Trouble And Money #38

The Seawall - Rye, New Hampshire

Tammy didn't like it when Connie was gone, but she was beginning to understand the scope of his job.

 For the first time since she moved in, she is alone. Her man is gone, and so is the pooch.

 The morning walk on the beach was different without the dog chasing seagulls, which always made her laugh.

 At least a missing person's case won't get Conrad killed, she thought.

 The sun was coming up, the coffee was perfect, and Tammy knew she had a light day at work today. Her boss was in Vegas for a Shyster/Ambulance Chaser/Professional Liar Conference.

 Injury Law is a tricky business.

A Motel in Charlottesville, Virginia

 During the long drive to Charlottesville, Gator and I howled and sang Tom Petty songs while eating gas station beef jerky and donut holes.

 It has been a while since I've had quality dog time with my pooch. I'm making phone calls, and he's eating all the jelly-filled holes despite my asking him to save one for me.

 The phone calls to Jason Falter's friends were met with perceptible suspicion, and I didn't feel any degree of truthfulness from any of them.

 Did they all know where he was and were putting up a coordinated wall of defense?

 I'm checking into a complimentary breakfast motel, and tomorrow morning I will visit his dorm buddies.

 Why are they hiding Jason Falter?

 Second on the list for tomorrow is the young woman who was/is Jason's girlfriend.

 Virginia is beautiful this time of year. The green areas are soft and inviting.

 I'm staying in and hammering the keys on my computer for now, looking for anything about Jason Falter I missed. I took another dive into Tom Falter and his business.

 The Falters are beyond wealthy, and I wonder if there is a possibility that their son is being held for ransom.

 This happens, and as a Detective, I must go down every avenue.

 Why did Jason's parents wait five months before getting concerned?

 Why are Jason's friends defensive?

 When I confront a few of them tomorrow, I'll be able to see them, feel them, and ask them why they are putting up a wall.

 The rest of the night is the NBA playoffs, DoorDash, and a few cans of good and cheap.

 Gator is full and he's asleep.

 TXT CONRAD: Goodnight, Tammy! We made it.

TXT TAMMY: I miss you two. It's quiet here.

TXT CONRAD: I'll be back soon.

TXT CONRAD: I miss you, too.

 As I took a sip of beer, I got a little worried. Would Tammy be able to handle my job? There will be days like this one all the time.

( Will Tammy be strong enough to handle alone time? Many people are not equipped to be alone frequently.)

Trouble And Money is published Monday through Friday. It is a free serial fiction detective story with characters you will love. Read the adventures of Conrad Grange as he solves cases and contends with a harsh world.