Island of Lost Girls - Jennifer McMahon [26]
Take it easy, said Warren, smiling. And thanks for lunch!
No problem, Katy said, practically glowing as she smiled back at him.
So what do you think? Warren asked as they watched Katy hop on her bike outside.
I think someones got a crush on you, Rhonda said.
Warrens face flushed. I mean about the drawing and this weird bird name, he said.
I dont know yet, Rhonda said, standing. You want a candy bar? Warren shook his head, started doodling on the paper in front of him.Birdie , he wrote.
Rhonda walked over to the rack of candy, picked out a Snickers bar and brought it up to Pat at the register. Pat looked up from the latest Ernie spread in the newspaper (in which a photo of Pat herself featured prominently) and gave Rhonda a huge smile.
Its on the house, Rhonda. Its the least I can do to thank you for all of your work here. You know, what Trudy said wasnt fair and Im sorry.
Rhonda shrugged.
You keep your chin up, now, Pat ordered. We mustnt start to lose hope. Weve got to stick together and bring this little girl home. She gave Rhonda a robust pat on the shoulder. Maybe Warren had spoken up for her, and she was off Pats list?
Pat came out from behind the counter and walked over to Warren.
FYI, we have a new volunteer, Cecil Lowry, coming in around two. He used to be the fire chief but hes been retired for years now. Hes still got a lot of connections, knows everybody. Hell bring a real sense of order to things here. Hes a character alrightI think youll like him.
Then she bent down and said something in a low voice to him. He glanced over to Rhonda, then away. He whispered something back, looking a little frustrated.
Oh, for Christs sake, Rhonda muttered to herself. So much for being off the suspect list.
She walked down the hall past the bathroom, office, and storeroom, and into the garage, where Jim was doing an oil change while he listened to the Red Sox game on the radio. There was no sign of Peter.
There was a metal desk in the corner, with a large appointment book taking up most of the surface. Rhonda saw no harm in wandering over and taking a look. It was opened to todays date, June 7. Peter was the one supposed to be doing the oil change. There were two inspections and a brake job scheduled for later that afternoon: things she knew Jim wasnt qualified to do. She flipped back through the greasy pages, glancing at the schedules over the past three weeks. Laura Lees car had been in three times. Peter had installed a new fuel line and fuel filter back on May 15. The VW was in again on May 25 to have the rear brakes replaced. Then, on June 1, last Thursday, Peter had replaced some clamps and hoses. There was also a list of things he hadnt gotten around to: replacing the fan belt (he had to order the part) and fixing the latch on the passenger side door (a note in the book said Laura Lee reported the door only stayed closed if it was locked). Peter had penciled her in again for next Friday to finish the work. Doubtful shed come now that the car had been impounded.
But ithad been in last Thursday, which was, according to Katy, when the rabbit had given Ernie a ride home in his submarine.
Shit.
Rhonda closed the book.
You doing our scheduling now? Jim had come up behind her.
Huh? Oh, no. Sorry, just looking. I was wondering when Peter worked next.
Jim nodded grimly. Supposed to be here now. I dont know whats gotten into him lately. Shows up when he feels like it, I guess. Must be nice.
I guess hes got a lot on his mind, she said.
No excuse, Jim said.
I guess not, Rhonda answered. I better get back to the phones.
On the short walk back to the tables in the corner, Rhonda made up her mind not to tell Warren about seeing Laura Lees car in the scheduling book. Like it or not, the evidence was stacked against Peter and proving his innocence was going to be tricky. She needed more clues. Rhonda peeked into Pats office as she went byempty. She