Harry nodded. “The only footprints I saw were my own. Therefore, IF someone’s in there, they’re staying inside, not coming and going very often.” He paused. “Was there anything valuable in the house?”
“Like what?” Max asked. “What kind of things?”
“Antique furniture, old dishes or ornaments… things like that. The daughter would not have taken them with her.”
Max sighed. “I wouldn’t know an antique if I tripped over one. There was a set of china in a cabinet, that once belonged to his wife’s great-grandmother. But I doubt anyone knew about it.” He scrunched up his forehead as he thought about it. “I remember some fancy ornaments too… French I think… Oh! And there was a painting in the living room. Don’t know if that was worth anything. That’s all I can remember.”
“That presents a possibility of burglary,” Harry said thoughtfully, “but there should have been footprints. Unless they weren’t there that night, or left before the snow started.”
“It’s outside the town limits, and been empty a long time…” Max paused a few seconds. “We haven’t considered the possibility of aliens.”
Harry shook his head. “Don’t even mention it.”
“A lot of people believe in them,” Max said quietly. “Perhaps they don’t leave footprints.”
“A lot of people believe in a lot of unproven rumours and conspiracy theories. I am not one of them,” Harry said firmly.
Max drew a deep breath and exhaled slowly. “So what’s our next move?”
“Good question.” Harry rubbed his chin. “I suggest we both start at the beginning, go over everything very carefully, step by step, and see if we’ve overlooked anything.”
“You mean, we each go over it on our own?”
Harry nodded. “No two people think alike. Either of us could come up with something that the other might miss. We’ll meet again in the morning.”
Max laughed and headed for the door. “I’d better pick up some coffee if all I’m gonna do tonight is think.”
Harry chuckled. “Hey!” Max turned just in time to catch the package of coffee Harry tossed at him.
“On the house,” he said.
Max was still laughing as he shut the door behind him. He didn’t see the half smile on Harry’s face. He wanted to keep Max’s mind on the farm.
***************
The following morning, Max showed up, excited and breathing hard, talking before the door was closed behind him.
“Slow down,” Harry said as he looked at Bertie and said quietly, “Coffee, please.” Turning his attention to Max, he said, “Sit down and catch your breath.”
Bertie handed Max a mug as he began to relax. “Take your time,” she said with a smile. “I want to hear this too.”
Max smiled at her. “Thank you. I’m good.”
Harry frowned slightly and looked at him. “Either Bingo told you something new, or you remembered something. Which is it?”
“I know who’s in the silo.”
Harry and Bertie waited for him to continue.
“It’s Sol… he’s finally come back.”
