Harry pulled his truck up alongside as a young woman, probably a high school senior, or first-year college student, walked back to the roadside. He opened the window as she reached the bicycle.
“Good morning. I’m here to see Mrs. Allen, but it looks as if she isn’t up. Am I right?”
She shook her head. “I didn’t see any lights on but I don’t think she gets up this early.”
Harry nodded. “That’s what I thought. May I ask why you’re out here so early?”
The girl frowned as she looked at him, slipping one hand in her pocket, maybe wondering if she should answer. Then she said, “Not that it concerns you, but I’m delivering the next quarterly schedule for the Seventy-Plus Club.”
That rang a bell and he handed her a card. “You can relax. I’m just keeping an eye on her place – at her request.”
She looked at the card, then glanced at Harry, comparing the photo. “Harry Hogan, Private detective… yes, I’ve heard of you. I hope nothing’s wrong. She’s a nice person.”
“Do you always deliver these schedules in this area?”
“No, Uncle Bob usually does it himself. He’s president of the group.”
“That wouldn’t be Bob Mahoney, would it?” Harry asked.
She nodded. “Yes, do you know him?”
“I do, and you must be Libby,” Harry said. “I’ve heard him talk about you and your mother. So why isn’t he delivering them today?”
She grinned, at ease now that she knew who he was. “He sprained his ankle several days ago. Doctor ordered him to stay off it for a week and he still has four days to go. I’ve been helping out by running errands for him.”
“I’m sure he appreciates it.”
“Mom says he’s stubborn as a mule and won’t listen to the doctor unless someone keeps an eye on him.”
“Oh, I’m sure he’s not happy about staying off his feet.” Harry laughed. “Tell him I’ll stop by for a chat later.”
“I will,” she said. “See ya.” Her feet pumped the bicycle pedals furiously, in an attempt to make up the few lost minutes.
Harry grinned as he watched her. The thought crossed his mind that she just might be as impatient as her uncle, when it came to getting something done.
As he put the truck in gear, he saw Mrs. Allen’s light go on. He backed the truck into the Robinson’s driveway again and then turned in the opposite direction. He felt sure that if she saw him drive by, she would probably hold up her hand. Just in case her unknown admirer was watching from somewhere nearby, Harry thought it best that no one else know they were acquainted just yet.
********************
Later that morning, Harry paid a visit to Libby’s Uncle Bob. He rang the doorbell and then heard a shout from inside. “It’s open.”
As Harry closed the door behind him, the voice called out again. “If that’s you, Hogan, I’m in the living room.”
