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"Scout's honor Local residents in the Hudson River valley swear to seeing a phantorade of the old bridge before it vanishes Naturally, the apparition only appears after dark"

"Naturally," Pitt replied sarcastically "You forgot the fullof banshees"

Epstein shrugged and then laughed "I thought you'd appreciate a touch of the macabre"

"You have copies of all this?"

"Sure I figured you'd want the of the Ee failure I also scrounged up the names and addresses of a few people whoold ship and train disasters It's all neatly packaged in an envelope out in the car" Epstein et it for you"

"I appreciate your time and effort," said Pitt

Epstein stared at him steadily "One question, Dirk, you owe me that"

"Yes, I owe you that," Pitt acquiesced

"Is this a NUMA project or are you on your own?"

"Strictly a personal show"

"I see" Epstein looked down on the ground and idly kicked a loose rock "Did you know that a descendant of Richard Essex was recently found dead?"

"John Essex Yes, I know"

"One of our reporters covered the story" Epstein paused and nodded in the direction of Pitt's Cobra "Aa red sports car, and asking directions to Essex's house was seen by a neighbor an hour before an anonymous phone call to the police tipped them off about his death"

"Coincidence," Pitt shrugged

"Coincidence your ass," said Epstein "What in hell are you up to?"