They walked to Jerry's car and settled down to wait. Through the windshield Rick watched the townfolk clustered around the courthouse steps and noted that they weren't talking much. He guessed everyone in town knew there was something extraordinary about the wreck of the Sea Belle and he wondered if anyone suspected smuggling activities at Creek House.
He said aloud, "If the Kelsos and Brad Marbek took the stuff up to Salt Creek Bridge before we got there, what boat did they use? The boat we saw in the boathouse was dry, and the boats on the Albatross were hanging on the davits. Maybe we're all wet on that, too."
"Maybe," Scotty agreed glumly. "I've never seen a deal with so many dead ends."
Cap'n Mike sounded alarmed. "You're not giving up, are you, boys?"
"Not a chance. We'll get to the bottom of this sooner or later." Scotty spoke for both of them.
Cap'n Mike pointed. "The crowd's coming out."
Evidently the hearing was over, because those who had waited inside the building and those lucky enough to get seats were coming out. Presently Jerry Webster came out, too, tucking his notes into his jacket pocket. He joined them in the car and greeted Cap'n Mike.
"You look like three mourners," he told them. "What's the matter?"
Rick explained briefly, then asked, "Got any bright ideas?"
"Afraid not," Jerry replied. "Finding someone is a tough job even for the police with all their facilities. I don't know how you'd even start."