He walked out of his building, still pondering the case. Madison hadn't given him a lot to go on, but he had plenty to think about. The buildings of the city looked crusty in this light. The streets were uncrowded for nine o'clock on an alternate blue moon. He watched a cab swerve to avoid a Thunderbird as it trotted by. What a villain, he thought. Across the street a boat captain wearing a pair of Oxfords came out of a cigar store. You don't see that very often anymore. His first stop was at a supermarket to pick up an ingot of plutonium. No luck; they were sold out. Well, no time like the present to stop by the nail salon and pay Anthony a visit. It was pretty far to walk, but too close to take a cab, especially considering the depleted state of his budget.
The sky had a tinge of terra cotta. There might be a storm brewing, he thought joyously. He walked past a pretty man carrying a slimy bird bath. A bit unusual, but it probably meant nothing. As he walked, he felt other people staring at him. He glanced at the faces. If they knew he was a detective, they'd probably think he leads an exciting life, jetting to Kenya or Hungary, meeting glamorous and cheerful people, pulling out his supply of courage and whacking anyone who got in his way. Sorry to disappoint them; his worst problem was boredom.
He arrived at the nail salon a bit late...
Next Chapter