“Did you hear what that announcer said?” she asked eagerly. “Most of it I couldn’t understand. I’m sure it was in code!”
“Code!” Mrs. Weems exclaimed in amazement.
“I’m sure I didn’t have one of the regular stations! It must have been a short wave broadcast beamed at a particular group of persons. The announcer began: ‘Attention Comrades!’”
“Can’t you tune in again?” Louise demanded.
Penny twisted the dial without success. She was still trying when a taxi cab drew up at the front door.
“There’s your father now!” Louise declared.
“And see who’s with him!” Penny added, craning her neck. “It is Mrs. Deline.”
Mrs. Weems, decidedly flustered, hurriedly removed her apron. In an undertone she warned Penny to be polite to the unexpected visitor.
Mr. Parker, a tall, lean man with hair only touched by gray, stepped from the taxi. The woman he assisted was attractively slender, and dressed in an expensive tailored suit. Her face was cold and serene, but so striking that it commanded instant interest. Penny’s spirits sagged as she observed that the widow came equipped with luggage.
“Now what?” she muttered.