Page 19 of Deadline

“Collier War Museum. Specializes in—”

“Look, if you’re so freakin’ smart, why’d you have me look up all this crap? Which, if we’re splitting hairs, you could’ve looked up yourself.”

“But I’m clumsy at it and you’re adroit.”

“Adroit, my ass. You just don’t want to take the time.”

“I just don’t want to take the time,” he admitted.

“Your time’s more valuable than mine?”

“No, you’re priceless, and I couldn’t do without you. You know that.”

“Yeah, yeah,” she muttered. “I’ve got photos of Ms. Nolan. She’s at least an eight.”

“Closer to a nine. And a half.”

“I swear to God, Dawson, you had better not have me doing all this work just ’cause you’ve got the hots for the lady. I’m not running a dating service here.”

“I swear, it’s vital background information for a story.”

“One you don’t want Harriet to know about.”

“Not yet.” He glanced around and realized that the corridor had virtually cleared. He needed to hurry, but he had a few more questions for Glenda and was afraid that if he didn’t ask them while she was being moderately agreeable, he’d be left wanting. “Do you have a current address for her?”

“Last one that surfaced was Jones Street in Savannah.”

Considering what had happened, he doubted she was still living there. “Where did the congressman live?”

Glenda told him. “One website had photos. Oak trees with Spanish moss. White columns. Deep veranda. Your basic Tara.”

“Is anyone living there now?”

“Don’t know.”

“See if you can find out. And work on getting a current address for her.”

“We’re looking at a holiday weekend, you know.”

“But you love me. You know you do.”

“In your dreams.”

Grinning, he started toward the elevator bank. “Anything else you can dig up will be greatly appreciated. Text, call, or e-mail me. Any hour.”

“I’ve got a life, too, you know. Never mind that it sucks.”

“One more thing. How did Congressman Nolan die?”

“Well, finally! I’ve been itching for you to ask.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I saved the best for last.”

Diary of Flora Stimel—January 23, 1978

Today was awful, the reason being that Carl got furious at me.