'Yes,' Colin agreed, 'we'll have to find another place.'
She seemed startled, then smiled. He kissed her lips gently.
Hallock cleared his throat. They broke apart.
'Listen,' he said, 'no reason for you kids to hang around here anymore. Tomorrow's soon enough for statements. I'll take care of the rest of it.'
'Are you sure?' Colin asked.
'I'm sure. Fact is, I think you should get the hell out of here before the place starts jumping.'
'What about you, Waldo? What are you going to do later?'
'I'm going home where I belong. Fran said she'd wait up for me.'
'You're a lucky guy,' Colin said.
'Don't I know it.'
'Well, Chief,' Colin put out his hand.
'Might be a little premature on that one, Maguire.'
'Not a chance. I wish I could see Schufeldt's face when you're reinstated.'
Hallock grinned. 'I hope to have that pleasure myself. Go home now. I'll talk to you tomorrow.'
Colin and Annie said goodnight, then walked to the sliding barn doors. He pushed them open. The rain had abated slightly but it was still coming down.
'Your car's in the garage underneath here,' Colin informed her.
'And yours?'
'My what?'
'Your car? Where is it?'
'I came with Waldo.'
She looked surprised.
'Omigod!' he said. 'I didn't notice. Driving here from the paper I didn't even realize I was riding with another person. Well, what d'you think of that?'
'I think it's wonderful.'
He drew her to him. 'How would you like to drive a guy home?' he asked.
'I'd like to very much,' she said. 'Very much indeed.'
Sandra Scoppettone
