Real reason: She was a fundie and I was pretty sure she wouldn’t put out.
Tightass. With coochie cobwebs. Ouch.
Actually, now that I’ve started re-reading the series, I wonder whether Nelson actually comitted suicide in such a way that it appeared to be an accident. He was getting old and increasingly out of shape. His attempt at forming the CrimeBusters was a total failure. But, he would never want anybody to know he had killed himself. He plans an accident sure to be fatal, and not look suspicious. He succeeds beyond his expectations. His head is removed from his body, and even the most suspicious people don’t question that it was an accident.
BTW
Just how much stuff does Veidt own? Dan’s front door is fixed by the Gordian Knot lock company. Due to Veidt’s fixation with Alexander, and with the Gordian Knot (‘Lateral thinking! Centuries ahead of its time.’) I’m sure Veidt owns that company. The movie theater by the news stand is the Utopia. There is mention of the Promethean Cab company. I’m sure there are more.
Re The Government’s Back-Up plan
When Manhattan leaves, it’s clear that the US government has a big nuclear arsenal- ICBMs, bombers, subs etc.