“And you think other people would enjoy listening to him?”
“He’s developing prosthetic limbs that you wouldn’t believe.The list of awards he’s won is almost as impressive as the names of the people who’ve invested in his company.”
“A high flyer?”
“A high flyer with his feet firmly planted on the ground.”Ethan opened another garbage bag and handed it to Theo.“Keep this handy.The next section of the gutter is appalling.”He glanced up at the roof before placing his foot on the first rung of the ladder.“Peter’s flying into Montana on the weekend.He needs to do some tests on Richard’s leg.I could arrange a time for you to meet him if you think it would be worthwhile.”
“He might not want to talk to me.If he’s such a hotshot in the medical field, he probably has reporters hounding him every week for an interview.”
Ethan stopped halfway up the ladder.“He doesn’t need publicity to promote what he does.But I think he’d enjoy talking to you, especially with the number of veterans who’ve made Montana their home.”
“In that case, I’d like to meet him.”
“I’ll give him a call tonight to see if he’s interested.And talking about people being interested in you, how’s Barbara?”
Ethan climbed higher and the ladder wobbled.
Theo grabbed hold of the rails.“This is a deathtrap.You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“You want to be in my shoes,” Ethan said breathlessly.“My life flashed in front of my eyes.”
“Well, before you tempt fate for a second time, you should know that Barbara and I are still dating.”
Ethan grunted.“From what I heard, she was surprised you’d written another article for the paper.”
Given that Ethan had insider knowledge when it came to Barbara, Theo wasn’t taking his comments lightly.“What else did Diana say?”
“That would be breaking an unwritten code of allegiance.If I tell you what she said, it could be the end of my engagement.”
“Why did you bring it up, then?”
“Curiosity.I’m sending another armful of rubbish your way.”
Theo moved fast.The stench of putrefied leaves and possibly a dead bird wafted toward him.“I should have brought the mask I use when I’m painting.”
Ethan coughed.“I should have brought mine up here, too.This is disgusting.I need to move the ladder.”
With his hands on either side of the rails and his feet against the base, Theo made sure Ethan would be safe.“The executive editor atThe New York Timescalled me this morning.He offered me a full-time job as an investigative journalist.”
It was just as well Ethan was nearly on the ground.His right foot missed the next rung and he slipped backward.
Theo grabbed his jacket and pushed him upright.“I thought you said you’ve been climbing ladders since you were a baby.”
“I have.Until now there have been no issues.”
“Old age?”
Ethan shook his head.“Friends who tell you things at the wrong time.Where does Barbara fit into your new career path?”
“I haven’t accepted the position.”
“Well, I hope you talk to her before deciding what you’ll do.”
“I wanted to see what you thought before I spoke to her.”
With his hands on his hips, Ethan sent him a look he didn’t often see.“Are you crazy?”
“You wouldn’t ask that if you were in my position.I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and hard place.”
