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would be wearing a gown as faded and worn as the one Odessa Hawkins had on tonight. Odessa may
    have been wealthy at one time, but the air of faded elegance about her now was unmistakable. He was certain someone
    had hocked the diamonds in her massive dinner ring years ago. That was glass glittering on her finger. He would bet
    on it.
    “I, however, have a different theory,” the Colonel intoned portentously from the head of the table. “I believe I
    mentioned earlier that I am conducting some experiments down in the basement. I don't mention the fact to just
    anyone, but the truth is, I am something of an inventor. I have been making tremendous progress on a potentially
    valuable alternative fuel that would make oil-based fuels obsolete. I venture to say it will revolutionize the automobile
    industry, as well as the manufacturing sector of our economy.”
    “Interesting.” Josh abruptly swallowed an oversize bite of casserole and remembered the disconnected
    smoke-detector batteries down in the basement. Just what I need, he thought ruefully-A month spent in a mansion
    with a crazy inventor who likes to play with flammable substances.
    “Naturally, I've suspended all experimentation until you get this matter sorted out for us,” the Colonel went on.
    “Can't risk the results of my experiments falling into the hands of the wrong parties.”
    “No,” Josh agreed quickly. “Can't take the risk. Suspending your experiments for the time being is very wise. Wait
    until I’m out of town before you go back to playing inventor.”
    “Well, I don't happen to think these incidents have anything to do with Odessa's terrible nephews or the Colonel's
    experiments,” Shirley announced. She peered shrewdly at Josh through her rhinestone-studded glasses. “It's him. He's
    sending me a warning.”
    Out of the corner of his eye Josh saw Maggie nibble anxiously on her lower lip. A sure sign that she was uneasy.
    Josh wondered what it would be like to nibble on Maggie's lip, himself. The idea was very appealing.
    He forced his attention back to Shirley. “Who's sending you a warning, Shirley?” he asked patiently.
    “Ricky.” Shirley's eyes suddenly filled with tears. “Excuse me. Didn't mean to make a scene.” She yanked off her
    glasses and dabbed at her eyes with her napkin. “It's just that every time I think about him, I get scared.”
    Josh sighed and turned to Maggie. “Do you know who this Ricky is?”
    “He's a gangster,” Maggie muttered, looking embarrassed. “Shirley says she used to be his, uh, girlfriend.”
    “That's right,” Shirley sniffed. “Ricky 'The Wrecker’ Ring. Twenty years ago they didn't call him 'The Wrecker’ for
    nothin', you know. But he was a gentleman, through and through. Always treated me like I was a queen. Until the day
    they hauled him off to prison, that is. I know he probably thinks I betrayed him, and now he's going to get revenge.”
    Maggie coughed discreetly. “Shirley says she changed her last name fifteen years ago when she moved out here
    to the coast. She's been worried ever since that Ricky would find her when he got out of prison,”
    Josh lifted his brows. “When was he due for release?”
    “He was supposed to get out a few years ago,” Shirley replied, wiping her eyes again. “I expect it's taken him this
    long to find me. But now he has and he's lettin' me know he's going to get even for what he thinks I did. I'd run if I
    could, but I can't afford to go anywhere. Peregrine Manor is my home.”
    Josh wondered whether he should mention to this little group that if a powerful mob figure wanted to kill someone
    like Shirley Smith, the job would probably have been done by now. Then he reminded himself that he had a whole
    month ahead of him here at the manor.
    He didn't want to start punching holes in his clients' theories too quickly. They might fire him if they thought they
    didn't need him. He had a hunch it wouldn't take much to convince Maggie she could