Divine Justice

CHAPTER 67

WHEN REUBEN hooked back up with Annabelle and Caleb later that day at the campground, the big man didn't have much to report. Yet he did have one observation.

"We been to all these little towns up here, but Divine is different."

"Different how?" asked Caleb.

"There's money here," answered Reuben. "Thriving shops, new cars, renovated buildings, a courthouse and a jail. Went to the church, even did a little praying. I talked to the padre, he said it was all done in the last few years."

"What cover are you using?" Annabelle asked.

"Said I was a writer looking to set a novel in a small mountain town. Everybody seemed to accept it okay. I guess I look like a writer," he added smugly.

Caleb stared up at his giant friend with the long, curly black hair and beard shot with gray. "I'd say you're more bohemian-looking, but that's probably just splitting hairs. But I think I see what you're saying. The library was really beautiful. The librarian said it had been recently redone too. Brand-new media center, computers, the works."

"And who'd you tell 'em you were?" asked Reuben gruffly.

"A wandering bibliophile. I think I fit that role rather well."

"You really told them that?" asked Annabelle.

"No, I actually said I was looking for work as a short order cook and was checking the classifieds. For some reason she accepted that without question, though I hardly look like a Fry Daddy connoisseur," he added stiffly.

"Sure you don't. What'd you find out, Annabelle?" asked Reuben.

She told them of her conversation with Shirley and Judge Mosley.

"The woman knows something, that's for sure. I think we should follow her and see what else we can find out."

"Sounds like a plan."

"When will Alex get here?" Caleb wanted to know.

"Soon, at least I hope."

"Missing the lawman, are we?" Reuben asked.

"No, I'm just tired of doing all the thinking."

"Well, here's another one for you to think about. Where are we going to be crashing?"

"Not in town," she said. "How about we just sleep in the van out here?"

"In the van?" said Caleb with a stricken look. "What about bathroom facilities?"

Annabelle pointed to the woods. "Nature's own."

"Oh, for Chrissakes," began Caleb.

Reuben held up a hand. "Caleb, if a bear can shit in the woods so can a librarian."

"And what about that reporter?" Caleb pointed out.

"I've sort of got a plan, but I need Alex's help." She turned to Reuben. "So why do you think Divine is so prosperous?"

He said, "Maybe if we answer that, we can explain why people keep getting murdered and/or blown up."

"Do you think something's happened to Oliver?" Caleb asked.

"I've never met anyone better able to take care of himself than Oliver," Reuben answered quite truthfully.

At least we can hope, thought Annabelle.