"Ed Howdershelt - Field Decision" - читать интересную книгу автора (Howdershelt Ed)

"It's real enough when I'm working. And when I'm not working."
She nodded slightly and handed him the yellow paper with her numbers.
"John confirmed that you're on personal leave and that this
investigation will be unofficial unless evidence of wrongdoing is found. I
guess that means you'll need some expense money, doesn't it?"
"Not much. Enough to cover travel expenses for a week or so and maybe
some tips for information. Call it a hundred bucks. This won't get expensive
until or unless I actually find her trail. Something else, McAlister ...
Sandy's going to be eighteen soon and that will make her a legal adult in most
of Western Europe, just like the States. I can't bring her back to you against
her will after her next birthday."
The blonde sat very still for a few moments, gazing at Cade.
"Mr. Cade, I can't tell you how I know this, but I do. Sandy's in some
kind of trouble. I don't have any proof. I haven't heard anything or seen
anything that the police would call a reason for thinking so, but I'm her
mother. Can you understand that? Are you sure a hundred will be enough?"
She pulled her checkbook out of her purse.
Cade nodded. "For now. No checks, please. I'll stop by for it
tomorrow."
She rooted in her wallet and came up with some bills.
"I have about forty on me. Will that be all right for now?"
Cade took the money. "Fine. If I can't turn up anything, it may be all
I'll need."
"You don't sound too hopeful, Mr. Cade."
"I'm not trying to sound hopeful. I'm trying to sound pragmatic. A lot
of things can happen to a young woman in Europe, just as they can happen to
one in the States. Some of those things are good. Some of them are bad. Some
are very bad. I hope you've considered that possibility."
Debra McAlister's face set in a determined mask as she said, "No, Mr.
Cade. I haven't allowed myself to envision what may be happening to her, and I
won't. I understand what you're saying, but I refuse to dwell on it."
Cade stood up and took the folder from the desk.
"Well, then, if it's good news, I'll deliver it myself. If not, I'll
let the authorities handle contacting you when they take over the case."
McAlister stood up, too. After a moment of hesitation, she stuck her




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hand out awkwardly and he took it.
"Well, Mr. Cade, goodbye for now, I guess."
He nodded and said, "For now. Stay put. I can find the door."
Outside, the wind had picked up slightly. Cade buttoned his coat and
thought about checking in with John, but decided it wasn't immediately
necessary. His apartment was as good a place as any to go over the reports
again. If anything unusual needed further examination, he could visit the
offices the next day.
The walk to the front gate of the university allowed him to get a look
at some of the other buildings on campus. They were remnants of a past era