Devine would probably need all of it and a little bit more to survive. Along with luck. He stood in front of a podium covered with media microphones. The setting was the large marble central floor of the county courthouse. Then the press conference started. Dino, didnt you hear me tell the motorcycle guy to tell him were at Clarkes? Mix didnt care for you, did he? You sit here, Della, he said. Shut the motor off. Ill fire two shots. Press the horn button once if you hear one shot, twice if you hear two shots. Reporters, especially the TV type, love tabloid journalism. Slash, disembowel. But tonight they had to know that wed won without much trouble. The frantic young woman had crossed the bow of Masons canoe, apparently without seeing it The dog, in deep water, was now less sure of himself. You dont know the number? They talked to a lot of people, replied Devine. You have very strong hands. And I can feel the calluses. Quanes dead, I said. Maybe Id better tell you about it. Im voting for Elkins, Rector interrupted. Dont let the next-door-neighbor act fool you, Dev. Why Wall Street and Cowl and Comely? Strange career path for an Army Ranger. The women shook hands and eyed each other with what Devine thought were aggressive looks. Her smile parted the heavens. She was one of those slight, efficient blondes whose comeliness almost distracts from her skills as a planner and organizer..