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The Hilmers had positively identified Lou as the man they had seen sitting in the sedan in the parking lot of the Sea Lamp Diner. Knox explained the reason for A
When you start counting the people who were murdered in cold blood because they were perceived as threatening, and add to that the ones who died in the name of research, it’s pretty chilling, Fran said to herself. And when I put what happened to Dad in the same context, I realize that he was a victim as well. His weakness compounded it, of course, but Whitehall actually caused his death.
Assistant Prosecutor Jacobs had shown Fran the worthless stock certificates that Lou had kept as a reminder of a profitable little scam on her father. “ Cal had Lou Knox give your father a hot tip to buy $40,000 worth of this stock,” Jacobs told her. “He was sure your father would fall for it, because he apparently practically worshiped Whitehall ’s financial success.
“Cal Whitehall counted on your father to borrow the money from the library fund. He was on the committee with your father and had access to the account as well. The $40,000 withdrawal became $400,000, thanks to Cal ’s manipulations, and your father knew he could neither replace it nor prove that he hadn’t taken the entire amount.”
He still took money that wasn’t his, even if he only meant it as a kind of loan, Fran thought. At least Dad must be smiling, since Lou’s other “hot tip” didn’t blow me to kingdom come as intended.
She would cover the trials of Dr. Lowe, Cal Whitehall and Je
Evil people, all of them. But, she reflected, they’re going to pay for what they did with many years in prison. On the bright side, though, Remington Health Management will be taken over by American National Insurance, with a good and decent man at the helm. Molly is selling the house and moving to New York, where she’ll start a magazine job next month. Philip is crazy about her, but Molly needs a lot of time to heal and sort out her life before even thinking about a commitment. What is to be will be, and he knows it.
Fran reached for her coat. I’m going home, she decided. I’m tired and I need to regroup. Or maybe it’s spring fever setting in, she thought, as she looked out at the flowers on display below at Rockefeller Center.
She turned to see Tim Mason standing in her doorway. “I’ve been watching you today,” he said. “I have decided you look kind of down. My prescription is to come with me to Yankee Stadium immediately. The game starts in forty-five minutes.”
Fran smiled. “A perfect solution for the blues,” she agreed, making a quick decision.
Tim linked her arm in his. “Di
“Your treat, remember,” Fran interjected. “Think of your mother’s feeling on the subject.”
“Absolutely. However, a small bet on the outcome of the game would enhance my enjoyment.”
“I’ll take the Yankees, but I’ll give you a three-run spread,” Fran offered.
They stepped into the elevator and the door closed behind them.