The Ying on Triad (23 page)

"We'll be ready," I said, winking back at him.

As I reached the office door, Danny stopped me. `By
the way, Tony. Your old man is gone. After you left tonight, he caught a freight for Dallas.

His words cut into my heart like a knife. I guess I had
my hopes too high, and I should have known better. Still,
I drew a deep breath and, releasing it slowly, grinned
weakly at Janice and while shrugging in resignation at
Danny. "Well, at least I'm batting five hundred. Saved one
and lost one. Maybe next time it'll all work out"

"Next time," Jack Edney said as we rode the elevator
down to the parking lot, "is when you help me win the
election. You know, Tony, I've been thinking. Maybe you
could use an assistant campaign manager"

"Oh?" I had a sinking feeling. I hated to ask the next
question, "Who did you have in mind?"

"Diane. I think she would be an asset, don't you?"

All I could do was close my eyes and fall back against
the elevator wall.

Laying her head on my shoulder, Janice said in a silky smooth voice with a touch of amusement. "Cheer up,
Tony. It'll be fun. I'll help you. Besides, I've decided that
I like this business, and I want to work with you on your
next case"

The elevator wall was all that kept me from collapsing.