away. Ms. Chang knows how to handle these people. Now
how about coming down to the lobby and having an adult
beverage or two?”
Westervelt cleared his throat. “Well…sorry, we can’t do
that, sir. We’re on duty. But maybe we should talk to the
others.”
Killegrew slapped Westervelt on the back. “Good idea!
They’ll set you straight.” Halfway to the door he stopped
and turned back to Judith. “What about her? Shouldn’t you
arrest her now before she does something really dangerous?”
The officers exchanged dubious glances. “Well…” Westervelt scratched an ear. “We really should search the lodge
in case the homicide story is true. Meanwhile, are you
pressing charges against this woman, sir?”
“You bet!” Killegrew snapped his fingers. “Assault, attempted murder, whatever it takes! My God, I’m lucky to be
alive!”
Judith bridled. “Wait a minute! This is absurd!
one who tried to attack
people and caused the death of another one! He’s a maniac,
a psychotic, a man without a conscience!” Frantically, Judith
tried to look out into the hall.
Killegrew was chuckling indulgently. “You see? She’s raving. They always do. Come on fellows, let’s put this plane
in the hangar. Haul her away, and we’ll keep in touch.”
Killegrew started to leave the room, but Westervelt detained him. “Sir,” Westervelt said in a deferential tone, “hold
on just a minute. We have two other rangers downstairs.
Let’s wait here for them. They can take the prisoner to our
vehicle.”
The CEO rocked impatiently on his heels, the slide rule
protruding from his back pocket. “What?” Killegrew frowned.
“Oh, yes, why not? If there’s been any trouble around here,
she caused it.”
“Shall I cuff her?” Nunnally asked, reaching for his belt
where a pair of handcuffs dangled.
“Well…Okay, that sounds right.” Westervelt gave an ambiguous nod.
“Hey!” Judith put both hands behind her back and re-
treated to the window. “This is a terrible mistake! How can
you believe him and not me?”
The officers again looked at each other, but it was Killegrew who spoke. “Because you’re nobody. And I’m OTIOSE!”
“Well…He’s right, you know,” Westervelt said to Judith.
“Mr. Killegrew is a well-known businessman. I’ve even seen
him on TV.”
“You’re darn tootin’,” Killegrew said. “Come on, come on,
let’s get going.”
“But…” Judith felt miserable, frustrated, depleted. Was it
really impossible to combat Frank Killegrew’s corporate
reputation and civic image? Was he actually above the law?
Was Judith really a
