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“Aside from the normal ravages of middle age, no real complaints. Something on your mind?”

“I’ve been assigned to stroke WCBL-TV generally and Miss Louise Dutton specifically,” Wohl said. “I guess you heard?”

Washington smiled. “I heard about that.” He pointed at the wooden chair beside his desk.

Wohl smiled his thanks and sat down and stretched his legs out.

“You ever read Animal Farm?” Wohl asked.

Washington chuckled.

“I wouldn’t compare a pretty lady like that with a pig,” he said.

“Let’s just say then that she’s more equal than some other pretty lady,” Wohl said. “If you’re ready for her, I’ll go get her.”

“Anytime it’s convenient,” Washington said. “But an hour ago would be better than tomorrow.”

“Jason, all I’m going to do is stroke her feathers,” Wohl said. “Did I have to tell you that?”

“No, but I’m glad you did,” Washington said. “Thank you.”

“But for personal curiosity, has anything turned up?” Wohl asked.

“Not yet, but if I was a white b

oy with long hair and a zipper jacket, I don’t think I would leave the house today. I guess you heard what the Highway Patrol is up to?”

“I’m not sure how effective that will be, but you can’t blame them. They liked Dutch.”

“So did I. We were partners, once. Hell, Highway may even catch him.”

“What’s your gut feeling, Jason?”

“Well, he’s either under a rock somewhere in Philadelphia, or he’s long gone. But gut feeling? He’s either here or in Atlantic City.”

Wohl nodded and made a little grunting noise.

“An undercover guy from Narcotics thinks he identified the woman—”

“Sergeant Hobbs called me,” Washington interrupted him. “If they can come up with a name ...”

“I have a feeling they will,” Wohl said. “Okay. So long as you understand where I fit in this, Jason, I’ll go fetch the eyewitness.”

He stood up.

Detective Jason F. Washington, Sr., extended something to Staff Inspector Peter Wohl.

“What’s that?”

“Miracle of modern medicine,” Washington said. “It’s supposed to prevent ulcers.”

“Are you suggesting I’m going to need it?” Wohl asked with a smile.

“Somebody thinks that TV lady is going to be trouble,” Washington said.

Wohl popped the antacid in his mouth, and then turned and walked out of Homicide.

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