N.F.D. by Dave Pedneau

Author:Dave Pedneau [Pedneau, Dave]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery & Crime
Publisher: Crossroad Press
Published: 2013-01-26T06:00:00+00:00

By 10:00 that morning, a total of eleven children had been delivered to the Fun Time Day Care Center.

Norma was checking the list provided to Whit the prior day by Mrs. Harrison. "According to this thing, she still has three other 'regular' clients. Either Mrs. Harrison is giving away more day care than she's selling, or she's in violation of the licensing law."

Whit was leaning against the fender of his car. "I don't get the impression that the Harrisons give away much of anything. If this can be done for another morning or two, perhaps on a random basis, I don't see any reason why they can't be prosecuted."

"It hasn't helped you much with your case."

The morning, which had dawned under the gray overcast, was turning sunny. The thick clouds had started to break apart, unveiling broad vistas of azure skies. When the rays of the sun found one of the openings in the overcast, its warmth was a reminder that summer hadn't abandoned the Central Appalachians quite yet.

As comforting as increasing sunlight was, it did little to dispel the dark chill of apprehension within Whit. "I'm afraid we're going to find that child in a drainage ditch somewhere, or buried under leaves just off a highway. It's that kind of kidnapping."

"Maybe not," Norma said. "You need to keep a positive attitude."

Whit laughed. "That's not something I do very well. Too many years in this business; too many layers of crusty cynicism."

The street had been quiet for several minutes. Most of those who were going to work had already left their homes. The housewives in the neighborhood were just beginning to stir. When a black Chrysler pulled onto the street several blocks south of them, both Whit and Norma noticed it.

"That's Tony Danton's car," Whit said.

"Checking upon you?"

Whit shrugged. "Something must be going on."

Tony pulled his car in front of Whit's and got out. "How's it going?"

"The lady's packing them inside like sardines in a can," Whit said.

The prosecutor nodded to Norma Wyse, who said, "So far, Mr. Danton, she has eleven children in there."

"Any information on the kidnapping?" Tony asked. Whit slowly shook his head. "The few kids we were able to talk with just said it was a clown."

"What happened between you and Harrison?"

"I guess he's been on the phone," Whit said, smiling.

"Actually I've been before Judge O'Brien with Harrison's attorney."

The news made Whit chuckle. "That didn't take long. Who is his lawyer?"

"Ardis Harmon."

The amused look vanished from Whit's face. "You gotta be shittin' me?"

" 'Fraid not. The court has issued a temporary injunction against us. We're to cease and desist. Now, back to my question: What took place between you and Harrison?"

"He came out and got in my face. I got in his face. No harm done. Is that why they got the injunction?"

Tony shook his head. "They would have gotten it anyway, I think."

"Really, he didn't hurt the man," Norma said, coming to Whit's defense. "What does the injunction mean?"

"It means, Miss Wyse, that we can't interfere with the operations of the Harrisons' business.

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