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Startled, Virgil derinned “You don’t really think Buck’s hidin’ in here somewheres The cops already searched every nook and cranny in it But you go ahead and look”

“I’an going through the cupboards

“What are you doing in there?” Puzzled and a little worried, Virgil stretched forward to peer into the kitchen

“Checking to see what he ht have taken with him in the way of supplies”

“You’ve got no business snooping through theled out of the recliner

“He didn’t leave much for you to eat,” Chase observed

“I don’t needhis shuffling footsteps a three-beat sound “ ’Sides, mostly we eat what’s left from the meals over at the main house I ain’t much for cookin’ and neither is Buck”

“It shows” Chase closed the door on the last cupboard and made a final scan of the kitchen

Gripping the cane with both hands, Virgil leaned his weight on it “You aren’t gonna’ quit snooping now, are you?” he challenged “Go ahead Check out the rest of the roo in a closet”

“No Buck isn’t here”

“What makes you so sure of that?”

“Buck is a lot of things, but he isn’t a fool As long as there is so back here” Chase paused, noting the surprise that briefly registered in the old man’s face “You didn’t know there was a man posted outside, did you?”

“Don’tof his bony shoulders “Like you said, Buck’s no fool You can have people watch ’til the snow flies and they ain’t gonna see hi as it is” He shot Chase a look of pure loathing and shifted in place, turning to head back into the living room

“No, he’s holed up so one “Soht under my nose That’s the way he thinks”

Halting, Virgil pounded his cane on the floor in a fit of anger “Why can’t you let hih for you? Why do you have to hunt him down?”