Betsy was very apologetic, in the nicest way, once we were snuggled in the privacy of our bed.
"We'll only stay long enough to pack up Quinn's equipment and Shanghai Howie back here." She wanted to explain herself more thoroughly but I shushed her and continued with business.
Earlier, my wife had taken care of all the logistics of our travels while I locked up the house and called Jackson to tell him we would be out of town for a couple of days, retrieving Howie from California. He was much more cordial now that he was immersed in what amounted to a major man hunt. He even offered to mind Bumpus for a few days after I requested a recommendation for a kennel. As he'd said earlier, he liked dogs. I accepted gratefully and asked him if there was any news on the camper.
"Yes and no, and I'm mad as hell about it. One of my men spotted a Pace Arrow and was about to stop it when he saw it had Alabama license plates so he let it pass and kept going. He didn't even mention the incident until he was coming off duty nor did he write down the plate number so I could run it. Later, when I talked to the FBI, they mentioned this turkey we're chasing plays the switch game with plates all the time. By now he could be anywhere."
All I could think was once again, we were oh so close, but he'd alluded us. "Where was he when your man spotted him?" I asked.
"Heading south, near the Massachusetts line. Maybe he's going to pick up the Mass Turnpike. He could be taking that east or west or the extension south toward New York City. We alerted the state police down there and now that the FBI is excited, there are a lot more eyes looking for him. Unless he sticks to back roads, he can't get away."
"He's already killed a cop who stopped him down south. I'm sorry your guy missed him but maybe it was his lucky day."
"Going three thousand miles away sounds like a good idea for you folks, even if it's only for a couple of days." He promised to keep a close watch on our house, just in case.
Daniel Brennan's cell phone went to voice message when I called to update him. I left word where we were going and why.
After early toast and cereal, and requisite coffee, we were on our way. Jackson had stopped by for Bumpus who reluctantly jumped into the back seat like an arrested felon. The three of us packed for three days only, as if so limiting our clothing changes would force our return more quickly. Traffic was light and Molly kept us entertained with her chatter. It would be the first time in an airplane for her and she wanted details of what to expect.