More Harry Hogan stories!
Bertie Blackett scrambled across the floor and picked up her phone. “Hello?”
“Are you at home?”
“It’s seven in the morning, Hogan. Where else would I be on a Saturday?”
“Good. I suggest you stay there for the rest of the day.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Look out the window,” he said.
Bertie ran to the kitchen window and looked outside. “Holy crow! I can’t believe it!” She heard a chuckle at the other end of the line. “Yeah, I know it’s January, but it was so nice when I went to bed last night. What happened?”
“Well, it ain’t nice now,” Harry said. “Every street in town is a sheet of ice. Vehicles have been sliding all over the place, keeping tow-trucks busy. Police are advising everyone to stay home.”
“Believe me, I will. What about you?”
“I’m used to dealing with unexpected things, even weather-related, and I put the chains on the truck this morning. I’m helping the boys check on the seniors, making sure they’re all okay and telling them to call the station if they encounter any problems.”
“That’s nice.”
“I just came from Miss Pinkerton’s. Her lights were on so I called, but she told me she’s fine.”
“She’s one smart lady,” Bertie said. “Always thinking ahead and prepared for emergencies.”
Harry chuckled. “That she is. How about you? Is there anything you need?”
“Thanks, but I’m good.” She laughed. “I have better timing than I thought because I actually picked up groceries yesterday. And I have power.”
“Okay. Call me if you need anything.”
“Will do… thanks. See you… whenever.” She ended the call and stood gazing at the ice-coated trees outside. Freezing rain made everything look beautiful, but it was the one thing she dreaded. She wouldn’t drive in conditions like this unless it was a matter of life or death. Still, knowing that she couldn’t go out, even if she wanted to, always gave her an uneasy feeling, like she was trapped. Thankfully, she still had power so she could keep herself occupied.
By mid-afternoon the temperature had risen a few degrees and the sun was shining. Ice was starting to lose its grip on overhead wires and trees and falling to the ground. Salt trucks had been out and some people were starting to move on slush-covered streets. Bertie had gone out long enough to scatter salt in her driveway. The ice was practically all gone now and, while she had no intention of going anywhere, it was nice to know that she could get out if she needed to.
About that time, Harry called again. “Are you going stir crazy yet?”
“Keeping busy, but a change of scenery would be nice. What’s up?”
“The Sunset Seniors’ Home seems to have misplaced Mr. Butt. Apparently he hasn’t been seen since breakfast. Do you have creepers, and are you interested?”
“Yes, to both, but why do I need creepers?”
“We’re going to help search for him. I’m in your driveway, so get a move on.”
Two minutes later Bertie opened the truck door. “Why did they wait so long to report him missing?” she asked as she climbed inside.
“Apparently he frequently skips lunch, but he never misses the afternoon card games. So, when he didn’t turn up, they went looking for him.”
“But I guess they didn’t find him.” She buckled her seatbelt.
Harry shook his head as he turned the truck out onto the street. “They only searched the inside and need help to search outside before it gets dark.”
“Would he have gone outside in today’s conditions?”
