Jack’s jaw slowly dropped open. As far as he was concerned, Paul Sutherland’s being an arms dealer was far more important vis-a-vis Laurie than his having been convicted of cocaine possession.

“He used to have a monopoly of sorts importing Bulgarian AK-47s, at least until 1994 when the Omnibus Crime Bill was passed and they were banned along with eighteen other semiautomatic assault weapons.”

“This is serious,” Jack said.

“Of course it’s serious,” Lou said. “These Bulgarian AK-47s are very popular with far-right militia groups and other screwy survivalists.”

“I’m talking about in relation to Laurie,” Jack said. “Do you have any idea of her stand on gun control?”

“Not exactly,” Lou admitted.

“Well, let me tell you,” Jack said. “She’d like to disarm the entire country, including patrolmen. She’s made gunshot wounds her forensic specialty.”

“She never mentioned that to me,” Lou said. He sounded hurt.

“Well, I think the fact that her potential fiancé deals in guns is a hell of a lot more important to tell her about than the cocaine bust.”

“Does that mean you’ll do it?”

“Oh, hell,” Jack said. “Won’t you? You found out about it, and she’ll surely ask me my source. I’ll have to say it was you anyway.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Lou said. “I think you could do it better than I. You’ve got so much more in common with her.”

“Coward,” Jack said.

“Well, you’re hardly being courageous,” Lou pointed out. “Come on! You see her much more than I do. I mean, you work in the same building.”

“All right, I’ll think about it,” Jack said. “But I’m not making any promises.”

Jack’s phone rang. He snatched the handset from its cradle and his voice sounded almost angry. He quickly mellowed when he heard himself. Marlene Wilson, the receptionist, was on the other end of the line.

“I hope I’m not bothering you, Dr. Stapleton,” Marlene said. She had a slight Southern accent.

“Not at all,” Jack said. “What’s up?”

“There are several gentlemen down here to see you,” Marlene said. “Are you expecting anyone?”

“Not that I know of,” Jack said. “What are their names?”

“Just a moment,” Marlene said.

“Hey, I gotta go,” Lou said. He stood up. “I better get out of here before I run into Laurie.”

“Keep in touch,” Jack said with a wave. “We’re going to have to make a decision about this sensitive intelligence you’ve gathered.”

Lou nodded and disappeared from view.

Marlene came back on the line. “It’s Mr. Warren Wilson and a Mr. Flash Thomas. What would you like me to say to them?”

“My word,” Jack said. “Tell them to come on up!”