Play@YSDC

Nothing is found that would indicate where he might have gone. Esposito returns from questioning the doorman.

Jamison says, "Mr. Vilas didn't change clothes. He went in the casual suit he had worn all day. He didn't take his cheque-book or any extra cash. His office called about noon, wondering where he was. I told them he had been called away on a family matter and that I was remiss in not telephoning to let them know."

Everyone finally concludes there's nothing helpful to be found.

Dex glances at Delores and Esposito. "Since there isn't anything here useful, let's just head off to this "dance" and add "saving Langdon" into the mix of things we need to do. Agreed?"

"Just the three of us?" asks Delores, chewing nervously on her lower lip. "Are we going to be safe? It was enough of a worry when I thought there would be four of us."

"Miss Brown, nobody will think any less of you if you don't want to go." I'm completely sincere, trying to gently nudge her into not going. "Me, I'd feel better knowing you were out of danger. Dex and I, we're trained for this sort of thing. And it's my job. You two are civilians, you shouldn't have to be involved in this sort of thing at all. You could stay with the car, be ready to get help if, well, if things get a little hot."

Delores flushed. "I don't want to let anyone down," she said quietly. She sniffed and looked up. "Besides, I think I'd rather be with you gentlemen, rather than being left behind on the car."

I'd argue with her, but I can see there's no point. I'm not even going to try with Dex -- he's too hard-headed to listen.

"Suit yourself. Just be careful, okay?"

Delores laughed weakly and glanced away demurely. "Don't worry, Mr Esposito. I won't be going far from you three gentlemen."

The Red Hook thread is ready to go.

Dex pops open the trunk as he heads back out to the car. He makes sure the little sawed off shotgun is unloaded, the shells are in the box, and then takes the mechanic's carryall it has been stored in with him. He passes the carry all to Delores.

"I couldn't get you a rifle in the time we had, and you said you weren't very good with a pistol, so this should be a decent alternative. She kicks a bit when fired, but if you make sure you have a firm grip on the forestock when you fire, well you will have a decent weapon with a great deal of power behind it. And there should be more than enough shells."

He looks at Esposito. "I take it you are packing plenty of heat?"

Delores glances into the bag, her eyes widening in surprise as she sees the sawn-off. "I've fired my daddy's shotgun when I lived on the farm so I can handle this. Thank you, Dex." She smiles wanly, but not enough to drive away the concern from showing in her eyes.