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“A man came to my door yesterday, saying that he worked for John’s employer, then gave me the news and his condolences. He left an envelope with information on how to claim John’s insurance and pension.”
“And what was that gentleman’s name?”
“If he gave one, I didn’t get it.”
“Can you describe him?”
“About your height and weight; better dressed than I would have expected an Agency official to be. Quite handsome. Early forties, perhaps.”
“I suppose that could describe a lot of people.”
“I suppose it could, but for the handsome part.”
There was a silence, while each of them waited for the other to speak.
“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Stone asked, finally.
“I don’t know,” she said. “Is there?”
“May I ask, how did you come to seek me out?”
“Your card was in the envelope the gentleman from the Agency gave me. Do you know why?”
“I do some consulting work for them, and I was present in Maine at the time of... the event. I can’t think of any other reason.”
She gathered herself to leave.
“Ms. Morgan?”
“Yes?”
“In your conversation with the gentleman from the Agency, do you remember whether the words ‘in the line of duty’ were mentioned?”
“Yes, they were. Why?”
“If he died in the line of duty that might affect the amount of the insurance and pension payments. When you apply, you should mention that on the form.”
“A good point,” she said. “I thank you for your assistance. I hope, perhaps, to see you some other time, in more pleasant circumstances.” She laid a card on his desk, then turned and walked out.
Joan came in. “Who was that?” she asked.
“That was Mrs. Corpse,” Stone replied.
5
The next night,Stone, Viv, and Dino sat at the bar at P. J. Clarke’s. Stone told them about the Collins corpse.
“John Collins?” Dino asked.
“Right.”
“I know that name from somewhere, but I can’t remember where or when.”
“I’ll send your apologies to Rodgers and Hart.”
“It’ll come to me,” Dino said.
“I’ll wait with bated breath.”
