"Julie was a tad subdued, don't you think?" I commented later as Betsy and I readied for bed.
"She was nervous about her daughter. She's a darling, isn't she?" Betsy replied, then added, "Molly's babysitting comment left no doubt she and Julie are moving to town."
"That's not a mountain-moving revelation. It's what he told me when we had our walk-talk."
"Are you going to insist that Howie admit to her what we're doing at Econ Scrutiny all day; not just counting sheep births and soy bean crops?"
That was the sixty-four dollar question. While I felt a secret of that magnitude couldn't remain so in an intimate relationship, I equally dreaded immersing myself so deeply into Howie's life. "I don't know," I answered. "I truly don't know."
Ohio. Though I detest getting back to a city, business calls and I respond. I'm looking at a truly impressive home; a castle by my definition. Here in dwells an old man with whom I would like to converse.
I surmised if this benefactor was so generous to fund this "After" organization, might he also contribute directly to the tipster as well? Surely to be so active must be costly and perhaps require financial support. I've tried researching this philanthropist's various entities but they are multitudinous and present a task I'd prefer not to undertake. I'm sure answers might be forthcoming via direct and persuasive questioning.
The palace contains no moat, or armed guards, nor do I detect any sophisticated security system. Patient as I am, I've remained hidden here for an hour or more, having silently peddled on my new bicycle. Earlier, I've walked the perimeter of the property and noted multiple places of easy access, via trees, with low hanging limbs. I can see from my perch a window downstairs in back remains open to catch the lovely spring breeze.
As nimble and spry as I am, it's hardly a challenge to venture closer and enter the chateau undetected. I'll be as quiet as a kitten in slippers as I creep up to the bedroom. I'm well practiced in this art as I've done so many times before!