Just in time, too. The black limousine came up the road, passed through the gate, and drew up in front of the porch. Dietz got out. Crunch got out. Biff could see Dietz speak to Crunch. The big Indian bowed his head and walked off in the direction of the small house where Biff had first seen him.
“Good,” Biff said half aloud. “At least, I won’t have to worry about Crunch being present when I go up there.”
He waited a few minutes more. Specks returned from parking the car, joined Dietz, who had waited on the porch, and the two men entered the house. The porch light went off. Lights inside the house came on.
“Well, it’s now or never. This is it, Biff Brewster. Get hold of yourself and start moving.”
Biff crossed the yard again and mounted the steps leading to the porch. His heart was pounding. He swallowed, but the lump in his throat stayed where it was. Biff’s knuckles rapped on the door. He stepped back. He heard footsteps approaching. The door opened. It was Specks.
Specks’ mouth dropped open in amazement. His face went pale. The red blotches on his cheeks became even redder against the whiteness of his skin.
“Who is it, Specks?” Biff heard Dietz call.
Specks didn’t answer. He was speechless.
“Who’s there?” Dietz called again. “What is it? Specks!” he snapped. “What’s happened to you?”
Biff stepped forward.