up a hand, not aggressively. Just an assuring gesture that she didn’t have to go on. That he knew all this. “No one is questioning your father’s character or the many, many contributions he’s made to this community. It’s just that, given his condition, I’m not sure we have the ability to give him the care he needs and deserves.”
Liv felt her eyes welling up. Perhaps it was seeing her father, being back in this town, but her emotions were raw. “Is there anything we can do? Maybe we could arrange to have an extra caregiver check on him periodically. Or maybe we can talk to his doctor about his meds. I saw him today. He was a bit confused, but—”
She turned to Cindy for backup. But her sister just sat silently, something resembling a scowl on her face.
Liv added, “He’s lived in Adair his whole life. And the other facilities are so far away, and…” She didn’t finish the sentence, noticing that Chang was about to say something.
“As your sister may have mentioned to you, we’ve been talking about possible solutions,” Chang said.
Liv looked at Cindy, who remained quiet.
“Here’s the thing,” Chang said, leaning forward. “My company has been trying to open several other facilities around the state, and we’ve been having licensing issues. One of our competitors has been raising baseless complaints. Not about resident care,” he added quickly. “But that we’re unfairly undercutting on price and trying to run other facilities out of business.”
Liv wasn’t sure where this was heading.
“Governor Turner wasn’t receptive, but the lieutenant governor—an Adair native, as you know—was always willing to at least hear us out. But his hands were tied.” Chang shifted in his chair. “You may have heard that—”
“That Noah Brawn will take over for Turner,” Liv said, finishing his sentence. And there was the rub.
Chang nodded. “I understand you were high school friends, and you may hold some sway with Brawn.…”
Liv’s hard stare returned to her sister, who didn’t look back at her. Then, against her better judgment, Liv said, “Tell me what you need me to do.”
CHAPTER 23
SARAH KELLER
Even in the late afternoon, the State Department lobby was bustling. Men and women in business suits stood in line to check in at the long security desk stationed at the center of the atrium. Flags from around the world lined the perimeter. Keller thought she saw a national news correspondent, blond hair and big sunglasses, walking out of the building with an entourage.
After checking in, Keller and Stan were whisked up to the fifth floor. Unlike the modern glass-and-steel lobby, it had the feel of an old-time country club. Lots of portraits, heavy rugs, dark wood. Before they entered the back offices, a woman at yet another reception desk gave them a small key with a plastic fob engraved with a number. The receptionist directed them to a wooden cabinet that had tiny numbered drawers with keyholes. “Please store your phones in there,” the receptionist said. They didn’t need to check their firearms. Just the real security threat: their cell phones.
Brian Cook was another tall man. Sweet mother, Keller thought. But unlike the beefy FBI deputy director, Cook was thin and athletic, with a Midwesterner’s affability.
Following quick introductions, Stan said, “Thanks for fitting us in on short notice.”
“No worries,” Cook said, directing them to a worktable. His office was small for someone so high up at the State Department, Keller thought.
“DeMartini says you need help with one of our consulates?”
Keller briefed him on the death of the Pines.