So now Im a spurned lover? You should write novels. Which one? Valentine or Speers? What do you mean you cant find em? Mason asked. Longmire. Harvey A. Longmire. I wish to call to the attention of the directors that there have been a series of dry years, that this level property is immediately adjacent to a natural drainage, which, in view of developments to the north and west, can well become a raging torrent in the event of an unusually wet year. The water would then sweep down across our property, if it were leveled, cutting great channels and causing enormous damage. As it is now, this hill is attractive, artistic, and, above all, even in the wettest years it will be dry. There was a time when the steepness of the hill detracted from the value of the property. In view of the fact that it is now possible to come in on the freeway, take the turn-off on the edge of the Claffin property, follow that around to our property, and terrace the hill, we could make a very fine residential property. At this point that mysterious letter from Minerva Danby enters the picture. It had been written by a woman. It accused George Alder of murder. It put Alder in a very embarrassing position. Obviously if hed murdered Minerva Danby he must have done it to have kept Corrine Lansing from officially coming to life. What? The deer werent the only wild animals who thought of the garden as a free lunch. Besides the beavers there were raccoons, wild mink, squirrels, innumerable rabbits, and a swarm of muskrats that everyone told me I should trap, but which I didnt. The only thing I had ever killed, other than the wounded deer,was a twelve-button timber rattlesnake. There were also a couple of copperhead water moccasins that I might have taken a shot or two at if they hadnt moved so fast. I left the copperheads for the black snakes, the farmer’s friend, who lived in our attic. At night we could hear them slithering around. Ruth and I found the sound rather comforting, but our infrequent guests said that it kept them awake. Oh… yes, I guess we did. Then maybe Sara had a relationship with someone else along with the pregnancy. Then was that relationship broken off and the pregnancy terminated? Was that how she fell into bed with me? A rebound off another guy? Or another woman? Wanda, do you have any idea whats on the fifty-first floor? Stamoss place has been searched. Electronics all gone. Phone and computer are probably at the bottom of the Hudson by now. Im doubting you think this was an accident. Of course, hed deny it anyway, Rector said. I think this man, Mason, is a Trojan horse. I think anything he says should be viewed with suspicion. I think hes simply trying to manipulate the affairs of this corporation for the benefit of Roxy Claffin. I dont think he’s a bona fide stockholder. I don’t want him on the board of directors. Have you had lunch? the stewardess asked. 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. The town folk..