Chapter 8 #3
“Not directly,” Bob said. “We have to drive packages to either Glens Falls or Saratoga Springs. Or…you know what? If the OCME lab would be willing to step up and help, we could arrange for a local to drive samples all the way down to New York and deliver them directly.”
“If speed is as important to you as you say, that would be the best solution,” Jack said. “I can call Dr. DeVries and get him fired up to expect them. If I push him a little, we can have some answers in days, not weeks.”
“Then that’s what we will do for sure,” Bob said.
“Okay, with that decided, let’s revisit the issue about where we are going to stay,” Laurie said. “We’re certainly not going to share an estate—no matter how posh—with a group of Dutch right-wing militia fanatics.”
“Heaven forbid!” Bob agreed with a smile.
“But let me assure you, all is not lost. I’ve arranged for you to stay at another great spot.
About twenty years after Ambrose Bennet, who founded the shoe company, built his palatial home, he built a similar, slightly smaller version in the same style for his firstborn son, Hiram, on the opposite side of the private lake he’d built his house facing.
Sadly, it only has ten bedrooms rather than twelve. ”
“Only ten bedrooms?” Laurie questioned with mock concern. “I don’t know whether that’s going to work out.”
All three people laughed.
“It also doesn’t have a barn,” Bob continued, “so you won’t be able to set up your own brewery, so take that off your to-do list.”
Everyone laughed again.
“But it has a pool, which the main house lacks,” Bob said. “When I took the time to run over there and check it out, I think it is better than the main house in a number of respects. You are going to love it.”
“Wonderful!” Laurie said as she started to rise up from her chair. The idea of getting situated appealed to her.
“Just a second!” Bob said, motioning his guests to stay seated. “I already mentioned about the barbecue tonight, and I hope you don’t mind that I’ve taken the liberty to invite Bill Hargrove, the chief of police, and his wife to join us. He’s particularly eager to meet you guys.”
“That’s fine,” Laurie said with a shrug. Jack nodded as well.
“As for activities, I wanted to let you know we have some decent tennis and pickleball courts in Bennet Park where there is also a basketball court. Mountain biking is big here in Essex Falls with some challenging trails, and there’s rentals available.”
“I brought my road bike,” Jack said. “It’s in the car.”
“Terrific,” Bob said. “For road biking, there are several local ten-to-twelve-mile loops that I can suggest. Laurie, there’s a very active Pilates group in town that uses the elementary school gym.
If you’re interested, Carol is an eager participant and more than willing to introduce you to the others.
And you, Jack! I hope you brought your basketball high-tops! ”
“Of course I did!”
“As I mentioned on the phone, we have a very active pickup basketball group here in town. Are you interested in me setting up a game for later this afternoon?”
Jack glanced at Laurie.
“Why are you looking at me?” Laurie questioned. “Play if you want to play. Just don’t leave me without a car. I might look into the Pilates. Is it a daily activity, Bob?”
“I believe so.”
“Of course I wouldn’t leave you carless,” Jack said. “I’ll bike into town. How far away is the Hiram House?”
“About four miles,” Bob said.
“A piece of cake,” Jack said. “Sure, I’ll be happy to play.”
“I thought that would be the case,” Bob said, “To be truthful, I took the liberty of already telling a number of people to be at Bennet Park at five p.m. I’m sure there’ll be a decent turnout.
By the way, one of the better players who will be there for certain is named JD.
Since he was a close friend of Ethan Jameson’s, he would be able to answer any general questions you might have about his friend’s habits if that might be helpful for tomorrow morning’s autopsy.
Although JD’s not the most career-minded twentysomething, he’s quite personable.
He also happens to be one of the founders of the Diehard Patriots along with the late Ethan Jameson, which is why over the last month or so he’s often brought one of the Netherlander militia fellows named Alexei to our pickup games.
Alexei’s not a bad player, although aggressive and occasionally a little hot under the collar.
He might even be there this afternoon if you are interested in learning more about the mysterious Netherlanders, provided you can get him to talk.
I never could, and I tried. He’s not a particularly personable individual. ”
“I can’t imagine why I would be interested,” Jack said with a short, ironic laugh. “Right-wing militias are not one of my personal schticks.”
“Nor mine,” Bob said with a similar chuckle.
“On a final note: I drew a map of the area with the location of the Hiram House along with some of the more popular local hiking trails and mountain bike routes.” He handed one to Laurie and a copy to Jack.
“I also listed and located some stores you might find handy, like the drugstore and liquor shop. There’s also a surprisingly good grocery store here in town.
Unfortunately, it’s on the small side. If you prefer a supermarket, you have to drive the ten miles to Indian River.
We lost our supermarket when the Bennet factory closed. Anyway, it’s all on the map.”
“That’s very thoughtful,” Laurie commented after glancing at the map and the list.
“Okay,” Bob said getting to his feet. “If you follow me, I’ll drive you out to the Hiram House.”
“Let’s do it,” Jack said following suit.