44

“TERRY, DOES THE HERALD use Walters, Cassidy & Breen for any legal work?” Jenna asked, as soon as he picked up the phone and said “Hello.”

“Hey, where are your manners? You’re supposed to say ‘Good morning’ before you start in with the questions.”

“Come on, this is rush, rush … but for you, good morning.”

“And you should really let a guy know how terrific he was the night before. By the way, did your engine ever shut off after I left?”

“Stop asking embarrassing questions.” He could envision the smile on her face as she said it. “You were very very good. Now tell me the answer.”

“Yes, my love. The answer is that we use one of their litigators whenever we get sued on First Amendment stuff. That’s all I’m aware of. Why do you ask?”

“Do you know a Douglas Fiore over there?”

“I’ve heard the name,” he said, “but that’s it. I never met the guy. I think he’s the managing partner or the CEO or whatever they have. Oh, oh, what’s he been charged with?”

“A couple of sources tell me he may run against Richie Cardella. I’m going to try and contact Fiore at work right now. If I get him, I’ll let you know what he says. You may want to tell Richie. But don’t say anything to Dan McMurphy. If the rumor’s true, I want to break his heart with the news myself. That man really hates to lose a bet.”

“Listen, Jenna, if you do speak to him, ask him if he knows why the sharks didn’t bother that lawyer who fell off the boat into Narragansett Bay.”

Jenna knew what was coming. “Okay, I give up,” she said quickly. “Let’s have it.”

“Professional courtesy.”

She laughed. “Not bad, Superman. Have a good weekend.”

“You too. Good luck.”