Stephen W. Frey - Silent Partner

SILENT PARTNER

STEPHEN FREY

BALLANTINE BOOKS NEW YORK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

To my daughters, Christina and Ashley.
I love you both so much.
Youre growing up too fast.
And to my wife, Lil. I love you too.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A special thanks to all the folks at Ballantine for their continued support, but especially Mark Tavani, Gina Centrello, and Kim Hovey.

A special thanks to my agent, Cynthia Manson.

A special thanks to Matthew Lee, who was tremendously helpful in terms of research and guidance on this book.

And to the others who have consistently supported my efforts: Stephen Watson, Matt Malone, Peter Borland, Jim and Anmarie Galowski, Bob Wieczorek, Kevin Big Sky Erdman, Chris Tesoriero, Baron Stewart, Barbara Fertig, Bart Begley, Walter Frey, Scott Andrews, Marvin Bush, and Mike Pocalyko.

PROLOGUE

APRIL 1994

Angela Day and Sally Chambers had been inseparable for as long as either of them could remember. Theyd grown up together in the same trailer park ten miles outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Attended the same public high school. And both had been accepted to the state university where theyd been roommates all four years. Both were strikingly attractive, intelligent, and self-assured despite their modest pedigrees. In fact, there was only one major difference between them. Angela was white, and Sally was black.

Now, only a few weeks from graduation, they realized that the constant closeness they had taken for granted for so many years was almost over. Angela had been accepted to Dukes graduate business school in Durham, and Sally was going home to Ashevillefar away from Duke in the western part of North Carolina. She was needed there to care for her ailing mother.

Both assumed they would keep in touch by telephone after graduation, and they would certainly make a point of seeing each other at holidays. But they knew that sooner or later the phone conversations would become less frequent, trips to Asheville would become less appealing to Angela, and, as a result, their lives would probably drift apart. Neither had mentioned the approaching inevitability. They had simply kept to their routine, quietly determined to enjoy their last few weeks together.

This is it, said Angela, pulling Sally to a stop and pointing up at the large fraternity house looming over them in the darkness of the spring evening. Music blared from inside over muffled shouts and screams. Tau Kappa Rho.

Sally stepped back. You didnt tell me we were coming to Tau Kappa.

Whats the big deal?

These guys are animals. Arent they the ones who painted Klan slogans on the freshman dorms last fall?

That was just a rumor.

Well, I heard these guys were responsible. I dont want to go in there, Sally said flatly.

Oh, come on, Angela pleaded. Itll be fine. Craigs a member.

Craig who?

Hes in our economics class. The one I pointed out to you last week.

So thats what tonights hike is all about.

Weve been making eye contact all semester. After class the other day he asked me to stop by the party.

Im not going in.

Oh, please. Well only stay for a little while. Just long enough for me to find him and say hi.

No.

I dont want to go in by myself. Ill look pathetic.

No.

Angela shook her head. This isnt like you.

What do you mean?

Ive never known you to back down from anything. Ive never known you to be scared.

Im not scared, Sally said, crossing her arms defiantly.

Then lets go. Angela grabbed Sallys hand and began pulling her up the cobblestone walkway leading to the fraternity house. What could happen?

They climbed the front steps together, moving past several young men tapping a keg in one corner of the raised brick porch that spanned the houses facade. Angela pushed the door open, and, as they slipped into the dimly lit room and a sea of young people, they were hit by rock music blaring from two huge speakers along the far wall. They dodged several couples pretzeling wildly, and skirted small pockets of young men chugging beers.

This is wild! Sally shouted, jostled by a woman who had been twisted so recklessly by her dance partner she had lost her grip on his hand and stumbled backward through the crowd.

This way! Angela yelled over her shoulder, leading Sally deeper into the house. It looks quieter over there.

After pushing their way through the bodies, they made it to another room where things were less chaotic. Around a large table people were playing a game involving cards, dice, and clear plastic cups full of foamy beer. Several of the bleary-eyed participants seemed ready to pass out, swaying as they watched the game and waited for their turn.

Please, lets leave, Sally begged. Youll never find the guy in here. This is insane.

Just a few more minutes. He promised hed be here.

Hes probably already gone or

Angela!

They turned at the sound of the voice, and in front of them stood Craig Smythe. He was tall and blond, and he leaned down and gave Angela a quick kiss on the cheek.

Angela smiled at him. I didnt think I was going to find you!

Ive been keeping an eye out for you. Glad you could make it.

This is my friend Sally Chambers, Angela said, pointing.

Craig shook Sallys hand, then leaned down and put his lips to Angelas ear. Follow me, he said, taking her by the hand and leading her out of the room.

Angela glanced back at Sally, who was doing her best to keep up. A few moments later they reached another room that was less crowded, and far enough away from the bedlam of the dance floor that they didnt have to yell to hear each other.

This room is off-limits to underclassmen unless theyve been given specific permission by a senior to come in, Craig explained.

This place is out of control, Angela exclaimed.

Craig chuckled. This is nothing. Just one more Saturday night. Now, what would you two like to drink? How about a little punch? he suggested. Before either of them could answer, he had motioned to an underclassman loitering outside the room.

The underclassman trotted over to where they stood. Yes, sir?

Go upstairs and get us some grain punch, Craig ordered. Its in one of the back bedrooms. Tell the guys guarding the tub that I sent you. Use the large cups.

I cant carry three large cups at once, the underclassman complained.

Thats all right with me, Sally answered. I dont like that stuff anyway. Its too strong.

Angela managed to catch Sallys eye, and shot her a desperate plea-for-privacy look.

Oh, all right. Sally sighed, turning to follow the underclassman toward a stairway. Ill help you, she called to him.

Sallyll be all right, wont she? Angela asked, irritated at herself for being so selfish.

Oh, sure. Craig smiled down at her. You know, you have incredible eyes, he said, leaning forward. Has anyone ever told you that?

Guys told her that constantly, but she never tired of hearing it. A woman has to be aware of her most outstanding features and never be afraid to use them to her advantage, her mother had told her many times. She stared at her green eyes in the mirror every morning, trying to understand what they saw. She didnt get it. But they did. Which, her mother had counseled her, is all that matters.

I mean it, Craig said. Theyre gorgeous.

Thanks.

Several minutes later the underclassman returned carrying two large cups full of something that looked like Hawaiian Punch. He handed them to Craig and Angela.

Wheres Sally? Angela asked, taking a sip. Instantly, she closed her eyes and coughed. The alcohol was overpowering.

Upstairs talking basketball with some guy.

That made sense. Sally had been a star on the girls basketball team in high school. Though not talented enough to play on the universitys intercollegiate team, she excelled in the intramural program.