The telephone rang. Pam realized, to her surprise, that she had been almost dozing. At four o ' clock in the afternoon. Two martinis for lunch -- that was the trouble. I ought to remember. Don't pretend. You do remember. You just -- ``Hello? Yes, this is she? What?''

The voice had music in it. Even with words coming too fast, they came on the music of the voice.

``I said I would,'' Pam said. ``They wonn't talk about who gave the information. Not unless they have to. They don't, Mrs. Constable. Not unless they have'' --

She was interrupted.

``Call this a cry for help,'' Faith Constable said.