Unforced Error by Michael Bowen Page B

pull a Nick-and-Nora here.”
    â€œThat verged on condescending.”
    â€œIt was a literary allusion,” Rep protested.
    â€œI guess it was, at that. I suppose I should be flattered.”
    The phone rang. They both sprang to answer it. This involved a mild collision, a moment’s confusion, and a rare unladylike ejaculation from Melissa, for the Damons’ bedroom phone was cunningly concealed somewhere with its ringer turned off, and Rep and Melissa had instinctively headed first for the telephone locations in their own home. Rep managed to find the Damons’ phone in the living room by the fourth ring, as Melissa picked up the kitchen extension.
    â€œDamon residence, Rep Pennyworth speaking,” Rep said.
    â€œThis isn’t Peter?” a male voice that Rep didn’t quite recognize asked.
    â€œNo, my wife and I are guests of the Damons. Peter isn’t here right now.”
    â€œHow about Linda?”
    â€œNot at the moment, I’m afraid. Can I take a message?”
    â€œYes. In fact, it’s lucky you answered. This is John Paul Lawrence.”
    â€œYes, of course. I’m terribly sorry about Mr. Quinlan’s death. That must be a terrible blow both to you and your company.”
    â€œThat is exactly right, and you’re very kind to say so. I was hoping to reach Linda to talk both about a fitting memorial for Tom, and somewhat less sentimentally about keeping his projects on track.”
    â€œI’ll have her call you as soon as I see her,” Rep said.
    â€œOrdinarily, I would have put that call off at least until tomorrow. But I heard a few minutes ago that the detectives investigating Tom’s murder have been told that Linda was seen last night talking with him, even though he hadn’t planned on coming to the social.”
    â€œI see,” Rep said.
    â€œAndy Pignatano is a local lawyer who does criminal work and is highly regarded. He is coming out here at two-thirty. I thought it might be a good idea for Linda to join us in a consultation. You as well, for that matter.”
    â€œI’ll try to get word to her, and if I can get out there myself I will.”
    â€œGood. Hope to see you then.”
    Phones clicked. When Melissa returned to the living room, she saw Rep hurriedly unbuttoning his shell jacket while he hustled toward the stairs.
    â€œSee if you can find a large cardboard box,” he yelled over his shoulder, panting because he was taking two steps at a time. “Hurry!”
    Cardboard box?
she wondered.
    â€œNo, wait, that’s dumb,” Rep said, pausing breathlessly at the top of the stairs and unbuckling his belt. “Boot my computer up and plug in the phone modem. First, send an e-mail to the all-attorneys’ list at the firm asking for recommendations of the top three criminal lawyers in Kansas City. Then get on the net and search for TASA.”
    â€œT-A-S-A?” Melissa asked, as if she were involved in a sane conversation. “And what’s wrong with the Pignatano guy?”
    â€œTo answer your questions in order,” Rep yelled from the bedroom, “yes, and nothing as far as I know, except that I don’t know whose lawyer he is.”
    Rep stripped off his uniform and equipment and tossed them on the bed. He climbed gratefully back into the twenty-first century clothes he’d left in this room less than twenty-four hours before. Then he turned to the Damons’ closets. He started to pick up a suitcase, checked himself, and chose a large suit carrier instead. He laid this on the bed.
    â€œHoney,” Melissa called to him, “I’ve sent the e-mail, and I’ve gotten three-hundred-fifty-two catches on TASA. Which one do I want?”
    â€œTechnical Advisory Services for Attorneys,” he yelled in response.
    He found the calico dresses that Linda and Melissa had presumably worn last night and slid them into the suit carrier. Then he stuffed Peter’s