'Do you recall any epidemics of either influenza or pneumonia at your base during the last ten years?'
'Ten years? Hmm. I haven't been here that long. We did have a meningitis outbreak a couple of years ago, but that was bacterial.
Very nasty.'
'We're limiting the inquiry to viral respiratory illnesses.'
'Well,' he said, 'I guess the information's somewherehold on.'
Two minutes passed.
'Captain Katz, how can I help you?'
I repeated my request.
'That far back wouldn't be on our computer,' he said. 'Can I get back to you on that?'
'Sure. Thanks.'
Another exchange of numbers.
I put the receiver down, clogged with frustration, knowing the information was on someone's hard drive or floppy disc, accessible, instantly, at the push of the right button.
Milo didn't call back until four.
'Been trying to keep up with your Joneses,' he said. 'The coroner has a death form on file for the first kid. Charles Lyman Jones the Fourth. Nothing suspicious-sudden infant death syndrome, certified by your friend Stephanie and backed up by a Rita Kohlet, M.D.'
'She's the head of the General Pediatrics division. Stephanie's boss.
She was originally their doctor, was out of town when Chad died.'
'Uh-huh. Well, it all looks kosher. Now, in terms of the parents, here's what I've got so far. They live out in the West Valley and pay their property taxes on time-lots of taxes, cause they own lots of property. Fifty parcels.'
'Fifty? Where?'
'Right where they live-the entire surrounding tract is theirs.
Not bad for a college teacher, huh?'
'College teacher with a trust fund.'
'No doubt. Other than that, they seem to live pretty simple and straight. Charles Lyman the Third drives a I985 Volvo 240 four-door, received a speeding ticket last year and two parking citations, all paid. Cindy Brooks Jones drives a Plymouth Voyager van and is pure as the driven snow, infraction-wise. Ditto your surly nurse, if she's Victoria June Bottomley, DOB 4124/36, with an address in Sun Valley.'
'Sounds like her.'
'So far, Beaver Cleaverland.'
'You obviously didn't get my message.'
'No. When and where?'
Around eleven. I left it with Rick's sister.'
'I didn't get any emergency call.'
'That's cause I did a one beeper,' I said. 'Respecting your business procedures.' I recounted the suspicions my talk with Cindy had aroused and my call to South Carolina.
'Joe Sleuth,' he said. just can't control yourself.'
