"Handle it, Peabody. I'm going into Central. I'll need to give Whitney an update, and I want to see Mira, start her working on a profile."
"Maybe you'll pick up a few more Christmas presents on the way."
Eve stopped by her car. "Was that sarcasm?"
"I don't think so. It was too direct for sarcasm."
"Find me a match on those lists, Peabody, or we start interviewing lonely hearts."
Eve left Peabody elbowing her way toward Sixth to catch a maxibus uptown. She engaged her 'link as she headed in the opposite direction, and set up the two meetings.
She scanned the incoming, listened to Nadine's harried voice, and decided to give the reporter a break. "Stop whining, Nadine."
"Dallas, Christ, where have you been?"
"Keeping the city safe for you and yours."
"Look, there's just enough time to plug something into my noon report. Give me a line here."
"I just busted a mugger on Fifth."
"Don't be droll, I'm up against the wall. What's the connection between the two murders?"
"Which two murders? We got a lot of bodies this time of year. Christmas brings out that wacky holiday spirit."
Nadine snarled audibly. "Hawley and Greenbalm. Come on, Dallas. Two women strangled. I've got that much. You're primary on both. I hear there was sexual molestation. Will you confirm?"
"The department will not confirm or deny at this time."
"Rape and sodomy."
"No comment."
"Damn it, why the hardball?"
"I don't have any breathing
room right now. I'm trying to stop a killer, Nadine, and I just can't be too worried about the ratings for Channel 75."
"I thought we were friends."
"I guess we are, and because of that when I've got something to give, you'll get it."
Nadine's eyes brightened. "First, exclusive?"
"Don't keep tying up my 'link."
"A one-on-one, Dallas. Let me set it up. I can be at Cop Central by one."
"No. I'll let you know when and where, but I don't have time for you today." And time, Eve thought, was the biggest factor. No one she knew researched as fast or as deep as Nadine Furst. "You're not seeing anybody in particular these days, are you, Nadine?"
"Seeing anyone -- as in dating or sleeping with? No, not in particular."
"Ever try one of those dating services?"
"Please." Nadine's eyelashes fluttered as she lifted her hand to examine her manicure. "I think I can find my own men."
"Just a thought. I hear they're popular." Eve paused and watched Nadine's eyes narrow and glitter. "You might want to give it a try."