A third trooper climbed out of the squad car, took the packs from Fred's hands and walked into the apartment house. He climbed the stairs swiftly, wrinkling his nose at the stale thickness of the air, knocked on the apartment door and waited for Elsie to open it.
"Here's your beer," he said shortly.
"Where's Fred?"
"Your husband is being detained in connection with a robbery at his office."
"Fred! Are you kidding? Fred hasn't the sense or the guts! How long will he be gone?"
"Two or three weeks."
"Oh," said Elsie, scratching herself disinterestedly. "Well, thanks for the beer."
She shut the door and the trooper returned to the squad car. He looked at Fred sympathetically but said nothing. The squad car took off, then turned on its sirens.
"What's this all about?" asked Fred Williams from the back seat.
"Just excitement, bud. We live a dull life."