"No. That was a bust. He tossed the cell on the side of the road. We ran down his vehicle. Grasso bought a dark blue van on the Internet and the guy delivered it here. We're about to move in. I thought you might want to stand by."
"You think they're in there?"
"The neighbor we woke up says he's been around and he drives a dark blue van. There's a barn out back that's closed up so we can't see if the vehicle is here."
I opened the door a crack. Howie, with eyes closed continued to speak. The recorder remained running. I made my decision, closed the door.
"Give me the address," I said.
A cabin in the hills above Santa Barbara. The foolish woman thinks if I use her cell phone the dogs of law will trace the call and gallop a riding to her rescue. I laugh at her ignorance and she'll suffer for it. I know the motel where they are staying so the cell phone I've already discarded wasn't necessary.
"Yes, please; Mr. Gustefson's room. Yes, I realize it's very early but this is an emergency." The phone rang more than a dozen times before a man with groggy voice answered. "Mr. Gustefson, we haven't formally met. . ."
"He's not here. He was a little while ago. I don't know where he is."
"Oh, do I have Mr. Abbott?"
"Who is this?"
"The person you and Elizabeth have been stalking. I think it's time we had a conversation. Don't you agree?"
"You Have Molly and Betsy!"
"Very good! Now, I'm sure you see the necessity of doing exactly what I say."
"You bastard!"
"Calling names never accomplished a thing, sir. Let us talk like gentlemen. I understand you are in possession of certain equipment that allows you and Elizabeth to venture into the past, is that correct?"
"No! She has nothing to do with it! Let her go; both her and Molly."
"Are you saying it's only you who are able to. . ."
"Yes! It's only me you want! Let the other go! "He whined like a child.
I considered this change of events. "Do you have transportation, sir?"
"Yes! Tell me where you have them! You can have anything you want!"
I gave the fool very clear directions, not to here but a highway pull off fairly close by. I can't afford to have my van exposed for very long. Once again, I'll exercise caution and not lead anyone to my secret place.
But first, I have a minor chore to undertake. I shall slit the throat of the lying bitch Elizabeth and watch her drown in her own blood.