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and answers to the first pre-selected investigative questions, his ammunition was all mentally mustered. But it was just a wasted effort and another tragic case of over-analysis on his part.
    Daniel would look back tomorrow and laugh, maybe even persuade himself into believing that it was a good exercise, stretching the internal elastic for future conquests. For now, though, he merely felt foolish.
    “Well, have a wonderful trip,” he said politely and motioned to the steward for another drink.

Chapter 4
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    Daniel’s habit of traveling with only one carry-on piece of luggage was rewarded generously when he was able to walk off the plane and avoid the monstrous crowds standing around the luggage turnstiles. Unfortunately, he bypassed the counters of the more common and reputable car rental agencies. As he walked toward the parking lot, he saw an obviously rundown shack and a sign on its roof that offered “Vehicles for Hire.”
    The sign itself would normally drive his business away. This time, however, Daniel spotted a red convertible Mustang parked out front. There was no doubt as to which car he would be renting. He pushed through the door and requested it immediately.
    Behind the counter sat a man who appeared unfazed that a customer had entered the premises. After years of owning the business that he had grown up running for his parents, he lost himself each day in the two channels he’d managed to get on the tiny television set under the counter.
    He failed to lift his head and look at Daniel. “That one’s not for rent, sir; I’m sorry.”
    “Then why is it on a
rental
lot?” Daniel replied with a little sarcasm.
    “Because it brings me to work each day.” The man was immersed in the black and white screen under the counter.
    “I see. Well, then, give me the best thing you have available.”
    The thought of missing the next few minutes of his show disappointed the agent, but he created the paperwork necessary to make a car available.
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    As Daniel stared at the scenery and the endless road ahead, he began to wonder if the little brown sedan would make the journey safely. When he reached any reasonable speeds, not only did the steering wheel shake violently, but the clutch made a painful grinding sound with every shift into subsequent gears.
    After an hour’s drive southeast of London, he arrived at his first destination, which Nancy had highlighted on the map: the city of Canterbury, located in Kent. Canterbury was beautiful, with origins dating back prior to the first century. Christian landmarks and well-restored cathedrals lined the city core.
    The black smoke that continually appeared with each press of the pedal forced him to cut short any tourist excursions and select lodging quickly. He pulled over next to a small park and carried his single suitcase across the street toward a simple hotel.
    It was not the higher class of lodging he would have booked if he had wanted to sightsee or had company to enjoy the scenery with. He wasn’t planning on spending much time in this city anyway.
    Once he had obtained a room key, he ascended to the third floor loft, dropped his suitcase on the bed, and took a few minutes to refresh himself in the small washroom adjacent to his bed. Then he was back at the checkin counter. He confirmed the basic directions that Mr. Stines had given him to find his inherited house.
    The elderly woman was surprised to see him again so soon. Somewhat concerned, she asked, “Is everything all right with your room, sir?”
    “Yes, it’s fine, thank you,” he said as though he had taken a moment to see it, which of course he hadn’t. “I was wondering if you could check out this map and tell me how far it is from here to the circle marked on it.”
    She reached for her glasses, which dangled from a string around her neck, and placed them just low enough on her nose not to slip off. “Looks to be about thirty miles east, then south, towards the White Cliffs of Dover,