"So, you know why I'm here?"
"I can guess. You're either the sister or the wife of the Ray Reid in the clink. No ring, so I'll go with sister."
"Correct. He's guilty by reason of being a stranger. I'm going to put more suspects in the pot and stir it up."
"That'll get your name in the paper and your picture on TV. God, you're the poster girl-next-door if I ever saw one. Love your cute skirt. Grab that chair over there, Sugar. Scoot up close so I can get a good look at you. I heard you were in town. I phoned Jerry Kagan a couple days ago; he wouldn't say anything about you and wouldn't let me talk to your brother. Maybe you can help me. National TV is interested now. So far, I'm on the inside, still I could easily get pushed out."
"I haven't seen any TV satellite trucks."
"They did some videophone and shot some tape at first. Now they're just standing by. I've been feeding the AP, but the boss says not to help any TV reporters.
"I've read your pieces. You're as good as anyone up north. Crime reporting is your thing."
"I'm okay with small crimes. Big stories are rare around here. I'm probably in over my head. It's exciting but sad, I knew the senator." Linda pointed at Sandy's left hand. "You're unattached. They don't have what you're after in the big city?"
"I had somebody up there, but I'm not looking for anything serious. I'm just a kid didn't you notice."
"You'd be astonished at what I notice about you." She leaned closer. "Tell me, met anyone that interests you down here?"
"No time, and I don't plan to be around here long."
"You have other brothers, sisters?"
"No, just Raymond."
"Too bad. Every girl should have a big sister. Someone to take care of her now and then." She tried to make eye contact with Sandy who had looked away. "Anyhow, are you going to let me interview you? My murder copy is getting stale. Got plenty of rumors that I can't back up."
"Something for something?"
"Sure, let's get right to it. You go first. What was in your brother's statement to the police?"
"Geez, you don't mess around. I can't divulge that. Too many names, it might prejudice our case somehow."
"What was your brother doing at the senator's apartment?"
"Raymond met Towson at a party the week before."
"Bullshit. Why was he there?"
"He was told someone was in trouble. He went there looking for her. That's the truth."
"Who's her? What sort of trouble? I can't print half-ass stuff. Does the trouble have anything to do with the murder?"