Part 27 (2/2)
”Paul, listen. I'm tired. Worn out.”
”It is the university's e-mail system, right?”
Harry nods.
”There ought to be something in a server somewhere if Jordan complained about funding. See if we can subpoena the server?”
”Fine,” says Harry. A long sigh. He makes a note. I can always tell when Harry's. .h.i.t the wall. I'm treading on thin ice.
”Too bad there was no federal money involved,” he says. ”In the grant.”
”Why's that?”
Before he can answer, the phone rings. I look at it. It's the back line. This number is not listed. Both of us thinking the same thing-Epperson calling.
I pick it up. ”h.e.l.lo. Law office.”
”Is Harry Hinds there?”
I don't recognize the voice on the other end, but it's not Epperson.
”Who's calling?”
”Max Sheen.”
”Just a second.” I start to hand the phone to Harry.
”What did you mean, 'too bad there was no federal money'?”
”Who is it?” he says.
I hold the phone back.
”If there were federal funds, it's more likely there would have been an audit at some point.”
”Ah.”
”Who is it?” he asks.
”The press calling. Your friend Sheen.” I hand him the phone.
Harry takes it. ”h.e.l.lo.”
I continue looking through the stack of papers on my desk, part of the original grant proposal. There are entire lines of typed print blocked out by black marker. Cla.s.sified material. No doubt information subject to protection as trade secrets. Arriving at conclusions is going to be like putting a jigsaw puzzle together without all the pieces.
”Why? What's happening?” asks Harry. There's a tone of urgency to his voice that causes me to look up.
”What is it?” I ask.
He shakes his head at me. Doesn't answer.
”When?”
”Are you sure?”
”What's happening?” I ask.
Harry cups his hand over the mouthpiece to the receiver.
”Epperson is dead.”
IN THIS ANCIENT INDIAN VILLAGE OF COSOY.
DISCOVERED AND NAMED SAN MIGUEL BY CABRILLO IN 1542.
VISITED AND CHRISTENED SAN DIEGO DE ALCALA.
BY VIZCAINO IN 1602.
HERE THE FIRST CITIZEN.
FRAY JUNIPERO SERRA.
PLANTED CIVILIZATION IN CALIFORNIA.
HERE HE FIRST RAISED THE CROSS-HERE BEGAN
THE FIRST MISSION.
HERE FOUNDED THE FIRST TOWN, SAN DIEGO, JULY 16, 1769.
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