"But surely as a human interest yarn," the editor protested, "we'd be justified."
Joey shook his head. "He's an old crank, trying to build up his ego with these phony claims."
Nugent leaned back. "There was absolutely no basis for his theory?"
"None." Joey laughed easily. "You should have seen the obvious trick photos he tried to pass off as evidence. My advice is: forget Jason Ewing."
There was a long pause. Then, Nugent nodded. "All right. Thanks, Joey." He picked up a glossy of the accident. "You outdid yourself on this one."
Joey sauntered to the door. "The master's touch," he called. "I'll hit you for a raise later."
Satisfied that Nugent considered the Ewing story dead, Joey left the paper and hurried to a pay-phone.
When Jason Ewing answered, there was a note of near-hysteria in his voice. He seemed frightened by Joey's interest and was extremely reluctant to give him another interview.
"I don't blame you for being irritated," Joey said. "I was very rude. But look, Mr. Ewing, now I see I was wrong. We can't talk about it on the phone. All I want is a chance to see you again. Maybe tomorrow?"
There was such a long pause that Joey thought Ewing had broken the connection. Then, he heard the old man sigh.