Steve suggested, "Let's go for a walk, there's a little park just around the corner."

Steve took Amanda by the arm and guided her out of the restaurant, it was a warm evening so they didn't need jackets. They began to stroll around the park holding hands. Amanda began to tell about Paul.

"Paul was one of Collin's closest friends, I haven't seen or heard from him since Collin and I divorced. He was always the life of the party, telling jokes, never serious. He was fun, but I always sensed he acted this way to avoid or hide something. I always assumed it was maybe something from his childhood, then he and Collin started meeting outside work to discuss work. I was told it was classified and didn't question it, as they often dealt with top secret military issues. I did wonder why the need to meet away from the office. Right before Collin and I split up I overheard part of a conversation about a General Mace, they were arguing about something this General had done and Collin wanted to go to the base commander, but Paul didn't. He was afraid of repercussion. I didn't listen any further. I think basically Paul was trying to do the right thing, but I also think he was hiding something..Paul's wife was a good friend and I know they were having problems as well, I don't know what happened."

"So," Steve asked, "I can probably trust what he tells me,but just know he probably isn't telling me everything? Paul and his wife Mandy split up shortly after you and Collin, I'm not sure where she lives."

"With Paul, I would make that assumption. I hope what I've told you helps."

"It does, it lets me know there may be more to this than meets the eye."

They walked back to Steve's car and Steve took Amanda home; they shared a passionate kiss and Amanda went reluctantly inside and Steve reluctantly returned to his car. He watched as she turned out the porch light and again thought how lucky he was.

The next morning Steve went to interview Paul one more time, this time Mark came along to observe Paul's reactions.

"Thank you for seeing me again,"Steve addressed Paul, "I just have a few more questions. We've already established you heard Ron Willard and someone else arguing in Ron's office before you left work for the day and they were arguing about an unplanned trip Ron had just taken. Did you catch where Ron had gone?"

"No, but I know he likes to head up to a town near Big Bear from time to time, he says he likes to be out in nature, but he always gets nervous before he goes. I don't know the name of the town, I understand there are several up that way."

"Do you remember anything else about the argument, why was he upset about the trip etc?"

"Not really, like I said yesterday, it was something to do with timing, not the right time or something. I wasn't paying that much attention, I didn't think much of it until Ron was killed. I may have had nothing to do with his death."

Steve thanked Paul and asked him to call if he thought of anything else.

Once back in the car Steve asked Mark about his impressions.

Mark replied, "I think Amanda was right, he didn't lie to us, but I do think he knows more than what he told us. I just can't figure out if it's because he's involved or knows just enough to be afraid."

Later that day, Steve dropped by the hospital and surprised Amanda with a milkshake. As they were enjoying their shakes the discussion was about the Ron Willard case.

"I think his death is connected to his trip up to a town in Big Bear and maybe something connected to his job as well, I just can't prove it. I found where his ex-wife lives. She is living here in LA and teaching school, I think 8th grade English. I thought I'd go talk with her later. Do you want to come?"

"Sure, I'd love to see her, but will it be a distraction if you want information."

"It might, but you know her well and can maybe help with the questions or have a better take on her reactions."

"Ok, see you later, I'm off work at 5 and my mom should be able to keep CJ."

They kissed and both went back to their jobs.