Drop Shot

Chapter 46

Myron ran to his car.

Duane was ahead two sets to one, 4- 2 in the fourth set He was two games away from reaching the U.S. Open finals, but that no longer seemed like such a big deal. Myron now knew what happened. He knew what happened to Alexander Cross and Curtis Yeller and Errol Swade and Valerie Simpson and maybe even Pavel Menansi.

He picked up the car phone and began placing calls. His second call was to Esperanza's house. She picked up.

"I'm with Lucy," she said. Esperanza had been dating a woman named Lucy for a couple months now. They seemed serious. Of course, Myron thought Esperanza was serious with a guy named Max just a few months earlier. Dating a Max, then a Lucy. Never a dull moment.

"Do you have the appointment book?" Myron asked.

"I got a copy on my computer here."

"The last day Valerie Simpson was in our office, who had the appointment right before her?"

"Give me a second" He heard her clack some keys. "Duane."

As he thought "Thanks."

"You're not at the match?"

"No."

"Where are you?"

"In my car."

"Is Win with you?" she asked.

"No."

"How about the witch?"

"I'm alone."

"Swing by and pick me up then. Lucy's leaving anyway."

"No."

He hung up and switched on the radio. Duane was up 5-2. One game away. He dialed the home number of Amanda West, M.E. Then he called Jimmy Blaine. It all checked out Myron felt something very cold caress his spine.

His hand actually trembled when he called Lucinda Elright. The old teacher answered on the first ring.

"Can you see me today?" Myron asked.

"Yes, of course."

"I should be there in a couple of hours."

"I'll be here," Lucinda said. She asked no questions, wanted no explanations. She simply said, "Good-bye."

Duane won the final set 6-2. He was in the finals of the U.S. Open, but the postgame wrap-up was short for several reasons. First, the women's finals came up right on the heels of Duane's impressive win. Second, the colorful Duane Richwood had run out without doing any interviews. The radio broadcasters seemed surprised.

Myron was not

He reached Lucinda Elright's apartment in less than two hours. He stayed less than five minutes, but the visit was the final confirmation Myron needed. There was no longer any doubt. He took the book and got back in his car. Half an hour later he parked in the driveway. Myron rang the doorbell. No smile this time when the door opened. No surprise this time either.

"I know what happened to Errol Swade," Myron said. "He's dead."

Deanna Yeller blinked. "I told you that the first time you came by."

"But," Myron said, "you didn't tell me you killed him."