"How can you promise that?"

"Linda and I are very close."

"I suspected that. Well, it's interesting. Now if you don't hold up your end, I'm going to announce it was all an administrative error and I'll slap him back in jail fast."

"Fair enough."

"Give me a few minutes to think this over."

Kagan came back on, "They went off into a big huddle here. It doesn't look good to me. Moran always has to win. I'll phone you back."

Ray sat, put his elbows on the table, and held his head looking down. "My stomach can't take much more of this."

"While we're waiting, Raymond, I must ask when did you develop your *Knight in Shining Armor' syndrome? If they hadn't arrested you, you'd still be out there running around trying to rescue fair maidens; a.s.suming you could recognize who was fair and who was foul. That isn't how you acted when you were younger. If you had I might have benefited when I needed you."

"Maybe guilt about not helping you was somewhere in my subconscious. Perhaps I was trying to save all the damsels in town to compensate for my failure to come to your rescue when you were in rehab and needed me."

The phone buzzed and Ray jumped for it. It was Kagan.

"I'll be d.a.m.ned. We got it," Kagan said. "I don't believe it. We got it. And only $250,000 bond! Just pledge twenty-five thousand of stock and Sandy can stay in town. You'll still be under arrest, but out of custody."

Ray stood and reached his arms out to Sandy and then unexpectedly flopped back limply into his chair. Sandy saw him collapse and rushed to his side of the table. Sergeant Lewis was right behind her. His forehead felt cold and sweaty. She held his head between her hands and gently shook him. He slowly opened his eyes. He saw his sister, and made a weak grin. "Oh, got all warm and dizzy there for a moment. Okay now."It was over-at least this important battle-not the entire war. He'd be away from that jail cell. The possibility of a conviction would still hang over him, but he'd be out of custody.

Kagan immediately phoned Meg Emerson at the brokerage firm. She said sure, they could collateralize Reid's securities and said to tell him that she was "deliriously happy" and wants to buy him a martini. Kagan's next call was to Beau Cobb, the bail bondsman. No problem getting the bond, he said, and wanted to know if Reid had any other sisters.

The next morning the newspaper and TV carried a quote from State Attorney Moran saying exceptional progress in all areas of the investigation now permitted the release of Raymond Reid pending trial, for the proper preparation of a defense.

After breakfast, Detective G.o.ddard appeared outside Ray's cell and handed his old cellphone back to him. "Here, sign this receipt. If you skip town, buddy, your sister is in for a h.e.l.lava lot of trouble."

"Leave this fine city, I wouldn't do that. Thanks for the phone."

"She says for you to call her as soon as you can."

Touching his own phone once again was like shaking hands with an old friend. He phoned Sandy immediately. She filled him in on what was happening and told him everyone was getting together at the Dockside Tavern tomorrow.

Mid-morning Ray got a call: "Ray, this is Tammy Jerrold. Your sister gave me your number. I just heard the news. I'm so pleased."

He didn't understand. Why would she call? "Tammy, I'm surprised you're calling."

"I was wrong about you. I see things more clearly now. How soon will you be out?"

He stretched his legs out to rest on the toilet and leaned back on the bunk, feeling incredibly high.. "I'll still be stuck here for a few more hours while they complete the paperwork. But just knowing that I'm getting out makes all the difference. I hope this means the investigation can now focus on the real killer. How do you think the town is taking it?"

"Not well. As it stands right now, if this goes to trial, they'll convict you. I just got in the office. No one is celebrating here, I can tell you that. I said something about how they shouldn't rush to judge you, and a couple of my so-called friends came down hard on me. There will be plenty of grumbling about you being released."

"When I make bail I'll sneak out the back way."

"You're joking but that's exactly what you should do. Do you suppose we could get together when you get out, Ray?"

He wasn't certain he heard correctly. "Are you serious? You'd like that?"

"I'd love it. Your first night out, I'll cook you dinner. Do you like pasta?"

Of course, he answered yes.

A police officer came over and started unlocking his cell. Ray told Tammy to hold on a second.

The officer said, "The judge wants to see you."

Ray said, "Tell him I'm busy."

"Very funny, get on your feet."

Chapter 32.

Ray Reid made a magnanimous gesture with his hand and told the waitress, "Drinks for everyone, including you, the bartender, and that guy over there at the end of the bar, whoever he is."

Sandy ordered a beer. Kagan supposed that considering his stomach he'd better just have tonic water. "So that's Martinis for Tammy and me. Meg?"

Meg hesitated and then said, "Sure, but I can stay for just one. I'm speaking at an investment seminar in Geneva next week and must prepare. Ray, you talked about the magnificent museums in Milan; I need to stop there on the way back. Next time you'll have to go with me. I can use some help tomorrow on my presentation if you want to lend a hand, I'd like that."

"Absolutely, Meg, I'd love it. Tomorrow is the first full day of the rest of my freedom."

