same squad." "Maybe," said Robie. "But I'm not convinced." Vance eyed his car. "You think it's okay to get in it?" "I told you about the special features. But if it makes you feel any better I'll get in first and start it up." "Robie, you don't have to do that. We're in this together." "And because we're in this together, I do have to do it. No sense in all of us going up in the same flame ball." They waited at the corner while he unlocked the car and got in. Vance and Julie tensed noticeably when he started the engine. When nothing happened, they both let out long breaths at the same time. He drove to the corner and they climbed in. "Now where?" asked Vance. "Back to our little HQ, compare notes, think it through, and come up with new leads." "I don't see anything to think through," grumbled Julie. "You'd be surprised," replied Robie. "Well, let's hope we're surprised," said Vance. "Because I don't see any daylight in all this either." Traffic was just as bad heading west and it was well over ninety minutes later before they were seated at the table in the farmhouse kitchen staring at each other. They'd grabbed some burgers and fries on the way back and had eaten in the car. But while their bellies were full, their heads were still empty of any promising leads. "Okay, let's go through it again," said Robie. "Do we have to?" said Julie. "It seems like a waste of time." "Most of investigative work can be a waste of time. But
( David Baldacci )
[ The Innocent ]
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