'What kinds of projects do you prefer to fund?'
'That would be a technical question, sir,' she said. 'I'm afraid I can't help you with that, either.'
'Is there some kind of brochure you could send me? A list of previous studies you've funded?'
'I'm afraid not-we're a fairly young agency.'
'Really? How young?'
'One moment, please.'
Another long break. More Muzak, then she was back.
'Sorry for taking so long, Doctor, and I'm afraid I can't stay with you-I've got several other incoming calls. Why don't you get back to us with all your questions. I'm sure the right person will be able to help you.'
'The right person,' I said.
'Exactly,' she said with sudden cheer. 'Have a nice day, Doctor.'
Click.
I called back. The line was busy. I asked the operator to put through an emergency interruption, and waited until she came back on the line.
'I'm sorry, sir, that number's out of order.'
I sat there, still hearing the pleasant voice.
Smooth... well rehearsed.
One word she'd used jumped out at me.
'We're a fairly young agency.'
Odd way to describe a private foundation.
Virginia... anything down there always spells government to me.
I tried the number again. Still off the hook. Checked my notes for the other study the institute had funded.
Zimberg, Walter William. University of Maryland, Baltimore.
Something to do with statistics in scientific research.
The med school? Mathematics? Public health?
I got the university's number and called it. No Zimbergs on the medical school faculty. Same at the math department.
At Public Health a male voice answered.
'Professor Zimberg, please.'
'Zimberg? No such person here.'
'Sorry,' I said. 'I must have gotten the wrong information. Do you have a faculty roster handy?'
'One moment... I've got a Professor Walter Zimberg but he's in the Department of Economics.'
'Could you please connect me to his office?'
Click. Female voice: 'Professor Zimberg, please.'
'Hold, please.'
