Page 79 of The Happy Month

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

August 1-2, 1996

Thursday afternoon/Friday morning

We were back in Palm Springs by noon. We found a Mexican restaurant with take-out, got a giant chicken burrito and a small order of beef tacos and took it back to the hotel. I had some long-distance calls to make.

After we split the burrito in half and divvied up the tacos, Ronnie said, “You’re not supposed to talk to me about this one, are you?”

“No.”

“Fine. I’ll eat outside. You make your calls.”

On the one hand, he was being considerate; on the other, those cute boys were lying naked by the pool scorching themselves. I decided not to think too much about that and took a big bite of the burrito.

While I chewed, I wondered what would be the best way to get ahold of Kelly Wallpole. I didn’t want to call her sister for the phone number. She wouldn’t want to give it tome, not without being told why I needed it. I took a chance and called information in Los Angeles. I asked for Dr. Wallpole. Bingo. Got a number.

I reached her nurse, who didn’t want to let me talk to the doctor.

“It’s a personal matter. Could you let her know I’m on the phone.”

“I’ll tell her you called. Could you give me a number, Mr. Reilly.”

“No. I’ll wait.”

“That won’t do you any good.”

“Then I’ll call back. In five minutes. And then five minutes after that. Until she comes to the phone.”

After a long pause she said, “Hold on.”

I waited. And waited. And waited. Finally, Kelly came on the line. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Did you call in a tip toTheDowney Legendabout Pete being engaged?”

After a moment’s pause, she said, “No. I didn’t. And you can’t call here like?—”

“Why does the reporter say you did?”

Another pause before she said, “Hold on. I’m going to pick you up on another line.”

I waited. Again. Finally, she picked up. “I did not make that call.”

“Are you saying Sammy Blanchard used your name?”

“Yes, that’s what I’m saying.”

“Were you there when she made the phone call?”

“I was. I was horrified when she gave my name.”

“Did she tell you why she made the call?”

“She said it was a joke.”

“It was murder. Why would she joke about murder?”

“I ask that question now. But I was just a kid then.”