“Get your coat and hat. There’s a good girl.”
“But, Max, you must be sick of driving. And if you expect to start back tonight——”
“I don’t. I’m staying over at the Y.M. for a couple of days. So I can watch you. Now, don’t get excited! I have your parents’ consent. In fact, they thought it was a bully idea. You may be a wonderful detective, Mary Lou, but just the same you’re a darned pretty girl. And pretty girls alone in strange cities....”
“I have Mrs. Hilliard,” she reminded him.
“Yes, I know. That’s what makes it look all right. But it doesn’t make you safe, just the same. You could easily be kidnaped.”
“You’re not going to follow me everywhere I go, are you?” she asked, in concern.
“No. Just keep an eye on you for a couple of days. And maybe help you a bit. With a car at your disposal, you may be able to clear up things quicker and go home in time for the senior prom. That’s my little scheme, in a nutshell.”
“It will be wonderful,” agreed Mary Louise. “I’ll admit there have been moments when I’ve been homesick, Max.” Her eyes brightened. “I know where I want to go this afternoon! To Center Square.”
“Where’s that?”
“I don’t know. Out in the country somewhere—you can look it up on your map.”