The Crossword Connection Read Online Free PDF

quote everything I’ve read in Personality. The picture was in your home office, with all that black and white crossword decor. The interviewer said you prefer working at home to being at the Crier. ‘The Queen of Cryptics,’ that was the title of the story.” She added an airy: “I don’t do those puzzles myself. I hate writing in pencil. You see what a mess your fiancé made of his form when it needed to be corrected.”
    Belle attempted a warm smile. “You could try using a pen. That’s what I do—”
    â€œYou can’t erase a pen at all.”
    Belle opened her mouth to speak, but another gentle squeeze from Rosco’s fingers silenced her.
    â€œIndividual conducting the ceremony?” This time, the question was directed at Rosco.
    â€œOh, we’re getting married on a boat,” Belle interjected. “Senator Hal Crane’s private yacht. It was his nephew who—”
    But the clerk had already dispensed with the famous Queen of Cryptics. “In whose waters will you be getting married, sir?” Her voice had an ominous ring.
    Rosco cleared his throat. He stepped closer to the Plexiglas window. “Whose waters?”
    â€œIf you’re married at sea, you may—or you may not—be in Newcastle waters, and thus within—or not within —the jurisdiction of our municipality.”
    â€œWhat happens if we’re not?” Belle ignored Rosco’s furtive warning.
    â€œThen this department cannot help you.” The clerk moved her glance to the line of couples waiting near the door. “Next?”
    â€œBut—” Belle began.
    â€œPlease secure the coordinates from the vessel’s captain. If he—or she—plans to cruise within Newcastle’s maritime domain, this Bureau of Marriage Licenses will be happy to assist you. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply to the township appropriate to your position—”
    Belle opened her mouth. Her face was pink, and the scalp beneath her pale blond hair rosy with anger. “We’re being married by the captain!”
    â€œIs he—or she—a certified justice of the peace? That’s another issue you’ll need to clarify. If he—or she—fails to hold the proper credentials … Well, certainly there would be a legitimate contention of legality. The celebrant, and in your case I seem to be using the term very loosely, must endorse this license. He—or she—must hold the proper credentials.”
    Belle started to reply. Rosco stopped her.
    â€œWe’ll be back this afternoon,” he said.
    â€œIt’s Friday, sir,” was her triumphant answer. “We have limited afternoon hours.”
    â€œWe’ll be back,” Rosco repeated.
    It was in the rotunda that they found Lever. Al and Rosco had been partners back in the days when Rosco was with the NPD. The two had always been oil and water, frost and steam, day and night. They were also true and long-time friends, and Al considered that the forthcoming nuptials were due to his direct aid, advice and intervention. Lever was to be Rosco’s best man; it was a position he approached with more than a little awe.
    â€œHey, Polly—crates. Belle. I was just coming to see how you two lovebirds were faring with Miss Gestapo in there.” Reflexively, he reached for his cigarettes, then pulled his hand away. “I forgot. City Hall. Another famous smokeless zone. Shows you what lengths a friend will go to in the line of nuptial duties.” He coughed, wheezed, then glowered at the staircase. “I read somewhere that climbing steps is great exercise. It’s aerobic, or something.”
    â€œAny exercise is better than none, Al.”
    â€œI play golf, Polly—crates, in case your feeble brain forgot.” Another wheezing fit attacked Lever. He pretended to ignore the bemused glance that passed between his former partner and Belle. “Three