already Governor Raines.”
“Maybe he?s got troubles,” I said, buttoning my shirt.
“Tiger by the tail, that?s all he keeps saying.”
“More like a two-ton elephant on a piece of string.”
“Is it that bad? Is he in trouble?” she asked.
“I don?t know. Is he honest?”
“Chief believed.., believes in him.”
“Oh, so Chief picked him out,” I said. It was a cruel comment. I was sorry I?d said it before all the
words were out of my mouth.
She stood up, her back as straight as a slat, smoothing her dress. “I picked him out,” she snapped.
“Sony,” 1 said. “Anyway, I?m not interested in what Chief thinks, Doe. What do you think?”
She pulled on the dress, but didn?t button it, and gave me back my Windbreaker.
“I don?t think he could be dishonest.
“That?s a nice vote of confidence.”
“I?m trying to be honest myself. Are you here because of something to do with the track?”
“Hell, I?m not sure of anything,” I answered. “I?m new in town. Can I use the phone up at the house?”
She opened a metal box on the wall f the boathouse, reached in and took out a wall phone, handed me
the receiver, and leaned back against the wall, staring at me.
I dialled the war room and Dutch answered.
“Where are you?” he bellowed.
“With friends,” I said. “What?s up?”
“You got a weird phone call about n hour ago. Kite fielded it. He says a guy wanted to talk to you real
bad, but he hung up when Kite tried to press him. Thing is, Kite says the guy didn?t exactly sound like
Mary Poppins. The reason I?m calling, before Kite put it together he told this guy he might be able to
reach you at the hotel. So you might want to keep your eyes open.”
“Thanks. Maybe we ought to have breakfast and do a little catchup.”
“I?ll pick you up at nine,” he said. I told him that was real civilized of him and hung up.
“More trouble?” Doe asked, anxiety in her voice.
“I don?t think so.”
“Please come back.”
I played it tough. “Sure,” I said, arid leaned over and kissed her. As I started to leave I felt her hand
on my sleeve.
“Jake?”
