Almost immediately after the purse was recovered? Then why does she want a lawyer? The outside doorbell rang. Joan ran back in that direction and then came back a couple of minutes later.Its the Agency people, she said. “I checked them out, then called Lance to confirm. Oh, that ees fine, the hostess purred. Your frien, no? Thanks, Sonny. Then to me, Now youll get it. Yeah, but nothing popped up. The tech says he thinks its a womans print. I hope being straight with you will make you straight with me, thats why. I know. But are there other ways for them to come after me? Yes. Youve met her several times? No. Not today. Hartley Essex, the ballistics expert, explained that bullets in poing throurh a human body are quite frequently deflected by bones and will do extraordinary things but obviously he is not too happy about the position of the bullet in the Alder case, or about the prospect of facing further cross-examination by Perry Mason when the case reopens Monday morning. God, this is when I really need a drink. Good for the first part. He didnt. Not so good for the second part. The so-called shooting. We dont know that yet. Do I sense unusual defensive preparations? Vanessa asked. And that evidence is? Nothing, Mason said, except that theres some indication the person who committed the murder escaped by water. The police may decide theyll put two and two together. Have you been out anywhere tonight?.