Now her face flushed, and not in a good way. They walked along the long pier until finally they made out the form of a grizzled seaman, sitting in the bow of a trim fishing boat, playing the accordion, his face, granite hard from wind and salt spray, etched with deep lines. The place smelled of the dirty dishes, beer and cigarette smoke. Scramble, Lance Cabot said. He checked the driving license, glanced at her, handed the license back, and said,Sorry, but weve been instructed to make a check. Down here on business, Mr. Mason? The guy, as far as I know, has no alibi for when she was murdered. And maybe he lied to me. Maybe theydid sleep together. And she got pregnant and the child was his. And maybe he paid to have it aborted, and she regretted it and was going to expose what had happened. The boss impregnating the help and then paying for her abortion? Do you know how much money Cowl gets from church and state pension funds and teachers unions and other organizations that would frown on that sort of thing? Well, Drake told him, I thought you should know that— Then it was back to the updates. He got two crisp one-hundred-dollar bills and I got a cell number. She crossed her knees. The housecoat fell away from her right leg. She gathered the garment, started to draw it into place, then regarded her flesh contemplatively and said,You know, Mr. Mason, for an office girl, I really have a nice sunburn, havent I? Doxey opened a drawer in the desk, took out a stock book and the seal of the corporation. Wed better keep a clear head, Young said. Do you know in which direction the dog went? I grabbed a donut and a paper cup of coffee. Ted did the same and followed me into the auditorium where the debate had been held. Though the stage was dark I could see the outlines of the rostrums. The TV people had cleared all their equipment away. But our spurt of humor vanished as quickly as it had appeared. Then whatis the purpose? But the gun had been fired? Mason asked. Judge Garey returned from his chambers and settled himself on the bench. Masons voice was level. You didnt say anything to the parking attendant? Have the police found out anything more on Jerry Myers? she asked..