The threat failed to disturb Penny. Schirr, determined to wound her deeply, went on with grim satisfaction.
“You kid yourself you’ll see your father again,” he jeered. “Well, you won’t! Mr. Parker is dead and you may as well get used to the idea.”
Penny’s eyes burned. “You say that only to torture me!”
“It’s the truth. If you weren’t so blind you’d acknowledge it. Your father tried to run a gang of professional tire-thieves out of this town, and they did for him.”
“You seem very certain of your facts, Mr. Schirr. Perhaps you know some of the higher-ups personally.”
“How would I?”
“Your knowledge is so complete,” Penny said scathingly.
“I’m only telling you my opinion,” Schirr growled, now on the defensive. “If you want to ride along in a sweet dream that’s Okay with me.”
“I want to get at the truth,” said Penny shortly. “Do you have one scrap of evidence that Dad has fallen into the hands of enemies?”
Schirr hesitated, knowing well that an affirmative answer might lead to questioning from the police.