“No, that ain’t so,” Jack sniped. “For your information, I am buying Nikki ten one-pound boxes of See’s Candies. She loves their milk-chocolate orange creams. Ten boxes, gentlemen!”

Ted let loose with a loud guffaw. “Candy! Tell me you aren’t serious? Even I know candy won’t cut it. Women want something of substance, something they can pawn if things go awry. I know this because Maggie explained it to me. She also told me something else. If you value your life, do not ever, as in ever, give your girlfriend something with a plug on the end. Presents with plugs on the end are the kiss of death to a relationship. I thought you knew everything there was to know about women! Ha!”

Harry looked like he was in agony as he turned first to Ted and then to Jack and Espinosa as he tried to make sense of what he was hearing.

Jack was saved from making a comment when the phone on the end table rang. All four men looked at each other, and yet no one made a move to answer it.

“I think you should answer that, Jack,” Espinosa said. “It might be Charles—you remember Charles—who just might have a plan we can implement.”

Jack picked up the phone. “Yes, sir, I can hear you just fine. Yes, sir.” He mouthed the words my boss for the others’ benefit. “I don’t know what I can do, sir. I had to leave my car in town and walked home. Georgetown hasn’t been plowed. I don’t have snowshoes, sir. I understand every police officer, every reserve officer, every retired officer has been called in to help. Even the FBI? I didn’t know that, sir. CIA, too. That leaves the Secret Service, and you know how those guys hate us locals. I don’t understand why the Secret Service boys would think a terrorist attack might be in the offing with this weather. Well, yes, sir, there is paranoid, and then there is paranoid. The Christmas party at the White House is still on, and they have to deal with Santa Claus. Yes, I understand Santa Claus and the kiddies are a top priority. What do you want me to do, sir?”

Jack’s eyes went from wild to glazed as he listened to his boss. “I have three friends here, sir. I suppose…Yes, sir, I am an officer of the court and will do exactly as you say. I will deputize all three of my friends. I’m happy to be of help, and I’m sure they…my friends will be just as happy.” Jack wondered how his boss would know they would understand, because Harry was going to kill him, and Ted and Espinosa would bury him in the snow, and his body wouldn’t be found till the spring thaw.