Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

wiping.
“I did. We’ll scatter his ashes when Archer and I go over in
June.” Josie reached down to pet Max who raised his head into
the caress. “In the end, Ian Francis was the hero. He must have
been so frightened when he made that trip and walked into that
building. I wish I could have thanked him.”
When she sat up again, Burt was looking worried. He said:
“You really, doing okay? I mean really?”
“I am, thanks.” Josie patted his hand. “Hannah’s not home,
but Archer is.”
Burt nodded to the window. “Yeah, but it looks like he
picked up a chick on his way over. You better watch yourself.”
Josie swiveled on the stool just as Archer and Faye came
through the door. Archer nodded at Burt and kissed Josie.
“Sorry we’re late,” he said.
“You’re not. We have another two minutes.”
“I don’t know if I’m ready for this news conference,” Faye
said. “I’m going to need a drink.”
Burt made a Bloody Mary for Faye and put out two beers
for Josie and Archer. A couple came in and he pointed them to
the back of the restaurant. He hurried away with menus but he
was back just as the five o’clock news opened on a shot of
Senator Ambrose Patriota standing at a podium and
surrounded by colleagues.
“Turn it up, Burt,” Archer directed and all four of them fell
silent as the senator began to speak.
“I have a statement to make. I realize it is late in the day but
I did not believe this should wait.”
“That’s bull,” Archer muttered. “He knows any
announcement on Friday is buried.”
“Shh.” Josie nudged him to silence. She wanted to hear
every word.