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“We’re all citizens, united in our cause.” Mr. Jefferson smiled a pebbly smile. “Did anyone of interest pass through today?”
“Ay-yup. Found one from Cape May who might be the real deal. He told us he can disturb radio signals. Watches don’t work on him, either. In fact,” the doctor chuckled, “he stopped my watch! It was the darnedest thing you ever saw, wasn’t it, Muriel?”
The nurse smiled and continued cleaning.
“I’m sure it was a hoot,” Mr. Jefferson said. “Did he make mention of our friend?”
The doctor nodded. “He’s had dreams of a man in a tall hat, just like you said. I can’t say I understood a word of it. But here’s his file.”
“Is he on our list?” Mr. Jefferson asked his partner, keeping his eyes on the page of information—name, age, home address, psychological profile.
People were so trusting. They gave over their privacy quite easily in exchange for a brass trinket that told them they were special.
Mr. Adams peered over Jefferson’s shoulder. “Yep. Subject number thirty-four.”
The doctor edged in closer and lowered his voice. “Say, uh, what’s all this about, anyway, man to man?”
Mr. Jefferson shut the file and handed it off to Mr. Adams. “It’s a matter of national security. We believe these so-called Diviners are dangerous. They’re inclined toward criminality, anarchy, and other degenerate behavior. A fault in the bloodline, you see.”
“Oh, I do! I certainly do. That’s just science,” the doctor said confidently, pointing to the eugenics board inside the tent. “When my daughter, Sally Ann, wanted to marry her fella, I told her, ‘Now, Sally Ann, you better let me do a blood test on him first, make sure he’s the right sort.’”
“I’m sure you can appreciate how serious it might be if this radical sort, with their strange powers, were allied with our enemies or foreign powers in any way. The fundamental values of our nation would be at risk.”
The doctor waved his finger in the air. “By gum, I knew it! I knew something wasn’t right about those people!”
“Some men can see through the veil,” Mr. Jefferson said. His smile did not reach his eyes. “The United States thanks you for your efforts in helping to identify these dangerous people and appreciates your silence in the matter.”
“You can count on me, Mr. Jefferson—I’m a solid citizen. Happy to help in any way.”
Mr. Jefferson patted the man’s arm. “You already have, doctor.”
Mr. Adams fired up the brown sedan. “Anybody found Marlowe’s lab rat yet?”
“No. But we will. Madison is on it. Odds are good he’ll make his way back to his friends.”
“Why can’t we round ’em up?”
“In time, in time.”
“Where to?” Mr. Jefferson asked, pulling onto the road.
Mr. Jefferson twisted the piano wire around his gloved fingers. “Cape May, of course. And then I believe it’s high time we paid a visit to Sam Lloyd.”
A GOOD TIME
Herbie Allen, the creep, had followed Theta out of rehearsal and was droning on about a “peppy” new tune he’d written: “I don’t mean to brag, but folks who’ve heard it have said it’s the best doggone tune they’ve ever heard and that it’s going to make me a millionaire!”
“That a fact?” Theta said without interest.
“That’s what they say.” Herbie winked and put his hand on Theta’s back.
Roy came roaring out of nowhere. He grabbed Herbie by the lapels and shoved him hard against the brick wall. “Whaddaya think you’re doin’ with my gal?”
“Gee, I-I didn’t mean anything by it. No harm, old boy,” a terrified Herbie said, and even though he was a creep, Theta didn’t want this.
Roy sneered. “Call me old boy again and see what it gets ya.”
“Roy. Roy, please,” Theta begged.
