But wont I have to tell that sooner or later? Isnt it evidence, and.. Devine blinked himself awake and stared around the antiseptic confines of his hospital room. Just beneath the intoxicating shimmer of the morphine drip, he felt both the snakelike bite of the Sig Sauer nine-millimeter round and the surgery that had followed. Without painkillers he knew he would be shrieking in agony right now. Within one minute, yes. That, too, Dino said. Army sort of required it. And Ive kept it up because I like to be able to take care of myself.Like I did in that alley. Now, Mr. Mason, dont misunderstand me. I was only trying to get matters straight in my own mind. Youre certain? And you only saw her once on that day? I certainly did. Where? How? And the same for Ted. There he was in half the photos. This was what united them. This career that they both fed; this political career that they both spent night and day nurturing and sustaining. Who was that woman? Ill just pull out what I need for tonight, she said. Im sure I can find a place in the morning. Chapter 4 Whatd he say? I was plum out of smart lines to accompany my retreat. All I did was shrug, turn around and head for the front door..