“What happened?” Jack asked. He leaned against Laurie’s desk.

“Last night at dinner I tried to have a conversation with him about what you and Lou told me,” Laurie said. “It didn’t work. It immediately became confrontational.”

“That’s not a good sign,” Jack said.

“Don’t I know,” Laurie said. She dabbed at her eyes again. “It made me feel he was hiding something, and that idea was bolstered by his behavior today. I shouldn’t have let him in, but he called up from downstairs saying he wanted to apologize. Some apology!”

“What do you think he’s hiding?” Jack asked.

“I’m not sure,” Laurie admitted. “But I think he might be selling illegal Bulgarian AK-47 assault rifles.”

Jack whistled. “That’s bad news!”

“That’s an understatement,” Laurie said. She shook her head. “I suppose I could deal with his being an arms dealer if I understood it had some legitimate purpose for national defense. I certainly could forgive a past run-in with the law about cocaine possession, provided he wasn’t still using the stuff. But I’d never tolerate his selling illegal assault rifles or guns of any sort to private people, particularly kids. It turns out that skinhead, Brad Cassidy, who I posted on Monday, had also been involved as some sort of middleman with those Bulgarian guns.”

“My word, what a coincidence,” Jack said.

“And you know my feelings about gun control,” Laurie added.

“Indeed,” Jack said. “So what does all this mean for Laurie Montgomery?”

“I don’t know exactly,” Laurie said with a sigh. “I suppose I’ll let things slide with Paul and try to talk to him again in a week or so. Meanwhile, like I said this morning, I’ll dive into my work. It’ll take my mind off my disastrous personal life.”

“I hope he leaves you alone,” Jack said. “He strikes me as a rather persistent sort.”

“I know what you mean,” Laurie said. “Which brings me to the matter of asking you for a favor.”

“Sure, what do you need?”

“I don’t want to be sitting by the phone tonight, or tomorrow night for that matter. I’d like to be with friends. Do you think there’s any chance you and I could go with Chet and Colleen to that Monet show Chet mentioned yesterday?”

“I’d have to check with Chet,” Jack said. “But I’d be happy to go.”

“Wonderful,” Laurie said. “And as for tonight, what do you think about going out for a bite with me and Lou. I think I owe you guys something for my behavior last night, so it will be my treat.”

“You don’t owe anybody anything,” Jack said. “I can’t speak for Lou, but as for me, I’d be delighted to eat with you tonight. It will give me a chance to fill you in on what brought me here to your office a few minutes ago.”