Do me one favor then, Jess. Im working on it as hard as I can. There are things I havent told you yet. Ellen glanced down at her lap. She looked like she wanted to leap up and run from the room. You dont like sausage and ale? Ive known Christian since we were kids. Hes not some criminal. Over here, Billy. This asshole is givin me grief. Are we staying at your apartment? Its working. Stone hurried to hang up first. A beer would be fine. Heres my plan, Dino said. Youve still got your honorary detectives badge, right? How are you, Stone? Herbert Fisher was a protégé of Stones, in a manner of speaking, who had formerly been a sly shyster of an attorney with a dubious claim to membership in the bar. Under Stones tutelage, he had transformed himself into a graduate of New York University Law School, passed the bar, and gone to work for Woodman& Weld, where he was recently elected partner. Her smile faded.I forgot to ask you before. Why were the police here yesterday morning? It was early but I got woken up when I heard them knock on the door, and then I saw the police lights outside. You know my room faces the street. Maybe even faster than the old, retired gunfighter. Sure you are. And Im shocked that you havent admitted that were both looking for the same recorder.’ And what am I supposed to do? You have an alibi? Mason asked, making his voice light with banter. And I chose to defend myself and walk out of that alley with my brain still intact..