"And if you're free tonight we could talk about it," Meg added.

"Oh, sorry, I already have plans tonight. Tammy is fixing me dinner." He felt a sharp kick under the table. He knew it was Sandy. He added, "But-I'd really like to get together and spend time with you tomorrow, I'll call you."

Sandy said, "We all need to thank you, Meg. You were very helpful and you stood by Raymond from that first dark day."

When she saw Linda come in, Sandy got up and walked over. In a low voice she asked, "What happened, Linda, do you still have a job?"

"Yes, and thanks to you, I'll probably keep it. Moran phoned my editor and informed him of Ray's release. Moran still didn't realize the paper never intended to print any of your material anyway. The editor just said fine, unaware I'd lied to Moran that it would be printed."

"Let's hope the real killer is caught before he wises up and your lie becomes an issue. I broke my rule against dating cops. Chip's taking me to dinner tomorrow night; out of town where we won't be bothered. How sweet is that? I need to buy a little black dress somewhere."

"Oh my G.o.d, you in a little black dress. Why don't you just hit him with a sledge hammer and save the money?"

"I'll let you know if we start sharing a toothbrush."

Everyone scooted around the table to make room for Linda. "Hey guys, you won't believe why I'm late," she said. "The paper got a call from a girl who read about Sandy accusing Huress of a.s.sault. The girl put the clipping on her wall and kept looking at it because some cop in a red pickup pulled the same routine on her and succeeded. He told her he knew where she lived and to keep quiet or he'd come around for seconds. After that, she avoided being seen in public, and got the shakes whenever she saw a cop car or a red pickup. Every day when she looked at the clipping the whole nightmare would come back. Eventually, she got up the nerve to phone the paper. She wants to bring charges like the woman in the paper did."

"The slimy b.a.s.t.a.r.d, how old is she?" Sandy asked.

"Eighteen now but she was underage when it happened. Here's the kicker. She has a cla.s.smate who said it happened to her too. My boss is meeting with both parents tonight. The paper will pay for their attorneys."

"Let's hope those were the only incidents," Meg said. "That means Huress is done for. Sandy, it took nerve for you to come forward with that accusation."

"I'll get my chance to slice him up from the witness stand after all."

Kagan said, "Your testimony-the testimony of an adult-will tie the ribbons on the entire case. He'll go to prison."

Meg said, "So, Sandy, I guess you're eager to get back to Philadelphia."

"Yes, I'm flying back tomorrow...."

Ray said, "Well, I can't thank you enough. I'm going to miss you." He reached across the table for her hand and held it for a moment. "I'll come visit you if it's all right. And if the charges against me ever get dismissed."

"...you didn't let me finish. And then I'm driving back here so I can give my new brother a ride in my new convertible." She locked eyes with Raymond. "I want to spend some time with him. We've lots of catching up to do, now that I'm a sister again."

Ray was delighted. "Why don't you look for a law school down here? Consider your tuition paid; you borrow the money and I'll make the payments."

"And I want to give proper notice up there and clean up some loose ends. Like a certain guy who has to move out or take over my lease. He won't be happy. Anyway, it'll take awhile to have my new MX-5 delivered. I'll need an apartment down here. I can't afford much."

"Rents are high," Tammy said. "My place has two bedrooms. If necessary you can stay with me until I find a nice place for you."

"Sorry to spoil your merriment here, but you're talking as if the show's over." Kagan was serious. "Ray remains under arrest and unless the real killer gets caught, the possibility remains we still might have to go to trial. Things can easily go wrong in a murder trial."

"I know, and I'll get back on it when I return. But not to worry," Sandy said. "Chip will get the bad guy. He and I have an idea who the killer is."

"Our thanks to you, Jerry. You were right in there and did all you were supposed to do," Ray said.

"If they drop the charges, then I think I'll keep my office open for a few more years," Kagan said. "I've been feeling better lately. The phone has started ringing again. I was invited to speak at a Rotary Club luncheon, how about that? Sandy, I have an unused desk if you want some work or just need somewhere to spread out and study for the bar exam. I could use the help, and you're definitely welcome."

An hour later, the drinks were finished and the chatter quieted. Meg and Kagan left. As Tammy and Ray were leaving Sandy said, "Come in quietly tonight, Raymond, and remember I've got your bedroom. You've got the couch."

"I can't wait to sleep on my old couch."

"And I don't do breakfast." Then Sandy stood and said, "Linda, let's go check out that special bar of yours for a couple of hours, I want to watch you dance."

"Let's go. I might hook up with Miss Right. You're not the only Coca Cola in the desert, you know."

Chapter 33.

Ray sat back and breathed the sweet air of freedom. He watched the Florida scenery flash by, and dreamed it would always be like this. That morning he had left a sweaty orange jumpsuit and some meaningless papers behind in a smelly jail cell, and now a beautiful woman was swiftly driving him to her barrier island condo apartment. From the ridiculous to the sublime in mere moments. He owned the earth and the sky. He'd settle for much less, in fact, he'd settle for zero as long as he was free.

