It would have been better to do my investigating in daylight, but I didn’t want to be seen poking around. Old gimlet-eyed Peck might wonder what I was up to. Or Tom might drive by and start asking questions. I did the next best thing—brought a flashlight. There was a three-quarter moon, which helped some. I was working over the ground a second time when I heard a car coming. I snapped off my flashlight and ducked down in the tall grass to wait for it to pass. To my surprise, the car stopped. I peered through the grass. The car was unfamiliar—a sleek black limo that looked as out of place here as a pickup on Park Avenue. Two men got out. One was of average height and build; the other was short and wide. Both were wearing hats! As they drew closer, I could see their expressions. Grim. Stay or go? I wondered. I darted toward my bike which was only a few yards away. “Stop!” The word wasn’t loud but came out as a hiss. I obeyed. Not because of the order but because at that moment the moon came from behind a cloud and revealed the gun in the taller man’s hand.
