a casual tone, as if discussing the weather. “It’s believed he struck a rogue wave and flipped the boat.”
“How unfortunate. I hear he was a man of high morals and intellect.”
The servant reappeared and delivered a smoked salmon salad to each place setting. As Pitt and McKee conversed across the length of the table, the other women remained uncomfortably silent, picking at their food.
“Frasier was indeed a brilliant man. He loved science, archeology, and the outdoors. But like most men, he had his flaws.”
Pitt saw Audrey nod in agreement. “I’ve noticed some artifacts on display,” he said. “I presume his love of archeology included ancient Egypt?”
McKee unconsciously stroked the ever-present cartouche dangling from her neck.
“Father had a fascination with all things Egyptian,” Audrey said. “He loved to visit and participate in archeological digs there.”
“He found inspiration for his research in the desert,” McKee added. “Incidentally, Dr. Perkins tells me you provided a water sample for him to analyze. I’m afraid he says there was nothing unusual in the sample.”
“I hadn’t heard.”
“He said it came from El Salvador . . .”
“Yes. Cerrón Grande, a reservoir near San Salvador. I understand your firm was involved with some work at a nearby gold mine.”
“We have projects all over the world,” McKee replied dismissively. “What were you looking to find in your sample?”
“Something that might account for the death of several children in the neighboring villages.”
“Sadly, disease outbreaks occur with too much regularity in the less developed countries. Local water purification is not always effective.”
“How do you ensure there are no harmful effects from your products?” Pitt asked.
“We thoroughly test and monitor our products on a continuous basis. As it is, most of our deployments occur in the ocean, rather than fresh water. Our microbes are no more harmful than the bacteria on a block of blue cheese. I’m sure you, as the Director of NUMA, would appreciate our safeguards for the protection of the oceans.”
“Without a doubt,” he said. “Is that your research lab across the lake?”
The coolness vanished from McKee’s face, replaced by a spasm of anger that nearly melted the table. It was a look, Pitt thought, of pure derangement. Nearly a minute passed before she calmed herself enough to respond.
“Our facilities are located in Inverness,” she said in a low, gritty tone.
The table fell silent as the entrée was served—braised lamb shanks with barley, rosemary, and root vegetables.
Loren tried to break the chill. “This is delicious.”
“Yes, quite good.” Pitt gazed toward McKee. “It’s kind of you to allow us an extra night after your other guests have departed.”
“We like to have our new attendees stay an extra day,” McKee said. “We’ll have something of an initiation ceremony in the morning.”
“Initiation?” Pitt asked.
“Into the Sisterhood of Boudicca,” Loren said. “The women’s organization that Mrs. McKee started here.”
“I didn’t realize there was a secret society at work,” Pitt said with a humorless grin.
“There’s nothing secret about it,” Audrey said. “Just a group of like-minded women supporting their mutual empowerment.”
McKee looked to Pitt. “Are you familiar with the story of Boudicca?”
He nodded. “A Celtic queen who led a bloody revolt against the Romans in Britain after her husband, King Prasutagus, died.” He gazed at Audrey. “As I recall, she had two daughters.”
“You are correct,” McKee said. “We desire to embody the Celtic strength and spirit of Queen Boudicca in our public and private lives.”
“She was a fierce warrior. I hope your sisterhood doesn’t involve hanging, burning, and crucifying.”
“We reserve that for those who oppose us,” she said with a cold grin.
“What are the criteria for membership?”
“All our members are accomplished women who have made significant achievements in the worlds of science, business, or politics. We are dedicated to the support of one another to attain even higher levels of influence. Women make up half the world, Mr. Pitt, but remain sorely underrepresented in roles of leadership. It is time for a new global order, with female leadership across all countries. We believe the world would be a safer and a more just place with women at the helm. Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Pitt?”
“It could be, with the right women.” He patted his wife’s arm.
The conversation drifted to politics, which held little interest to Pitt. When the focus was off him, he reached for a saltshaker at the center of the table and intentionally knocked over his wineglass. He stood, dropped his napkin on his plate, and grabbed the upended glass. A servant rushed over and wiped up the spill.