Locked in jail had given him time to think. Acquaintances would no longer just come and go in his life. He'd be alert to the possibility of new friends. And perhaps one of his new friends would call him if needed someday, even at four a.m.

After ushering him in to her apartment, Tammy said, "I need to get out of these clothes. Make yourself at home." She disappeared into the bedroom.

From her small kitchen, he walked across the dining s.p.a.ce to the adjoining living room area with sliding gla.s.s doors. The balcony was just large enough for a small table and two lounge chairs, but it had an un.o.bstructed ocean view. Her place was modest, informal, and nicely decorated. A comfortable place to live, he thought.

She called from the bedroom, "You can do the wine. The bottle I want is on the counter. Opener is somewhere."

He opened the wine and found two gla.s.ses. "This view is great," he yelled back.

"The value is in the view. I couldn't afford to buy it at today's prices. I should sell it straight away before they squeeze in another building in front of the ocean."

She came out wearing what he would always remember as perfect: a pink-flowered silk top with matching pants. Not sheer but close fitting enough for him to suspect she wore nothing underneath. Her remarkable body was definitely liberated under there.

She shuffled through some CDs. "Cla.s.sical guitar okay?"

They walked out on the balcony. They sipped their wine, listened to Villa-Lobos, and looked out at the waves. The contrast between this scene and jail was wider than the ocean that stretched out until it met the sky.

There was a half-hour of daylight left. The air was warm. The ocean breeze playfully tugged at her hair and blew her lounging outfit so tightly against her body it appeared she wore only a silky layer of paint. Instinctively he stared.

She slowly turned to put the light wind at her back. "It must feel great being out from behind bars. You and your sister have worked hard. How's your defense going? Is there anything I can do?"

She had interrupted his image of her posed there like a poetic G.o.ddess heroically facing the ocean naked, with the taut nipples of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s boldly aimed at the horizon. "Jail isn't on my mind just now. I don't want to be reminded of it tonight." He politely changed the subject. "It appears you've been in Park Beach quite a while."

"Has to be fifteen years or so. I remember it was an election year and Towson was running for mayor. I was clerking in a department store. I was young and idealistic and got interested in his campaign. He was so tall and distinguished looking. That year was the first I'd ever voted, even though I was twenty-something. I remember a lot of excitement as there was also a Presidential election that year."

"Who was running for president?"

"Good question, let's see, fifteen years ago who was running? You know I don't remember. You're the history expert, you tell me," she laughed.

"So, the wide-eyed young girl joins his campaign and ends up working for him?"

"Well, there's a story in that. The salad's already done. Let me start the pasta, and I'll tell you."

He followed her into the kitchen.

She fussed around with the kitchenware, and then began, "I was at the election night gathering of all the campaign workers at the Legion Hall. As word of the victory spread, well-wishers poured in from the street. Air conditioning couldn't begin to handle the overflowing mob plus the TV lights. The hall was hot and we were exhausted. It had been a long day. I took off my painful shoes, and they got kicked over, I didn't know where. I remember I was soaked, trying to keep my damp stringy hair out of my eyes and sipping on a beer. Looking as I did, I kept ducking to avoid all the cameras." She watched the boiling water and gave stir to something in a small saucer. "I'm skipping the garlic tonight." In between her cookery, their eyes would reconnect.

"A special time for you." He wondered if she could feel his eyes on her body whenever she looked away.

She went on with the dinner preparations. "I was running on adrenaline, and couldn't have been happier. An hour later, the cameras were gone and the crowd thinned. Tony Hackett, his campaign manager, came over as I hunted for my other shoe. He said Mayor Towson wanted to meet me. Tony obviously enjoyed saying *The Mayor.' I told him no way. I was a mess. I needed to freshen up, which was impossible there. Tony said just come on the mayor is waiting. I asked if the mayor was thanking all the block workers. No, he was alone and asking for me by name." In time, she finished in the kitchen and they moved to the dining table.

He refilled the wine gla.s.ses and she proposed a toast to "new relationships." Ray was all in favor of new relationships-could she mean them?

"I had never formally met him, and I never dreamed he knew I existed. So, there I was in my bare feet carrying one shoe and following Tony to some room in the back. He introduced me to the great man. When Al noticed I wasn't wearing any shoes, he reached down and slipped off both of his own shoes. Wasn't that sweet? I'm standing there sweating, straggly hair hanging down, looking like a barefooted third-world refugee, and he takes off his shoes."

"Very cla.s.sy. What did he want?" His eyes wandered around her hair and her warm blue eyes. He decided that he liked her a lot.

"Two weeks earlier, our precinct captain had failed to show up for a get-out-the-vote canva.s.s. We volunteers started to disperse so I stood up and told them we could do it without a leader. I fumbled through it."

"Actually, you became the leader."