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“There is an obvious downside to that,” Washington went on. “Their willingness to use their weapons…”

“Compounded by the fact they know they are already facing Murder Two,” Wohl interjected.

“… and there will be no greater penalty if they use them again,” Washington finished for him.

“Or they may really go underground,” Matt said, “knowing they’re wanted for Murder Two.”

“The cheap seats have been heard from,” Wohl said.

“I was about to make reference to wisdom from the mouths of babes,” Washington said. “Except, of course, he’s right.”

“God, don’t tell him that. His ego needs no buttressing.”

“Actually, Peter, he will bring a fresh approach, which may very well be useful. Yesterday, when Tony walked Coughlin and our new sergeant through the Roy Rogers, Matt wondered aloud why Doer Two put his revolver under Charlton’s vest. Tony was somewhat chagrined that question hadn’t occurred to him.”

“Is that significant?”

“Never leave a stone unturned…” Washington began.

“… or the stone under the stone,” Wohl finished.

“You were, as I recall, an apt pupil,” Washington said. “It might be. It opens avenues of inquiry. ‘Is Doer Two a cop hater?’ for example. ‘Is he someone who knew, and intensely disliked, Kenny Charlton?’ ‘Did Stan Colt-which brings us to that-use the under-the-vest technique in one of his cinema fantasies?’ ”

“Yeah,” Wohl agreed. “What about Stan Colt?”

“The commissioner didn’t mention that Sergeant Payne’s services will be required in Dignitary Protection when Stan Colt comes to our fair city?”

“No,” Wohl said, simply. “He didn’t.”

“He apparently made a very good impression on Monsignor Schneider,” Washington said, “as incredible as that might sound. I am to lose his services temporarily whenever the Colt people think they need him.”

“Can’t you get me out of that?” Matt asked.

On the other hand, that would give me a lot of time with Terry.

“No,” Washington said. “Peter-Tony just walked in, shaking his head ruefully-you asked if there is anything I need. I just thought of something.”

“It’s yours,” Wohl said.

“I’m a little short of wheels. Sergeant Payne, obviously, will no longer be needing his sparkling new Crown Victoria.”

“Okay,” Wohl said. “And to prove what a fully cooperating fellow I am, I will even have Sergeant Payne deliver it to you, tomorrow when he reports for duty.”

“It’s always a pleasure dealing with you, Inspector,” Washington said, and the line went dead.

Peter removed the cellular phone from the hands-off system, laid it on the desk, and turned to Matt.

“Now, where were we?”

The telephone on his desk buzzed, and Wohl answered it.

The conversation was very brief.

Wohl said “Yes, sir” three times, “Yes, sir, at three” once, and “Yes, sir” one final time.

He looked at Matt again. “The commissioner thinks it would be a very good idea if I were to be at the Monti Funeral Home at three,” he said, “to coincide with the visit of the mayor, and his announcement that he has formed a task force to quickly get the Roy Rogers doers.”

Matt nodded.