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"Yes, I recall seeing it"

Before Pitt could begin a U-turn, the woman bent down to the open"Won't find him home

Mr Essex left four, o"

"Do you knohen he'll return?" Pitt asked

"Who's to say?" She shrugged "He often closes down his house and goes to Pals this time of year Lets oes; easy for hione to the desert is when his mailbox overflows"

Of all people to ask directions, Pitt thought, he had to pick the neighborhood busybody "Thank you," he said "You've been most helpful"

The woman's lined face suddenly became a mask of friendliness and her voice turned to ive it to ets it I pick up all his mail and newspapers anyway"

Pitt looked at her "He didn't stop his newspaper?"

She shook her head "Thethe ponds the other day he said he saw stea away and leaving the heat in the house on Pure waste, considering the energy shortage"

"You said Mr Essex lives alone?"

"Lost his wife ten years ago," answered busybody "His three children are scattered all over Hardly ever write the poor man"

Pitt thanked her again and rolled up thebefore the woman could prattle on He didn't have to look in the rearview mirror to know she had kept her eye on the car as he turned into the Essex drive

He rolled through the trees, parked the Cobra in front of the house and switched off the ignition, but left the headlights on He sat there a few ine crackle fro a siren on the other side of the river in Maryland It was a beautiful night Clear and brisk Lights sparkled on the river like Christmas ornaments

The house stood dark and silent

Pitt clie He lifted the es and peered at the two cars facing frontward, the bright work on their grills and buhts One was a coined Ford The other was an older Cadillac Brougha cars They were both covered with a light layer of dust