When I walked up onto the porch the entire house shook. The recent rain had left the wood smelling of rot. First of all, stop it with the jah business. Mason silently paddled hiscanoe close to the sandspit, studying the contours. Because only in that case could the bullet have gone through Alders neck and then out through the open French doors. Alder pitched forward. The girl must have thrown the gun at him as he fell. Ill see what I can do, Rick said. Bon voyage. He hung up. Neither man said anything. You are wise, Mason said. You have traveled—no? You didnt see him drive away? You mean about Arch Mix? She stood close to the end table next to the near end of the couch and carefully placed the Glock on the table. Some are, some arent. Most of them would stop a pistol round, but not one from a long rifle. A couple of things were going on here. Number one was that Ted was getting the kind of treatment police officers reserve for the wealthy. If Ted had been middle class or, God forbid, working class or poor, Showalter would have said what was really on his mind. And he would have said it bluntly. As an accusation. Thats too much like a bad movie. Im giving you twenty-four hours. Good. Meaning that you did not announce him? Exactly what am I supposed to do? Mason asked. She said nothing, watching him with thoughtful speculation..