"What are your thoughts?" I asked.
"Do nothing for the time being but perhaps consider instituting a little misdirection in the future. If this woman becomes the prime investigator, maybe she could be useful if you lead her astray."
A further problem occurred when a Michigan case against a pedophile was tossed out of court. A judge agreed with a defense attorney that the police had no probable cause for a search based solely on an unsubstantiated tip. The decision produced a local uproar. There was no question of guilt as the child was definitely snatched under duress. The pedophile fled the state as soon as he was released. Betsy was infuriated.
"Look, we did all we could do," I said trying to appease her as we shopped for new drapes. "This is going to happen. Thankfully, the boy was located before any major harm was done." It was a catch twenty-two. If the police investigated in an orderly way and took their time the victim would most likely be harmed or killed. If they rushed in, a good defense attorney was rewarded by having a great day in court. We knew some of our tips never came to fruition simply because authorities lacked the probable cause to arrest the perpetrator.
Few of our cases were cut and dried. These were real people in life-altering situations. We constantly longed to follow up on our endeavors and make sure what Howie discovered was brought to a positive conclusion. Betsy and Martha surreptitiously scoured the media for results, in spite of our agreement not to do so. Their compassion demanded it be done but they anguished when no information was forthcoming. As our activities grew, the task became more daunting.
Our efforts sometimes produced moral dilemmas. Howie located a Salt Lake City missing girl of twelve, hidden in the loving care of a distant aunt. Her parent's pleas for her return produced front page news. Unknown to the police and the public, her prominent father was molesting her while her mother looked away. Martha was ready to rescue the girl herself but we simply agreed to do nothing to hasten the child's return.
Aside from the constant pressure of what we were doing, our new life together in Keene was delightful! It gave Betsy and me the chance to be man and wife. We met neighbors the first day we moved in and joined a local church. Martha and Quinn idolized the town as well. As each of us spent five full days a week together, we agreed to go our own ways on weekends, establishing an outside life.
We all were excellent customers of Plotkins, the local furniture store. There were rooms to fill and appliances to purchase. Martha and Betsy spent many a weekend searching out of the way shops and country auctions for their antiques.