More Harry Hogan stories!
Harry Hogan was reading the latest news headlines on his computer when he heard a vehicle pull up outside. He looked up as the door opened and Max Marshall entered, closing the door behind him quickly, shutting out the frosty air and snow flurries. They were in the beginning of what was forecasted to be a late spring blizzard.
“Morning, Mr. Hogan. Are you busy?” Max took a seat across from Harry’s desk.
With a slight shake of his head, Harry grinned. “Not at all. What’s on your mind, Max?”
“Are you familiar with that abandoned cabin on the left side as you’re going up the hiking trail?”
Harry nodded, wondering what was coming next. Max was known for walking around town at night to relax before bedtime. He found the fresh air helped him to sleep better and lowered the chance of him sleepwalking. “I know the one,” he said. “What about it?
“I think someone’s using it.”
“Teenagers having weekend parties, maybe? That would be a matter for the police.”
“Don’t think so. They’d make enough noise to hear them, and they usually leave some signs behind.”
Harry rubbed his chin. “I suppose it’s possible that some animal could have got into the place.”
“Doubtful,” Max said. “I’ve never seen many tracks in that area… except rabbit tracks.”
“What do you know about the owner? Is it possible he could have returned?” Harry asked.
Max shook his head. “He died several years ago, some place in South America, I think. He was an engineer, worked on bridges all over the world.”
“Did he use the place much or bring anyone with him? Perhaps there’s a relative who remembered the place and decided to make use of it?”
“He only used the place on weekends when he was home, between jobs, I suppose. I don’t think he was married and I never saw anyone with him. Nobody’s used it since he died and most people considered it abandoned.”
“Perhaps the place has been sold. Did you see a vehicle out there?”
Max shook his head again and spoke quietly. “No vehicle. But, I think it could be… aliens.”
“You mean people who’ve entered the country illegally?” The beginning of a frown appeared on Harry’s forehead. That was the other thing about Max – he was well-known for his belief that aliens from other planets were living on earth. He watched anything – and everything – he could find on television about space travel, UFO’s and aliens.
“Not that kind of alien.” Max’s voice had lowered almost to a whisper.
Harry closed his eyes and stifled a groan. Good Lord, he thought, what’s he been watching or listening to this time. Several years ago, Max had been convinced that microchips were planted in people along with their annual flu vaccinations, so others could spy on them. Max didn’t know who these ‘others’ were, but he was sure it was happening.
“Exactly what are you trying to tell me, Max? What did you see … tire tracks, footprints, lights?”
