“My appointment with Baron Bell is for eleven o’clock. When I leave here, I want to go back to my house to shower and change. I’m simply going to lay my cards on the table and hope the man sees the light. I expect him to clam up and admit to nothing. If you have something you care to give me to show him, that just might make it easier for the Dawsons and the Evanses. Thank Ted for me for getting the Evanses to sign on. What are they saying on the mountain?”

“They’re saying everyone in question is under surveillance. The girls are ready to move at a moment’s notice. In case no one told you, you are to take pictures of Bell’s office, especially that monstrosity of a safe. Charles’s people managed to get the blueprints, but things can change. Not that the safe will have been moved. I understand it weighs a couple of tons. Do you think Bell will lie to you?”

“Oh, yeah. I have my ducks all in a row. When are you going to start running your articles? By the way, I saw on the Net that Bell is gearing up for his White House kids’ Christmas party.”

“Yeah, we blew that one up big-time. I gave him way too much press, but you do what you have to do to get where you want to go. I’m sure he was preening like a peacock when he read all his accolades. The man is vain, even though he pretends otherwise.”

Lizzie finished her coffee and bagel. Maggie tidied up the kitchen, unlocked the door, and led Lizzie back to her office. Lizzie tried not to laugh at the way Maggie was balancing several bananas, an orange, and a box of Ring Dings. In the office, Maggie dumped her snacks in her desk drawer.

“You want to see Espinosa’s photos in glorious color on the computer, or do you want to hold them in your hands? The guys did a great job. It’s going to cost me a meal at Martin’s, but it’s worth it. I think you’ll agree when you see what we have.”

Lizzie reached for a stack of glossy pictures. She took her time looking at each one, her eyes misting as she looked down at the babies. Maggie watched the lawyer’s jaw set, her eyes turning steely and hard. She felt sorry for Baron Bell.

“They’re great, Maggie. Do you have a headline to go with these?”

“I do. Want to see it?”

“You bet!” Lizzie watched as Maggie clicked her mouse. She leaned over to stare at the stark headline. She clapped her hands. “That’ll do it, Maggie! It’s perfect! Good going, Miss EIC! Listen, I have to run. Say hello and good-bye to everyone for me.”

The two women hugged each other. Maggie walked Lizzie to the elevator.