A few minutes later Nancy went downstairs and sat at the kitchen table to dial the number Hannah had left for her. Ann answered the phone with an anxious “Hello?”

“Hi. It’s Nancy. Sorry to be so late, but Hannah just woke me. How are your ribs?”

“Bruised, not broken, but they won’t let me go yet. Tests or something. I think it’s just an excuse to keep me here. How’s your father?”

“He’s okay. He’s at the office. Do you need anything?”

Immediately Ann’s voice became edged with excitement. “I’ve heard from my source again,” she said, talking rapidly and softly. “He left a message on my answering machine. But I’m sure it had to be the same man, even though he disguised his voice by whispering.”

“What did he say?”

“He has another tip for me, but this time he wants to tell me in person. He asked me to meet him at the Grand Cinema on Shepherd Street at the first matinee. It starts at twelve-thirty.”

“Uh-oh,” Nancy said. “I guess you’re not going to be able to make it.”

“I can’t even sneak out. I’ve got a police guard now, and his orders are to see that I stay put. They may even place me in protective custody, if I’m not in it already. Can you make this meeting for me, Nancy?”

“Sure. I’d be glad to.”

“Terrific! He said to sit in the aisle seat, left side, next to the last row. And call me back as soon as you can.”

“If you’re still there, I’ll come by the hospital.”

“Great. I’ll be waiting for you. And thanks, Nancy.”

Nancy hung up and sprinted for the bathroom. She’d have to hurry to get to the Grand in time.

Carson Drew was coming in as she was leaving, his briefcase stuffed to overflowing. “Some reporters followed me to the office,” he explained. “They were driving my secretary crazy. If my being there is going to cause chaos, I decided to work at home.”

“Any word on the pretrial hearing yet?”

“Not yet. Where are you off to?”