The phone was audio-only. A metallic voice said, "Your party please?" and Harker, resisting the temptation to ask for Thurman's home number (it was probably restricted) said, "Would you connect me with Senator Fletcher's office?"
Four secretaries later, Harker heard the deep, confident voice of Pennsylvania's Fletcher say, "What can I do for you, Harker? Heard you were in town."
"I'm here to see Senator Thurman," Harker said. "Do you know where—"
"Thurman? Where are you now, Harker?"
"At the Senator's office. He isn't here, and I thought you might know—"
"Me? Harker, if I knew where Thurman was I'd be talking to him and not to you. I'm looking for him myself."
Harker's hopes sank. "Have you phoned his home?"
"Yes. Nobody there has seen him since early last evening. If you get any word, Harker, call me back."
The line went dead. Harker stared at the phone thoughtfully a moment, then replaced the receiver. He walked over to the smug secretary and said casually, "You better start looking for a new job. Senator Thurman hasn't been seen since some time last night.
"What? But—"