“I’m not certain I like that. Alta telephoned a little while after you’d left. She said that she thought you were coming back, that you’d just gone to the garage with me. She wants to see you. She’s worried — she’s — dammit, Donald, we’re all coming to depend on you.”
“That’s what I’m hired for.”
“I know, but this is different. Alta would be lost if you left.”
“Alta has to leave, too.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“You mean go with you?”
“No. Go some place. Visit someone. Spend a few days with some out-of-town friend — and don’t let anyone know where she’s going.”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want anyone asking her questions until I know a few more answers.”