"Not very long," Loring Blade said. "We figured you'd be in about now. We have to ask you some questions, Al."
"Well, come in and ask."
They entered the house and Ted snapped on the lights in the living room. He started into the kitchen to prepare supper. Al swung to face their guests.
"Ask away," he invited them.
"We came to find out," said Jack Callahan, "what you can tell us about the shooting of Smoky Delbert."
4
THE FUGITIVE
The words brought Ted to a shocked halt, just as he was entering the kitchen. He turned to stare in disbelief and Tammie, sensing that something was wrong, searched his master's face as though this would show him what he must do. Failing to find any guiding sign, the collie turned toward the two strangers. He did nothing and would do nothing until Ted or Al told him to. But he was ready for any part he must take.
In his turn, Ted looked to his father for a clue and found none. Whatever Al might feel, he was successfully hiding it, and his voice was neither raised nor lowered when he spoke.