And with that he did his angry best to show me that he was too strong and too proud to accept any help from somebody like me. He put a hand on the arm of the couch and began the process of pushing himself to his feet. He almost fell over. Devine, you are one inch from being arrested for obstruction, exclaimed Shoemaker. So you better consider your next answer really carefully. What did you discuss about Ewes? I dont know aboutnormally. I know I had to use my key to unlock it that morning. Stone saw the Hawaiian shirt talking to the policeman on the ramp, then they gave him some papers, and he strode toward what was left of the airport buildings. Well, I guess youve got a point, Ted, she said. This probably isnt going to go away anytime soon.’ I think I know what happened to Arch Mix. He explained about the email hed gotten that morning, and about the previous one hed received after Sara Ewes had been killed. And about both messages being untraceable. Mason nodded. You may have some information that I want. Exactly, Mason interrupted. I see that youre quite anxious to make your point, Sheriff, so well concede it. But the fact remains that the purse could quite readily have been dropped by someone standing on the wharf. I can see that, Chief Showalter. Well, Mason told him, thats what I meant. Thats a pessimistic way to look at it, Stone said. Aboard the speedboat, a canvas cover was jerked off the searchlight and a long, wicked pencil of light started swinging back and forth across the dark space of the water. They sat outside and took in views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island set over churning, brackish water. The weather was nice, if humid. A storm might be rolling in as storms often did this time of year after the days buildup of heat. It was Mother Natures way of venting. They were sitting under an umbrella, but the sun had long since passed over them and was starting its drop into the western horizon, where it would later flame the sky into an alchemy of red and gold. When Devine was in the Middle East he never tired of that sight for one reason: He wasnt sure he’d be alive to see it again. He turned back toward the ocean, stood at the rail looking down into the dark, swirling waters. Then he swung back once more to face his visitors.Okay, I said to hell with the whole business. I didnt have anything left by the time I got my debts paid except a few five-dollar ties, some silk shirts, a collection of pajamas, five tailor-made suits and … well, you can draw the picture yourself..