“Just us.Our other two friends had plans, so they left right after class.”
“Can you show me where Harlowe’s place is from here?”
“I was never actually there.She said it was only a couple of blocks.I asked if she wanted us to drop her from the Uber, but she said she felt like walking because it was so nice out.”
“This has been really helpful.I could call a Patrol car to get you home, if you’d like.”
“No need.We’ll call an Uber.”
Sam shook hands with them and handed her card to Deb.“If you think of anything else that might be relevant, please give me a call.”
“It’s been a real thrill to meet you.I’m glad to know you’re as cool as you seem from a distance.”
“That’s nice of you to say.Take care.”
As they walked away, Sam said to Freddie, “Hear that?I’m as cool as I seem.”
“Why was Icertainthat’d be the first thing you’d say?”
“Just making sure you heard it.”
“What’s next?”
“You’ve got the address for Harlowe’s place?”
“I do.”
“Can you put it in your phone and get us there?”
“In fact, I can.”
“Let’s go, then.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“What’s the plan?”Vernon asked.
“We’re going to walk to where Harlowe was staying.It’s only a few blocks from here.”
She could see the internal debate he had with himself in the expressions that briefly crossed his face.
“We’d prefer to drive you.”
“I’d prefer to walk so I don’t miss anything.”
He could insist and force her to take the ride if he chose to.If she put up a fight, that would be reported to his supervisors and would eventually get back to Nick in the form of her refusing to cooperate with her detail.That was the last thing he needed, so she held her breath while she waited for Vernon’s next move.
“Let me get a couple of other people to walk with us.I need two minutes.”
She could give him two minutes to keep the peace.
Jimmy stayed with them while Vernon walked away to call in reinforcements.
“I keep waiting for your head to explode,” Freddie said quietly so Jimmy wouldn’t overhear him.
“It’s on constant boil, but they’re only doing their jobs.I don’t want to take it out on them, you know?”
“I get it.”
