"Martha didn't call Quinn," Betsy said, not wording it as a question.
"He may not have had time to speak to her." I told her we escaped the Vermont abduction attempted, if it really was one. "It was some local peeping Tom by the sound of it. I had to twist Quinn's arm to get Howie back to Julie's break in. He never got around to the guy who tried to enter Ethel Reagan's apartment."
"It's a relief the monster wasn't responsible for Vermont but I'd feel much better if I knew he didn't break into Julie's place. Do you think Martha will upset Quinn enough so he won't do what you asked?"
I shrugged. "I think she understands if Quinn learns what Julie did, he's going to blow his stack. Whether or not she tells him is the big question."
"Maybe if you let her know the Vermont abduction was a non-event it will help decide. She deserves to know, if only for her peace of mind."
I made the call on Betsy's cell phone as we stood out in the sunshine. Martha's only comment was that it was nice to hear at least one piece of good news. I could hear the baby crying the background.
Molly and Betsy elected to go home leaving me to mind the store and deal with Daniel Brennan's phone call without interruption. I didn't wait long.
"Are the fish biting your ass instead of you worm?" Brennan asked as soon as I picked up.
"You could say that, and it's a big fish."
"Talk to Father Confessor. The line is as secure as I can make it."
I needed twenty minutes to bring the retired detective up to date. He listened without comment until I'd finished.
"I'd say you have few choices; get protection, get a gun or head for the hills."
"I never shot a gun in my life. I'd probably blow my foot off. How do we get protection without going public?"
"I'm not sure you can. Are you ready to come out in the sunshine; or at least take a peek?" I wasn't sure I understood what he was asking and said so. "I'm willing to stick my neck out but I can't until I get some answers from you. I've respected your privacy; saw it as a good thing, but the situation is changing. If this bastard is getting closer to finding you, I can't help you if he knows more than I know."
Coming out was a totally new step and one I shouldn't be taking alone. Did I trust this man I'd never met, enough to hand over all our identities? Before I could speak, he continued.