"There'll be no war. Get out to Drew's farm and pick up the body. Here—here's a permit to use my car." He scribbled a note that would allow Naylor to consume some precious gasoline. "When that's taken care of, move into my office and act as Mayor until I get back—if I get back."
"Where are you going?" Naylor asked.
"I've got to catch Len Colter before he reaches Northburg."
"But I thought...."
"I'll do the thinking," Riddell said. "You do what you're told."
Ten minutes later, Riddell overtook Len Colter, halfway to Northburg. "Go home," Riddell said. "I'm taking you off the job. It's too risky."
Disappointment showed in the boy's eyes. "But I got back safe the first time, sir!"
"I'm giving you an order!" Riddell snapped. "Ben Kingston was just found dead. I don't want you to go the same way."
"But—"