"Once or twice-a lipstick or a scarf. When I did, I just left it on Vance's desk and said nothing about it."
"Anything that you could identify as belonging to Walters?"
"Come to think of it, the lipstick I found was one I've seen her wear, but I suppose that's a pretty tenuous connection, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is. Nothing else?"
"Nothing I can think of. I'll call you if I think of anything else."
"Thanks, I'd appreciate that. It could be important."
"How's Arrington bearing up?"
"I don't know, to tell you the truth. She's not communicating with me at the moment."
"Uh, oh; I don't want to know about that."
"Good, because I'm not going to tell you about it. What do you have planned for the day?"
"The beach, of course. Can't you hear the surf over the phone?"
"You know, I think I can."
"That's all you need to know about my day."
"You take care, then."
"Bye-bye."
Stone hung up. That had been a disappointment. He called Dino.
"Yes?"
"It's me. How's it going?"
"I'm having a lovely time sitting around the pool, while Mary Ann and Arrington talk and giggle."
"Any thaw there?"
"A little, maybe; I'll have to pump Mary Ann. My guess is, though, if you want her to talk to you, you're going to have to make the first move."
"What did I do?"
"Nothing, nothing, just got married. That seems to have disappointed her."
"But…"
"Listen, Stone, you don't have to convince me. She's behaved badly and won't admit it. I'm just saying that you're going to have to make the move, whether it's logical or not. It's how women work."
"Tell me about it."
"I shouldn't have to. What's up with you? Anything happening?"
"Marc Blumberg has filed for a motion to dismiss the charges against Arrington, so he'll probably turn up over there pretty soon to prep her for her testimony."
"What are the chances of shutting this thing down early?"
"In my view? Two: slim and very slim."