smile, glanced at the counter where she’d last seen Leon,
and immediately regretted the impulsive remark.
“Not a hunk,” Renie replied. “Just…more attractive.”
“How about Gene Jarman? I know he’s divorced and his
ex-wife works for Alien Tel.”
“That’s about all I know, too,” Renie said. “Gene strikes
me as one of those black guys who doesn’t want to admit
he
I gather was an Oakland ghetto.”
“That doesn’t sound much different than Frank Killegrew
hiding the fact that he grew up in Destitute, Montana, or
whatever podunk name the town is called.”
“No, you’re right. As usual, people are people. Maybe
Gene seems touchier, because he’s an attorney instead of an
engineer.”
Judith was about to inquire into Margo Chang’s background when Margo entered the kitchen. She had come
through the dining room and was carrying a mug of hot
coffee.
“Thank God,” she murmured. “The lifeline is open.”
“Dig in,” Renie urged, indicating the fruit and the cereal
boxes.
Margo shook her head. “Right now, all I need is coffee.
God, I was awake half the night. I kept thinking I heard
someone trying to get into my room. It was just nerves, but
it didn’t make for decent rest.”
Judith finished culling strawberries and leaned against the
counter across from Margo, who’d sat down on one of the
tall stools. “My cousin was just filling me in on who’s who
in the company. How long have you been with OTIOSE,
Margo?”
Taking a deep, satisfying swig of coffee, Margo eyed Judith
warily. “What is this—a grilling of suspects?”
“No, no,” Judith said in her most self-deprecating manner.
“I feel lost in this group. Which is kind of scary, all things
considered. I’m just curious. You can’t blame me for wondering what I’ve gotten into.”
“That’s what we’re all wondering.” Margo made a face.
“At the first sign of clear weather, I’m walking out of here,
heading for the summit, and ordering a car to collect me.
Then I’m going straight home to write my letter of resignation. This is one terrifying phone company.”
“I don’t blame you,” Renie put in. “I wouldn’t want to be
in your shoes trying to explain all this to the media.”
Margo’s plain face looked drawn. “The worst is yet to
come.”
Judith tensed. “What do you mean?”
Margo had set the coffee mug down on the counter, almost
in the exact spot where the cousins had found Leon. “I mean,
when the killer is unmasked, or whatever they call it in
