“Mr. Schirr, kindly explain what you are doing in my father’s safe.”
“Looking for information about the tire-theft gang.”
“A story you say the Star never should print.”
“That’s neither here nor there.” A deep flush had crept over Schirr’s cheeks but his manner remained confident. “As editor I have to know what’s going on.”
“Who gave you permission to open the safe?”
“You forget that I am editor here, Miss Parker.”
“At least I’ve been reminded of it enough times,” Penny retorted. “How did you learn the combination?”
“I’ve known it.”
“You saw the numbers written on Dad’s desk,” Penny accused.
Mr. Schirr did not deny the charge. Turning his back, he started to remove a rubber band from a small stack of yellowed letters. The act infuriated Penny, for she recognized the packet. Years before, the letters had been written by her own mother, and Mr. Parker always had treasured them.