Page 126 of Head Room

“Because he asked James about them?”Mike objected.“Isn’t that pretty thin?”

“Or it could be connected to the negotiations,” Jennifer said.

“James, who has no problem not answering but doesn’t lie, said it wasn’t,” I reminded them.“Plus, neither Mrs.P nor Clara seemed to feel there was a connection between whatever happened with Jardos and their negotiations with the vets.

“In the meantime, we have Jardos storing his wife’s quilts with Hannah, plus priming her to rescue his possessions.”

“And moving forward his schedule of helping the vets,” Diana said.

“The clear-cut,” Mike muttered.

“Walking past Connie,” Jennifer added.

“Exactly.All indications he was preparing for or concerned about something happening.There’s another aspect — Ron Sam Preet aka Nance having a financial background from his Army days.And he and Jardos were seen having an intense, possibly contentious conversation.Although Hiram was the witness, so...”

“You’re saying Nance is involved with registering these companies?I thought you meant Jardos was,” Jennifer said.“I mean, it would fit with the fragments left from the forum.They didn’t mention registered agents, but the stuff about legal tools creating illegal somethings.So darned vague—”

“Possibilities, all possibilities,” I reminded her.“Along with the possibility that some or all of the other vets are involved.Jardos could have found out through helping them, especially with trying to buy the land.He could easily be privy to things he hadn’t known before.”

“Things to do with registered agents?”Jennifer asked.

“Maybe.”

She scowled.

“What do we do with these possibilities?”Diana asked.

“We follow up on them.”

“You want me to research registered agents more?See who is running that kind of business around here?Or look into scam companies?”Jennifer asked.

“All of the above, please.Mike and Diana, work your connections with people about registered agents.Both of you also see if anybody has had interactions with Nance, know who his associates are, or saw him and Jardos together.”

“Bonus points for intense or contentious mood,” Diana murmured.

“And you, Elizabeth?”Mike asked.

“I want to talk to the vets again.More of them this time, if possible.Find out more about Nance.Also check in with Connie again.”I expelled a breath.“If I have to, go back to Hiram.”

“Aren’t your parents coming tomorrow?”Not really a question, since Diana knew the answer.

“Late afternoon.I should have time before.”

But it reminded me I needed to do the foot-softening routine tonight.Before Mom’s inspection.

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

Yes, I gotleftover goop on my device while reading in bed.It would survive.

****

(Notes: An officer’s young wife discovers Maggie can do fine needlework, as well as the laundry she’s doing.Another woman mocks Maggie.The officer’s young wife seeks out Maggie afterward.)

“Mrs.Fletcher, I should like us to be friends.I find much to admire in you.”

Maggie gaped at the other woman.

Amusement tugged at Mrs.XX’s lips, but she nodded firmly.