“What’s his name?”
“Herbert Fisher.”
Maria giggled. “Oh, him.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“He’s the one who kicked the cop in the crotch, isn’t he?”
“It is so alleged,” Stone said. “Who’s the ADA?”
“Oh, that would be Dierdre Monahan.”
Stone winced.
“Yeah.” Maria giggled again.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, there have been rumors.”
“Don’t ever believe rumors,” Stone said. “Is Dierdre in the same stall?”
“Are you saying she’s horsey?”
“Cubicle.”
“No, she’s moved up a little. She has an office now, but no window.” She waggled a thumb. “Down at the end, there.”
“Thanks, Maria.” Stone walked around the desk and started down the hallway, feeling nervous. He and Dierdre had gotten drunk and had a little thing after last year’s Christmas office party at the courthouse. The thing had occurred on a conference table next to the chief deputy DA’s office, and the door hadn’t been locked. He hadn’t seen her since. He rapped on the glass door.
“Come in, but it had better be good!” she shouted.
Stone opened the door and stuck his head in. “Morning, Dierdre. Got a minute?”
Dierdre was a striking woman of thirty-something who came from a long line of Irish cops and had four brothers currently wearing the uniform. “Faith and begorra,” she said sardonically. “And I was thinkin’ you was dead in your grave.” She dropped the Irish accent. “Come in and sit down, Stone.”
Stone went in and sat down. “So, how have you been?”
“Since last Christmas, you mean? You could have called and asked.”
Stone felt his ears redden. “It’s been a crazy year,” he said weakly.
“You’re blushing, Stone. Don’t tell me the memory of our little time together embarrasses you.”
“Well . . .”
“Just because the chief deputy walked in on us? Now, why should you let a little thing like that bother you?”
“Well . . .”
“I’ve had to take the brunt of it around here. The razzing got so bad I managed to parlay it into a sexual harassment complaint that got me, among other things, this office.”
“I’m glad you were able to turn the situation to your advantage,” Stone said, trying hard to sound sincere.
“I’m glad you’re glad, Stone. What can I do for you?”
“I’ve got a client at bat this morning at ten,” Stone said, grateful for the change of subject. “Maria says you caught the case.”