“But why is beauty desirable? In the insect world, beauty usually indicates danger. Bright colors or patterns warn predators or attract prey. Among insects, desiring beauty is a good way to get eaten.”

She smiled. “Are you feeling flustered, Dr. Polchak?”

“Yes—and it really annoys me.”

“Then let’s talk about something else. My husband tells me you’re looking for information.”

“I understand you’re from Endor.”

“That’s right—though I moved away when I was very young.”

“Do you have any family records? Any kind of family history?”

“My background is a little different from my husband’s. My biological parents died when I was just a baby; I was adopted by a childless couple. My biological parents came from very old Virginia families, but due to my early adoption I have only a few of their family records—just genealogies and things like that. I don’t think that’s what you’re looking for, is it?”

“I’m looking for information about the graveyard we’re excavating at the Patriot Center.”

“What sort of information?”

“Who’s buried there? When did they die? Who else might know the location of that graveyard?”

“Did you ask in Endor? They have the regional library there.”

“It was my first stop.”

“What about UVA? They have some extensive historical collections there—especially dealing with Virginia history.”

“It’s worth a try, but Virginia is a big state with a long history—since you’re actually from Endor I thought I’d try you first.”

“I’m afraid I won’t be much help.”

Nick paused. “Would you help me if you could?”

She didn’t answer.

“Sorry,” Nick said. “I know that’s an awkward question.”

“That’s one word for it.”

“What I meant was—”

“I know what you meant, Dr. Polchak. You’re wondering if my husband and I might be withholding information—if there might be some skeleton in our closet that we’d rather not reveal just prior to a presidential election. Is that the basic idea?”

“Something like that, yes.”

“Do you have a specific reason for wondering about this, or are you just generally suspicious?”

Nick looked around the office. “I can see that you take a great interest in your husband’s affairs.”

“They’re my affairs too.”

“May I ask what your official capacity is—other than ‘wife’?”

“I serve as office manager and political strategist. I also handle media relations.”

“Who does the hiring and firing?”

“I do, in general.”

“Did you fire Nathan Donovan?”

She hesitated. “That was my husband’s decision. I agreed with him, though I found the decision . . . disappointing. Why do you ask?”

“I’ve known Donovan for years; he was your best shot at solving this thing. Firing him was a bad decision—so bad that it made me wonder if you really want this thing solved at all.”