Stone joined the big table and had a meatball and some pasta. The restaurant was famous for its meatballs. He kept the earphones on. Mason said to the men who carried the mine detectors,Over there in that sandy patch, boys. You can begin over there, and then work around the yard over toward the lawn, and then make a swing around by the landing pier over there. Dino stared at him.Why? Friend of mine, Drakes operative said. Im over here in the booth. Hell join me. You were so excited that you couldnt make an inventory of what jewelry was missing. Isnt that right? Sure, I said. I was his friend. Backfired? Mason asked, as though Burger had taken leave of his senses. Long enough to get rid of the ulcers and get happy and healthy. Now the point that Im getting at is that since I have what you might call a close-coupled economy with myself, working for myself, employing myself, getting wages from myself, selling fish to myself, and … Criminal. He said,It isnt conscience, its business. Ill be right back, gentlemen. I just need a few minutes. What about it? he said curtly. Id like to speak to him. The press loved the drama. The TV people especially enjoyed asking average citizens about the shooting. One woman even teared up talking about how afraid she was for poor Congresswoman Bradshaw. Tears are the TV equivalent of orgasm. Right. And his instincts were telling him that a killer was still out there. Four people dead and it had everything to do with Sara Ewes, and not Brad Cowl and Area 51. Sure, but contractors dont have security cards. Thatd be a problem. Cant just let folks waltz in the back door like that. When I was through talking it was nearly six-thirty and I noticed with some surprise that I had finished only half my drink. The ice had melted in it, but it was still cool, so I drank some of it anyway..