Why?"

"Nothing. The name's familiar."

"She works for Backus. Sort of the liaison between the center and the foundation on the suicide project. Anyway, Oline says she told Ford she's going to take a look at all of this. She might even want to talk to you."

"If I don't talk to her first." I stood up. "Let's go."

"Listen, one thing." He stood up. "I didn't do this, okay?

You use these files as an investigative tool only. You never publish a story that says you had access to foundation files.

You never admit that you even saw a file. It could be my job. Do you agree?"

"Absolutely." it., "Then say "I agree. To all of it."

We headed toward the door.

"It's funny," he said. "All those years procuring sources.

I never really realized what they were risking for me. Now I do. It's kind of scary."

I just looked at him and nodded. I was afraid if I said anything he'd change his mind and go home.

On the way to the foundation in his car, he added- a few more ground rules.

"I am not to be a named source in your story, okay?"

"Okay.

"And any information from me cannot be attributed to a 'foundation source,' either. Just a 'source familiar with the investigation,' okay? That gives me some cover."

"Okay.

"What you're looking for here are names that might be connected to your guy. If you find them, fine, but later on you don't have to report on how you got them. Do you understand?"

"Yeah, we've been over this. You're safe, Mike, I don't give up sources. Ever. All I'll do is use what we get here to get other confirmation. It'll be the blueprint. It's no problem."

He was quiet for a few moments before doubts must have crept into his mind.

"He's going to know it's me, anyway."

"Then why don't we stop? I don't want to jeopardize your job. I'll just wait for the bureau."

I didn't want to do that but I had to give him the option. I wasn't that far gone yet that I'd talk a guy into losing his job just to get information for a story. I didn't want that on my conscience. There was enough there already.

"You can forget the FBI as long as it's Walling's case."

"You know her? She tough?"

"Yeah, one of those as hard as nails with fingernail polish on. I tried shooting the shit with her once. She just shut me down. From what I hear from Oline, she got divorced or something a while back. I guess she's still in her 'men are pigs' mode and it's looking permanent to me."

I held up saying anything. Warren had to make a decision and I couldn't help.

"Don't worry about Ford," he finally said. "He may think it's me but he won't be able to do anything about it.

I'll deny. So, unless you break the agreement, he'll have nothing but his suspicions."