Two minutes of waiting while they called Carl from wherever he was. Then: "I just saw McKenzie. I found him hiding in Rhinehart's hip pocket."
"Jesus, Dan. We've got to have time."
"We've got it—but the price was very steep, son."
Silence then as Carl peered at him. Finally: "I see."
"If I hadn't been in such a hurry, if I'd only thought it out," Dan said miserably. "It was an awful error—and all mine, too."
"Well, don't go out and shoot yourself. I suppose it had to happen sooner or later. What about Mother?"
"She'll be perfectly safe. They won't get within a mile of her. Look, son—is Fisher doing all right?"
Carl nodded. "I talked to him an hour ago. He'll be ready for you by tomorrow night, he thinks."
"Sober?"
"Sober. And mad. He's the right guy for the job." Worried lines deepened on Golden's forehead. "Everything's O.K.? Rinehart won't dare—"