The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-08-20
DAVE CHAPTER II


 Pat was still staring at the let ter she had found in Joe Parker s desk when the side door opened and cold blast of air ushered some- one into the room.
 For Petes sake, hello, there!"
 Clem's greeting jerked her thoughts up short. She looked up, startled.
 Dave Elson," she cried. "So you did come!"
 Did you think I wouldn't, Pat?"
 His voice sounded tired and there were little lines around his eyes and mouth that hadn't been there three years ago. He thrust out his hand.
 How are you, Pat?'
 Pat smiled up at him. His hand shake sent the same old thrill through her.
 Never better until today" There was a little catch in her throat.
 T know he nodded. T caught a plane . Lucky finished that assignment My vacation start ed Sunday. Is there clew?"
 No, son." Clem Evans answered him. Not a thing but the knife with no fingerprints on it."
 Pat held up the letter she had found just before Dave's arrival.
 We have this. she told them Listen. You may get that infor- nation, Parker, but you'll never print it. I can't have my business ruined by a civic-minded paper like yours. My set-up is a gold mine. It's going to stay thta way There is no signature, of course"
 Both men snatched at the letter. Dave got it. He studied it closely, then handed 1t to Evans.
 There's a funny letter on that typewriter, Pat. The T. It's out of line"
 Pat nodded. She had seen it, too, but
 What good will that do2" she asked hopelessly. Where do we Start?"
 Dave Bison shook his head.
 T don't know, Pat he said. But we'll do something. We've got to-"
 Pat gave him quick look. There was hint of the old Dave in his tone that stirred memories in her heart. memories that she had long ago made up her mind to forget. Too, she felt little sorry for him and pity was the last thing in the world she wanted to feel for Dave Bison.
 It was after dark when Dave, Pat and Clem left the Express office. They had finished looking through Joe Parkers desk without success. That one letter seemed to be the only bit of evidence in the case and the possibility that 1t might prove anything was pitifully vague. What chance did they have to check every typewriter in teh country?
 Pat sighed as she settled herself in Clem's coupe. The faint sound registered all the misery and sor- row that he dfilled her heart since morning
 Me too, Pat" Dave managed a crooked grin. He slammed the dor shut, then opened 1t to toss out his cigaret. All set Clem?" he asked when the sports editor slid under the wheel.
 Evans nodded glumly.
 We must make pretty grim trio" Dave began, trying to make his voice sound light and carefree. Not smile in the bunch"
 Neither of the other two spoke. Clem kept his eyes straight ahead. Pats hands were tightly clasped in her lap so they wouldn't trem- ble, but Dave didn't know that. He had an impulse to put his arm around her, comfort her in the sadness that he knew was heart- breaking. But he didn't. He, too was remembering.
 This is my house, Dave" Clem Evans voice broke in on his thoughts. You take the car and drive Patricia home while tell my wife you're staying here. She'll be ready for you by the time you get back"
 70. K. But I hate to put you out like this. I could go down to the hotel, Clem."
 Clem Snorted. You do that" he said, and Mary would make life miserable for me. If there's anything she loves, it's company. And when that company happens