hadn’t been together long because Russell had been with us
in the basement. Who had been Gene’s buddy before that?
Was he alone for a few minutes before Russell came along?”
Renie snapped her fingers. “Frank and Margo had gone
to check on one of the conference rooms. That’s why they
weren’t there.”
“You’re right, but nobody could see them. Did they stick
together?” Judith made a face. “It’s impossible to figure out
unless we interrogate them separately. That won’t be easy.”
“How about impossible? The buddy system, remember?”
Judith grimaced. “That’s true. You and I will have to be
their buddies, I guess.”
“Gack.” Renie finished her Canadian whiskey. “You mean,
we each take one of them aside and pump away?”
“You got it. It should be kind of subtle. I’ll take Margo,
Ava, and Nadia. You get Frank, Max, and Gene. Russell’s
up for grabs.”
“Hey!” Renie wagged a finger in Judith’s face. “How come
you get all the women?”
“Because women can always talk to women, no matter
what their backgrounds. On the other hand, men don’t open
up so easily. But,” Judith went on in an attempt at flattery,
“you’re used to corporate types. You have a knack.”
“Twit,” said Renie. “Don’t pull your soft soap act on me.
I get the tough ones. Thus, you get Russell. He likes you
best. You made him tea.”
“Fine.” Judith finished her Scotch and stood up. “Let’s go
separate a couple of them from the herd.”
“How do we manage that?” Renie asked with a dubious
expression.
Judith gazed in the direction of the kitchen. “I guess we’ll
have to make dinner after all. I’ll cook, you mop.”
“Jeez.” Renie wasn’t pleased. “So I get Frank to help me
swab the decks while you and Margo peel potatoes.”
Grinning, Judith tipped her head to one side. “I like that.
Frank will like that. It’s right up his cliche alley.”
“No, thanks. I’ll ask Gene. Lawyers are used to cleaning
up after other people.” Renie led the way back into the lobby.
At first, Margo was reluctant to join Judith. But after some
coaxing, the p.r. vice president patted her suede bag and
agreed to accompany Judith to the kitchen. Meanwhile, Renie
managed to secure Gene’s help with what was becoming a
rather alarming situation in the entranceway. The water was
edging toward the near walls and creeping up on the Navajo
rugs in the sitting area. Russell suggested that they search
for an indoor-outdoor vacuum in the basement.
“Good thinking,” Renie said. “They must have something
like that because of all the skiers trooping in and out. Come
