It took me an hour, but I came out with a gun permit, and a piece of paper which stated that I was temporarily attached to the Federal Office as special investigator. A long distance call to Hoskiss had got me that.
I was late back for supper, and Clair was worried, but as soon as she saw the light in my eye, she brightened.
“Where have you been?” she asked, leading me into the dining-room where supper was waiting.
I told her about Lois; showed her the gun permit and my authority.
“I’m a G-man now,” I said. “How do you like that?”
She looked a little scared, but tried to hide it.
“I like it fine,” she said. “There’s a cop in the kitchen eating apple pie. He said he had been detailed to keep an eye on me until you returned.”
I laughed. “Swell idea,” I said. “Well, I’m ready for Bat now. I don’t think they’ll come after you, honey. Lois wouldn’t have told me if that was their idea.”
Three days went by, and still nothing happened. Every three hours a patrolman would look in, wink at Clair, say “No trouble?” shrug and go on his way.
I didn’t relax this time. I was sure something would happen before long, and if I didn’t keep on my toes, I’d be surprised.