Page 33 of Very Special Forces

"Wedon't exactly have a fleet of them. But yeah, the license plate isthe same. I already checked."

"Sosomeone returned it after stealing the tank," I mused. "Is there aregular driver?"

"Yeah,but he only blew into Fort Charles with the tank. He's basedsomewhere west. I think I told you his name is Simmons but I'llneed to make sure of it."

"Can youfind out if he was driving it the night the tank disappeared?Perhaps he got an order to move it and doesn't realize he wasparticipating in a theft?"

"Youmean someone treated him like a stooge? I guess that could happen.I'll look deeper into it," Harris agreed.

"Becareful. If Simmons was the driver that night, then he definitelyknows the tank is gone. If he's not in on it, he mightinadvertently reveal that fact. If he is in on it, he might dropyou into it if things get hot."

"So, I'mstill in trouble either way?"

"'Fraidso."

"I'llproceed with caution. Do you have any good news?"

"Yes. I'm pretty sure theyou knowwhatcame through Chester and intoMontgomery. I have the sighting coming into town, but nothing withregard to leaving. It's here somewhere."

"Whywould they stick it in your town? Why not load it up on an aircraftor transport it out of state?"

"Iwondered that too," I told him. "Perhaps the sale hasn't beennegotiated yet or the thief is waiting for any alerts to die downbefore they move it."

"No oneknows it's missing yet. There is no heat."

"Goodpoint. Call me back when you speak to Simmons. Bediscreet."

"Ofcourse. I'm not going to stroll up to him and shout 'yo, where's mytank?!'"

Isuspected that was exactly the sort of thing Harris would say,which was why I suggested he be discreet.

"Hey,why don't you speak to Simmons? A group of us are off base latertoday and heading into Montgomery. I could make sure he comes alongand you can interview him?"

"Whycan't you?" I asked.

"He'smore likely to spill to a pretty girl than he is to me. Plus, itcan't come back on me if I'm not the one asking thequestions."

"Yetanother good point."

"Plus,I'm paying you."

"That'swhere your good points end. You paid me ten bucks," I remindedhim.

"And aButterfinger," Harris reminded me. "And a bunch of other good stufftoo."

"Fine.I'm working at my friend's bar tonight. I'll reserve you a tableand you can bring your buddies."

"Is it agood bar?"

"It'svery popular."

"Imean..."

I rolledmy eyes. "Yes, there are ladies."

"Reputable?"

"Thetank, Harris. You're married," I said sternly. "Keep your mind onthe tank."

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