As the cashier shrugged and did not reply, Hank allowed the matter to pass. Although he remained at the counter, he kept watching the police car through the window.
The brief interchange between cafe owner and driver had interested Penny. To delay her departure, she bought a candy bar and began to unwrap it.
Only one policeman had alighted from the car. Tramping into the cafe, he pounded his hands together and sought the warmth of a radiator.
“Mind if I have a little of your heat?” he asked the cafe owner.
“Help yourself.”
Penny had been watching Hank Biglow. A moment before the man had sat tense and nervous at the counter. Now he seemed completely relaxed and at ease as he sipped his coffee.
“Hello, Hank,” the policeman greeted him. “Didn’t see you at first. How’s the trucking business?”
“Okay,” the trucker growled. “Workin’ me night and day.”
The casual conversation disappointed Penny. Her first thought had been that Hank Biglow feared a police investigation. Seemingly, she had indulged in wishful thinking.
Having no further reason for remaining in the cafe, the girls stepped out into the storm.