Director's Cut by Alton Gansky

remained polite through all of it, but I could see that she was growing impatient. I told her everything about the body in the pool.
    I waited for Hurricane Nat to blow in. She narrowed her eyes, worked her jaw, pursed her lips, but said nothing.
    â€œWord’s going to get out,” I said. “Turner will be polite, but he’ll no more give up this story than a bulldog will surrender a bone.”
    â€œYou actually jumped in the pool,” Nat said. It wasn’t a question; it was a well-chewed statement. “That may work for us.”
    â€œThat’s what you said on the phone. How?” All eyes shifted to Nat.
    â€œLook, I know you weren’t thinking campaign issues when you took that leap into the bloody water. You were just being Maddy and doing what Maddy does, looking out for others. It was a heroic effort even if it was futile.”
    â€œWait a minute, Nat,” I said. “I don’t want to make political mileage out of a murder. It doesn’t seem right.”
    â€œI’m not saying we weave it into speeches or put out a press release, just that we make sure the press knows about it.”
    â€œWhat good will that do?” Floyd wanted to know.
    â€œWe’ve faced an uphill march in this campaign, Floyd,” Nat explained. “First, Maddy isn’t that well known outside of Santa Rita. The congressional district includes areas beyond our city limits, areas where the name Madison Glenn doesn’t mean anything.
    â€œSecond,” she continued, “we’re up against an opponent who exudes confidence, strength, and courage. Garret Kinsley was an ambassador, and the public doesn’t view ambassadors as politicians. The title carries an untarnished dignity with it. He faced a woman opponent in the primaries, and he demolished her but he did it so smoothly that even she felt honored. Women love him; men want to be him.
    â€œThe third problem has to do with the appearance of strength and personal resolve. We live in frightening times. People want a strong hand at the helm. A member of congress can only legislate. He or she can’t do much about bringing a sense of safety to the district, but voters don’t seem to care about that. Polls show most voters see Garret as better able to deal with such matters.”
    â€œThat’s crazy,” Floyd said.
    â€œSometimes, Floyd, unfounded assumption is more powerful than fact.”
    â€œI don’t understand,” Catherine said. “How does Maddy’s jumping in the pool help?”
    â€œIt took courage to do that and a willingness to act. Most people wouldn’t think of doing what she did.”
    â€œI didn’t think about it,” I said. “I just reacted.”
    â€œAll the better.” Nat paused, then added, “Talk to Doug Turner. In fact, talk to him first. Let him have a lead on this. We might need a favor later.” She looked at Floyd. “Can you retrieve Maddy’s office messages from here?”
    â€œSure, the city uses the telephone company’s service. I can call from anywhere.”
    â€œDo it. If we’re lucky there will be calls from some of the local television stations.”
    Floyd left the table and walked to the cordless phone I had left on the kitchen counter.
    â€œLucky?” I said, but I knew where she was going. “I’m not real comfortable with this.”
    â€œOf course you’re not. I’d think less of you if you were.” Nat gave me one of her straight-in-the-eye looks. “I’m not asking you to ham it up. Just tell the truth. You were visiting a family member, discovered the body, and tried to help. You were too late. Oh, and you have every confidence in the work and skill of the Santa Rita police. Got it?”
    I said I did.
    Floyd returned and he looked stunned. “There is another call from Mr. Turner, two calls from television stations, and one from a radio