Read Sandstorm for Free Online

retreating on the Virginia side of the Potomac, slowly making way for the moon to work its photogenic shift under a virtually cloudless sky. Joggers with varying degrees of athleticism made their way across the bridge, sweating in the humid air.
    There were few architecturally designed wonders that could rival the view provided by the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument when they were lined up. Crossing the bridge, Alex momentarily witnessed the postcard. The Town Car glided up 23rd Street and then turned onto K Street, heading east. Downtown Washington was still experiencing some residual after-work traffic, mere child’s play compared to the actual rush-hour madness. The sedan stopped in front of the Mayflower Hotel. Alex dutifully tipped his driver but waved off the hotel bellhop, handling the single suitcase himself. He checked in and a moment later was relieved to discover not much had changed in the expansive luxury suite. He stretched out on the outer-room sofa and once again studied the notes and materials Nora had given him. He’d already gone over them several times and was no closer to an answer. Feeling he needed a set of expert eyes, he’d made copies and forwarded them to a knowledgeable party prior to departing St. Thomas. That person was one of the main reasons he was back in Washington. Alex hooked up his laptop, logged on, and sent two e-mails. Each contained his room number and the same short message. “I’ve arrived. Come now.”
    Since Nora was also staying at the hotel, she was the first to show up. She didn’t come empty-handed. Alex accepted the quart of rum and liter of Coke as she entered. Despite a sheepish smile, she looked depressed. She was a woman used to being in control, and the past few days had totally thrown her for a loop. Every morning since she had hastily left her apartment, Nora had checked the Internet offerings of several Rome newspapers. There were no headlines about a dead man being found in a missing woman’s apartment. By now, the decomposing stench of a dead body would’ve forced neighbors to inquire. No headline and no scandal could mean only one thing. The body had to have been removed. Doing so would require resources and more than one person.
    Thirty minutes after Nora’s arrival, the second e-mail recipient was at the door with a briefcase in hand. Before stepping in, the taller man on the other side of the door looked down at Alex in silence. It had been nearly two years since they’d seen each other. After a few seconds, Duncan Anderson said, “One black man reporting for duty.”
    “Get your ass in here,” Alex responded, embracing the larger man as they chuckled.
    Duncan’s deep voice resonated throughout the suite as he and Alex engaged in banter that brought about boyish laughter. Their chatter stopped when Duncan encountered the statuesque brunette who now stood slightly before him.
    He was truly taken aback. “As I live and breathe … Nora Mossa.” The two immediately embraced. She concentrated on fighting back tears, but one managed to slip through.
    “It’s so good to see you, Duncan,” she offered, wiping away that trace of emotion. “He didn’t tell me.”
    Duncan looked quizzically at Alex, who gave no explanation. “I had no idea this involved you, either.”
    Nora laughed slightly. “Well, considering the new look, and how long it’s been, I don’t know if it’s such a good thing you recognized me so quickly.” She gestured toward Alex. “It took other people a little longer.”
    Alex let the remark slide. He was hoping Duncan’s presence would be a calming influence. Seeing another familiar face might give Nora’s psyche, badly bruised by events real or imagined, a big boost.
    “All right, enough of the homecoming,” Alex said. “Let’s get to it.” They sat at a large table, and Alex beckoned Duncan to begin. The big man sized up Nora one more time before proceeding. Even though it’d been years, he could sense