Kagan immediately phoned Meg Emerson at the brokerage firm. She said sure, they could collateralize Reid's securities. She said to tell him she was "deliriously happy" and wants to buy him a Martini. Kagan's next call was to Beau Cobb, the bail bondsman. No problem getting the bond, he said, and wanted to know if Reid had any other sisters.
The next morning the newspaper and TV carried a quote from State Attorney Moran saying exceptional progress in all areas of the investigation now permitted the release of Raymond Reid pending trial, for the proper preparation of a defense.
After breakfast, Detective Goddard appeared outside Ray's cell and handed his old phone back to him. "If you skip town, buddy, your sister is in for a hellava lot of trouble."
"Leave this fine city, I wouldn't do that. Thanks for the phone."
"She says for you to call her as soon as you can."
Touching his own phone once again was like shaking hands with an old friend. He phoned Sandy immediately. She filled him in on what was happening and told him everyone was getting together at the Dockside Tavern tomorrow.
Mid-morning Ray got a call: "Ray, this is Tammy Jerrold. Your sister gave me your number. I just heard the news. I'm so pleased."
He didn't understand. Why would she call? "Tammy, I'm surprised you're calling me."
"I was wrong about you. I see things more clearly now. When will you be out?"
He stretched his legs out to rest on the toilet and leaned back on the bunk, feeling incredibly high.. "I'll still be stuck in here for a few more hours while they complete the paperwork. Just knowing I'm getting out makes all the difference. I hope this means the investigation can now focus on the real killer. How do you think the town is taking it?"
"Not well. As it stands right now, if this goes to trial they'll convict you. I just got in the office. No one is celebrating here. I can tell you that. I said something about how they shouldn't rush to judge you, and a couple of my so-called friends came down hard on me. There's going to be plenty of grumbling about you being released."
"When I make bail I'll sneak out the back way."
"You're joking, yet that's exactly what you should do. Do you suppose we could get together when you get out, Ray?"
He wasn't certain he heard correctly. "Are you serious? You'd like that?"
"I'd love it. Your first night out, I'll cook you dinner. Do you like pasta?"
Of course, he answered yes.