"He's no friend of ours, Molly," I said, trying to pick up movement as I slowly drove by the site. I peered closely, searching to see if I could detect any movement but saw nothing.
"Please keep going!" Betsy pleaded. "I don't want him to see us!"
"Quick, write down the plate number," I said. Betsy opened her purse and complied before reaching back and taking Molly's hand. She turned to the child.
"He may be a very bad man but we won't know until we have a friend of ours check the license plate."
We drove home with Betsy trying in vain to calm Molly down, telling her we weren't in any danger. We stopped for an ice cream to compose our guest though I disliked taking the time from calling Daniel Brennan to run the license plate number we'd recorded. Once back in Surry, I wasted no time in telephoning the number Brennan had given me to reach him. Unfortunately, the call went to voice mail. I left a message, from Tommy, his so called fishing buddy, saying I had a fish story for him and requesting him to call as soon as possible. Almost immediately, the phone rang again. Unfortunately, the call wasn't from Daniel Brennan. Detective Jackson's voice surprised me.
"Your pal Howie finally got around to returning my call," he said without preamble, and then added, "He's a worse liar than you are."
"What do you mean?" I said, trying to sound indignant.
"I think you and I need to have a little sit-down."
"I'm walking my dog," I said, inanely.
"Tell your dog you've got a lot of explaining to do. Or bring him with you; I like dogs. Either way why don't you take a drive down here to headquarters in the next hour or maybe I should send a car up there for you. I'll be waiting."
Keene, New Hampshire. It's time for me to get back to business. Knowing the players in this game of chance is certainly taxing. Two are in California with the ill mother of the one named Howard. He's with one named Julie but I don't know who she is nor do I know not how long they plan to stay. Perhaps I shall make do with those that remain here before I follow the sun westward. I must not waste any more time. Though this town is delightful, it's against my principles to remain in one place for an extended duration. I've lingered too long in one campground as well. The children running about are a serious temptation though I know this place is far too risky for what activities I have in mind. It's been so long since I've satisfied my cravings and I deserve a reward for my diligence. Perhaps I should secure some company for my lonely hours, once I travel. I wonder if that nasty dog is in need of a walk.