Whole mess

"The US papers," Frances said, setting the stack on my desk. "There's an inter- esting article in the Los Angeles Times on members of Congress with children in active military service. Guess who they interviewed?"

"He must be one of the very few. Oakley will milk it for everything he can. Thanks for these." I tapped the stack of papers. "What about the other thing?" Frances looked very pleased with herself. "Picking it up when I go out to get lunch. Mr. Morris said it restored beautifully after so many years in the vault."

"Thank you for seeing to that for me." Frances was a gem of an assistant. She ran my company office like a tight ship. I might organize the security, but that woman kept my business sorted, and I didn't underestimate her worth for an instant.

"She's going to love it." Frances hesitated at the door. "And did you still want me to clear your schedule for Monday?" "Yes, please. The Mallerton thing tonight and then we leave in the morning for Somerset. We'll drive back M