Oh, I could. But the old mans scared hes gonna get laid off and my little daughters next pageant dress is gonna cost me a lot more than the last one, so I just can’t take a chance. If my old man gets laid off and Gil decides to fire my ass, my whole family’s in a world of hurt.’ Mason shrugged his shoulders.Well, theres nothing we can — wait a minute. What happened when you paid the meter? They dropped the car at the front door of the house and hurried inside, leaving parking and luggage to staff and security men. Why were you at the bar? Well, the sheriff seems to think it does. Theyre certainly laying for you. Her eyes were wide with innocence.Why, I was going to—first thing in the morning. Yes. I want to get your mother out of her resignation mood. Drake pulled out some eight-by-ten glossy photographs. Mason studied them. Nice fruit, Carmen Monterrey said. Beautiful fruit First there comes the blossom, then the fruit… There are times when you wish to rest but you do not wish to leave your work. You have been alone in the world for a long time. Your mother died when you were young and your father … Perhaps there was a separation before your mother died and your mother died from a broken heart-no? He didnt pay the slightest attention to me, Mr. Mason. I had Ruth flag him down. After we got in the cab I told him where I wanted him to go, but I was seated in such a position that I was directly behind his back. He turned around and saw Ruth, but I dont think he even gave me a good look— and, of course, I was dressed differently. Dorley Alder smiled, said,This little window dressing, Mr. Mason, this story about the stolen gems. Thats all right for the public, but for you and me the situation is different. Did I see you on TV the other night talking about Congresswoman Bradshaw? As you wish. Im looking for Dave Fletcher. Devine stopped walking; so did Hancock. Oh, I almost forgot. A pass to the election-night party is being delivered to you. Dont lose it. Dino pulled back his coat to reveal his badge and his piece. Devine pulled to a stop across the street from Cowls palace, locked his bike and his helmet up, and jogged across the street. This was the address on the note Paulson had handed him. The place was lit up like a Christmas tree, and there were exotic cars parked in front, including an old but perfectly restored cherry-red Duesenberg Phaeton. Thereseemed to be a party going on. Devine had envisioned a private confrontation on Cowls home turf. The investment magnate had scored the first surprise of the night. Sold. Lets tackle that mail file again. He looked around at the other cubicles where fingers rat-atatted keys and commerce moved on and fortunes were won or given back. This email hadnt gone out to his company email account. The compliance folks would be able to see all of that. This had come directly to his personal email. And no one around him was reacting like they had gotten a similar message..