Page 112 of Strangers in Time

The DI looked in the direction of where Charlie had vanished and muttered, “I will catch you if it’s the last thing I ever do, boy.”

FRANKNESS ONDISPLAY

MOLLY, WITHOLIVER’S PERMISSION, had used Imogen’s typewriter and The Book Keep stationery to compose her letter to Dr. Thaddeus Stephens of the Beneficial Institute. She had gotten Oliver’s comments on several handwritten drafts until she believed she had struck upon the right tone. She had duly posted it early one morning, and had walked back to the shop to prepare for work.

She had previously told Oliver about Lonzo Rossi’s having come to the clinic.

He had said, “My God, I helped bring him there that night. I thought I recognized him but I couldn’t remember from where.”

“Sister says it looks like he wasbeaten.”

“Yes. The thing is, the inspector told me that they had arrested Lonzo.”

“Do you think he might have escaped?”

“I don’t see how he could have possibly managed that,” replied Oliver.

“But then how did he sustain—” She paused and then exclaimed, “But surely the police wouldn’t have… would they?”

Oliver had looked at her uncomfortably. “Before the war, Molly, there were certain things I would not have believed. But after what I’ve seen, I’m afraid that is no longer the case.”

Molly had thought back to what had happened to her mother at that shelter. “I guess I feel the same way.” She added, suddenly horrified, “You don’t mean that… that Charlie…”

“I don’t know, Molly. I just don’t know.”

Molly came out of these depressing musings and looked out the window for a moment. “Your friend at the War Office?”

“Major Bryant, yes?”

“He must be wrong about my father. He can’t be a criminal.”

“I would think as you do, Molly, but I also know Bryant. He is not known for making unsubstantiated allegations like that.”

“But what crime is he accused of committing?”

“I have no idea.”

She said doubtfully, “I know he worked in money matters in the city before the war and traveled quite a bit.”

“Perhaps some missing funds, then?”

“I suppose it is possible. I mean, hehasdisappeared.” Molly looked utterly crushed.

“But if that is the case, I wonder why the War Office is involved.”

“Did you write your friend back?” she asked.

“I would not, without your permission.”

“I simply can’t leave it as it is,” said Molly.

“Then I will make further inquiries.”

“Thank you.” She nervously twisted her fingers. “Do you think that would explain why those men were watching my house?”

“It certainly could, Molly.”

The following weeks went by rather quickly, and thankfully there were no more bombing raids. Each evening, Oliver told Molly of his efforts to locate Charlie.

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