“According to medical records, Doctor, Sophie Merriweather. But according to the church register, Sally Ferguson. To the reporters on The Call, ‘Ferg’ ... to my father I ... was ... ‘Salscie’ ... I like that best of all....”

Her body began to stiffen and Cub straightened the cover over her legs. His voice was casual:

“She sounds like a cigarette smoker. What’s the brand ... Miss Salscie?”

She looked at him slowly. Then she smiled.

And Cub said, “Camels, Chesterfields, Old Golds...?”

She nodded and he repeated:

“Old Golds?”

She nodded again, and he said:

“Try to get you a pack at Otto’s. Bring them over later.”

Her voice returned: