Naked Ambition. Dan Roberts

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СКАЧАТЬ me that I can take off from work. Two weeks of it, actually.”

      “Where are you going? Hawaii or the Caribbean?” Larson knew how much Davis liked anything having to do with the water: swimming, sailing and scuba diving. And he knew that those were the destinations that his friend loved to go to, as Davis said, “to get wet.”

      “Neither one. I’m going back home.”

      “To Pennsylvania?”

      “Yep. Going to visit my grandmother.”

      Larson laughed. “Now, that sounds exciting. Makes me want to tag along.”

      “Actually, there are some things I want to do for my father. Things around the farm that he’s not been able to get to.”

      “So, you’ll have some good father-son bonding time, huh?”

      “Unfortunately, no. He’s gone right now. He’s on a Congressional mission to someplace in Africa. Just left yesterday. My mom’s not even there right now. My sister, Janet, had a baby last week and Mom flew out to help her.”

      “So, are you taking the wife?”

      “No. She’s in a really busy time with her residency program. Because of her hospital schedule I never see her, so this trip back home will give Alicia space to do her thing without feeling guilty. That’s how she feels when she doesn’t have a lot of time to spend with me.”

      After a short reflective pause, Davis went on. “I’m anxious to see my Uncle Steve. He’s the uncle I told you about. I want to see how he’s doing. If this espionage thing goes through, especially if it goes public, it could not only have a devastating affect on the company, but would affect him, too. For him it would be a matter of reputation. All of that could impact on his already fragile health.”

      “Yeah,” said Larson, “I can understand how it would.”

      Larson couldn’t help but guess that his friend was also thinking of another angle. And so he said, “Tom, I’m going to ask a question that you don’t have to answer. I know it’s none of my business, but I’m very curious. Do you plan on doing any investigating on your own while up there?”

      For a brief moment there was silence on Davis’ end of the conversation. Then with a slight chuckle he replied, “You’re right, Joe. It’s none of your business.”

      Larson smiled as he thought of the possible plans that Davis might have in mind once he got back home.

      “Well,” Larson said, “I hope you enjoy your vacation. By the way, say hello to Gram for me.”

      “Will do, Joe.” With that the phone line went dead. Larson, still holding his phone’s receiver, was wondering what the next step in the investigation would be. Somehow, he couldn’t get the thought out of his mind that Tom was going to be a part of it.

      THE MORNING SUN WAS SHINING BRIGHTLY, an indicator that this was to be yet another sweltering summer day. Nick had just gotten back from a run when, as he approached the Baker home, he saw Zach’s father walking toward his car. With perspiration pouring down his face, Nick wiped his forehead with the hem of his already wet T-shirt and then greeted his host. “Hey, Mr. B. You headed out?”

      “Morning, Nick. Yes, I’m off to D.C. I’ve got meetings down there this afternoon.” After opening the car door, Baker continued with concern in his voice. “Now, remember, Nick, you’ve got my cell phone number. Promise me you’ll keep me informed if any problems come up.”

      “Will do, Mr. B.”

      “I hope to be back sometime early Friday evening, if not before,” said Baker as he closed the door of his Camry. “Just to remind you, Clarkson said he would bring you home tonight and tomorrow if needed.” Baker, with his head now leaning out the window, said, “Nick, are you sure you’re going to be okay with the arrangement?”

      “Yeah, Mr. B. I’m fine with it.”

      ‘The arrangement’ was this: Baker was going to Washington, D.C. for the next couple of days. Zach was going to visit a friend and former neighbor, Keith Gordon, who now lived in Bryn Mawr, a suburb of Philadelphia, about one hour away from Reading. This was being done so that Zach would be away yet available should Nick need help. Nick’s car, which was supposed to be in the shop for repair, was, in fact, parked in the closed garage of the Baker home. He had agreed not to use it unless an emergency came up. Mr. Baker felt that was important since, if Clarkson would see Nick driving his car, it would destroy not only the story that allowed Nick to ask the coach for a ride home, but could possibly jeopardize Nick’s safety.

      Although aware of the danger, it was Nick’s idea to be put into as vulnerable a position as possible, making for a scenario that, hopefully, would expose Clarkson. That is, thought Nick, if the coach was actually doing something illegal. From the beginning Nick had been a little concerned about Clarkson being put in a bad light. He thought that the man might just be legitimately involving himself with some of the boys, trying to be kind and nurturing. That’s what many men do in their roles as coaches or teachers or scout leaders. That kind of attention was much needed by boys who either had no father or had fathers who were geographically or emotionally distant. Nick, himself, recognized the importance of several older men who had taken time and put forth the effort in guiding and supporting him in his young life.

      Challenged by the task he had taken on, Nick tried to hide any uneasiness by saying, “Don’t worry about me, Mr. B. I’ll be fine.” Knowing that Baker needed to leave, Nick tapped the top of the car and said, “Take care and drive safely.”

      “Will do, Nick,” said Baker as he put his car into reverse, backing it out of the driveway. When he was almost at the curb, he stopped and stuck his head out the window. “By the way, Nick, a guy by the name of Jerry from ComfortPro is coming today to fix the air conditioning unit. I told him you would leave the kitchen door open. He knows what to do. The A/C should be on for you by tonight.”

      “That’s cool.” Nick laughed at himself as he realized what he had just said.

      As Baker’s car reached the street, Nick saw Zach coming out of the house with a packed duffle bag. Approaching his sweaty friend, Zach said, “Did you have a good run?”

      “Sure did. But I’m glad I went when I did ‘cause it’s going to be another scorcher today.”

      “Yeah, that’s what I’ve heard. Too hot to put the top down.” Zach was referring to his VW Beetle convertible. What had been his mother’s car had become his after she passed away from cancer last year. Even though Zach felt it was more of a ‘chick car,’ he enjoyed driving the inherited Beetle, especially with the top down since that experience brought back pleasant memories of times with his mother.

      “So,” said Nick, “Looks like you’re heading out?”

      “Yup. Going to work this morning. And then I’m leaving from there. Should be at Keith’s by early evening.”

      “Well, bud, have fun.” After saying ‘later’ to his friend, Nick, needing a shower, turned and began walking toward the house. That’s when he remembered something. “By the way, Zach, you’re still planning on going to ‘The Bowl’ with me, aren’t you?”

      “I’m not sure…” СКАЧАТЬ