The answer is very simple, Mason said. The dog hadnt torn a claw loose. The scratches on the inside of the door were not made when the murder was being committed. They were made when he heard the voice of the one person in the world whom he really loved, the voice of the woman who had been his real mistress for years, Carmen Monterrey. He involuntarily glanced at her bottom. Faith retarded the throttles, and tried to keep the smaller airplane in sight. The Bahamas loomed ahead. She got on the radio and requested twelve thousand feet, then turned toward Stone, who was occupying the jump seat behind her.We dont have a clearance to land, she said, “because of the hurricane. I suggested rather politely, I thought, that Vullo call in a secretary and dictate a letter of understanding, which would, I pointed out, be mutually beneficial. Go on, Mason said, regarding her thoughtfully. I seem to be doing that without even trying, Stone said. His desk phone buzzed; he picked it up and Joan said, Dino on one. Nan walked on the patio bearing a second coffeepot that appeared to be identical to the one on the table. I see. But that still doesnt make any difference. Hes been charged. But now it made sense why the guy had approached Devine away from the office both times. If he wasnt a real cop, it was much safer that way. I... I feel a little guilty. I could have deescalated things. And you think the man who killed Mr. Quane was the same man who was watching your sisters house this morning? Yes, she said, her voice still almost a whisper. Then, Mason said, she commented on how brown her leg was, pointing out to me what a nice sun tan shed managed to get despite the fact that she was a working girl. It sounded like a stall. The door slowly opened, but Nestors look remained suspicious. Why are you here? What do you want? Joel had told me that Katherine always developed crushes on the older men who spent time with her..