“And you believe the Hoods may be connected with the Cooperative?”
“I wouldn’t go so far as to say that,” Jerry replied hastily. “Fact is, the Holloway Cooperative always has had a good reputation.”
“There’s no question the Preston barn was destroyed by the Hoods,” Penny said reflectively. “Although the evidence pointed to Clem Davis, I’ve never felt satisfied he was guilty.”
“Same here,” agreed Jerry. “Another thing, I keep mulling over what that melon sorter said yesterday.”
“You mean his hint that something might happen to Mrs. Davis’ crop?”
“Yeah. Maybe he knew more than he let on.”
“The Hoods will have to work fast if they destroy the Davis melons,” Penny rejoined. “Besides, didn’t the sheriff uncover proof that Clem Davis is a member of the organization?”
“That’s what he says. I wonder about that too.”
Not far from the truck was a small pile of discarded melons, culls which were misshapen or over-ripe. Selecting one, Jerry tossed it into the air and caught it.
“Just the right size for a hand grenade,” he remarked. “Watch!”