"Of course I am! You don't think I imagined it, I hope!"
"No," Mr. Nichols laughed, "but one's ears often distort conversation. It does seem a little odd that Brunner should have any connection with this boy. Still, there must be a logical explanation. Brunner's reputation is above reproach, you know."
"I don't think he's so very honest," Penny declared. "After the way he acted about Susan's car I wouldn't trust him an inch."
"Brunner does make glib promises," the detective admitted. "In general, however, he seems to have operated his business honestly. He has made a great deal of money, Penny, and is considered one of Belton City's leading citizens."
"I don't see where he makes all his money," Penny complained. "Whenever you go into his garage it's usually deserted, although he keeps a horde of discourteous workmen."
"Brunner hasn't been doing so well of late," Mr. Nichols agreed.
"I think he'd bear watching," Penny said darkly.
"I'll turn the task over to you," Mr. Nichols chuckled. "I shouldn't care for it myself. Digging up the black history of influential citizens isn't the most profitable occupation in the world."
Realizing that she was being teased, Penny dropped the subject. However, no sooner had her father buried himself in his newspaper again than she thought of another question which she could not resist asking.
"What did you learn about that license number I gave you last night, Dad?"