“Sure,” Jesse said.
They went down to the conference room. Jesse moved an empty pizza box off the table and gestured for the group to sit down. He sat at one end of the table. The governor stood at the other. He was tall with close-cut gray hair and a thin face.
“We’re here to help,” the governor said. “Not to criticize.”
Jesse nodded.
“But this case has dragged on long enough to become an embarrassment to the Commonwealth, and the people of the Commonwealth need to know that there’s an end in sight.”
Jesse nodded. The governor paused, and when Jesse didn’t say anything, he looked a little annoyed.
“This is made more embarrassing because I count both Walton and Lorrie as personal friends,” the governor said. Jesse nodded.
“Is there progress?” the governor said.
“Yes.”
“Do you have a suspect?”
“Many,” Jesse said.
“Is an arrest imminent?”
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R O B E R T B . P A R K E R
“No.”
“What do you need to bring this case to a close?”
“Clues,” Jesse said.
“Are you being deliberately uncooperative, Chief Stone?”
“No, sir. I’m listening attentively.”
“I am especially concerned that Mrs. Weeks be treated with every consideration,” the governor said. “This has been a nightmare for her and she deserves closure.”
Jesse nodded.
“For God’s sake, Stone, I was at their wedding.”
“Really,” Jesse said. “When did they get married?”
The governor looked at Kennfield.
“Nineteen ninety,” Kennfield said.
“Where?”
“Baltimore, wasn’t it,” the governor said to Kennfield. Kennfield nodded.
“At the Harbor Court,” he said.
“How’d they meet?” Jesse said.
Again, the governor looked at Kennfield.
“Oddly enough, through Walton’s bodyguard,” Kennfield said. “He introduced them.”
