Chapter 216: Marge and the Runner

"So you want me to check out the policemen on that raid even closer than I have already." Lucas asked.

"Yes, you checked the normal places, now check with the bad guys. See what your guys out on bail can come up with." I suggested.

"Money won't do them much good, if they are going back inside," Lucas suggested.

"Surely they want something," I said

"Sure they do, but it ain't usually money. What they want is a favor, for a favor." Lucas said.

"Luke, I am not going to leave a gun in the courthouse," I demanded.

"Nothing like that, I'll let you know before I agree," he said.

Fair enough," I replied. Do your homework carefully," I demanded.

Lucas was probably the only one I knew who kept office hours. He also visited lock up almost every night to post bail for some sleeze. No wonder he had hired a young guy right out of college to serve the court papers. He was riding the empire he built from hand me downs. He had paid me off, but he was likely to still be paying Ed for the bail bond business. It was nothing to me but a curiosity.

He went back to his morning coffee and I rolled the motor bike out the door to Helen's for breakfast. I knew that Lucas would have the feelers out before the office closed. It might take a day, or it might take an hour, but if there was anything out of plumb on the two officers it would come out.

I found there was another new girl at Helen's. The one that morning was rude to me, but sweet to the man in front of me. I let it slide until I saw her pull the same thing on a woman I did not recognize. I knew that that Helen needed to be warned.

"Helen it's me Max. Yes I'm back in town and I'm at your sit down on main. You have a woman in here who is sweet as honey to the men and rude to all the women. I mean all of them. Do what you want, I'm just giving you a heads up.

I went out and started the Gunny's motor bike. I rode it the two miles out to the mall. It was colder than I had expected. I knew then that I was going to have to make some changes in my morning routine. It wasn't quite freezing yet, but it was plenty airish, as my dad used to call it.

Once I arrived at the mall, I began to walk. I left my jacket on a bench at the entrance while I walked my six laps. Even after 6 months I still planned to walk three miles. I was pleased to see the Tiny Dancer ahead of me and moving along at a good steady clip. She obviously had managed the last six months with a minimum of bad luck.

"Maxine I see you are back," she said as I caught up with her.

"Yes I finished my enforced vacation," I replied.

"Good for you, I'm glad to see you here." she said.

"Thanks, I'm glad to see you still here and healthy looking. I guess some things never change," I said smiling.

"Now you know they will one day. I have been far too lucky, too long, I'm due for a run of bad luck." she said.

"Let's hope not," I said to contradict her.

"So, are you still doing your stretching exercises?" Dancer asked.

"I do them when I can," I replied.

"You seem to be moving pretty well for a clumsy cow," she said smiling.

"Hey, I'm not a cow," I said.

"No, but you are clumsy," she said.

"Only when I walk," I replied with a smile.

"So you are telling me you are graceful in bed," she burst into laughter at the thought.

"Of course, isn't everyone," I said with a smile. At least she smiled back. Within a few steps she veered off to the side. I could see her jacket waiting for her. She obviously had begun earlier and finished her morning workout. "Well take care, I will see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow," she agreed. I turned the corner leaving her standing alone. I continued to walk at a pretty good clip. I wanted to get in a good walk even more than I did most mornings. There was something about that day that made me want to work my body.

After my walk I started the bike and headed for home. Other than the chill in the air it was a ride with nothing worth noting. I spent the most of the morning in my office doing pretty much nothing. After a couple of hours I decided that I wanted to see Lucas's operation; since I hadn't been around when he took over Ed's business. I rolled the bike out and rode it down to Lucas's office. It was only a few blocks.

"Hello," I said after I stepped into the office. Lucas was behind his desk and on the phone. I held up on my rude comments until he was finished with his call.

The desk I had once occupied was covered with someone else's personal items. There was no doubt that it belonged to someone who was not me. It looked as though Lucas had become a real honest to goodness business man. He obviously had hired someone for field. That someone probably delivered the summons or other court papers.

"Well look at you," I said when he had finished his phone call. "Got the place running like a real business. I'm glad I came bye. I'll try to keep my requests to a minimum." I meant it when I said it.

"Thanks but I have time to do some computer work for you. Still I am keeping this place running as well," he said it to let me know not to abuse his good nature. He needn't have worried, I planned to write Lucas off after I left the building. There were other ways to get the information I needed.