He’d come closer to solving the mystery than he’d ever been, but in some ways he was even further from the truth. So what if Ricketts had told an adolescent boy that he loved Steinbeck? Macready was right, it was completely normal for one friend to express his love for another. But, Hudson argued, it wasn’t so much the words that were used but how they were used. We’re back to the whole context problem, he thought. Isn’t that what it always comes down to?

He was interrupted in his disappointment and frustration by the arrival of Helen Guerneyser. She breezed into the room with her usual efficiency. “Well,” she said, “was Edgar any help?”

Hudson didn’t want her to think he was ungrateful. “He had some great stories,” he said.

Helen regarded him with narrowed eyes. “I sense a but,” she said.

Hudson couldn’t help but smile. “You’re good,” he said. “It’s not so much a ‘but’ as it is more questions. And between you and me, I don’t think I’ll ever find the answers I want.”

“You’re not researching Steinbeck’s influences, are you?” said Helen.

Hudson shook his head. “I am and I’m not,” he admitted. “I’m trying to pinpoint one particular influence.”

“And you don’t want to tell me what it is,” Helen stated matter-of-factly.

“Not yet,” said Hudson. “Is that all right?”

Helen waved his question away. “Of course it is,” she said. “But I admit that I’m intrigued. When someone keeps something as close as you have, it’s usually big.”

Hudson knew she was hoping he would confide in her. But he wasn’t ready to. Not yet. Macready’s reaction to his question had reminded him of what shaky terrain he was traversing. And he needed the access Helen Guerneyser afforded him.

“Maybe it’s not so big,” he said finally. “But it’s important to me.”

“Say no more,” Helen said. “Just promise me you’ll tell me when you have your answer.”

“That I can promise,” said Hudson. “That is if I do get it,” he added.

Helen pointed at him with one well-manicured finger. “That’s enough out of you, young man,” she said. “Now get back to work. I’m an impatient woman, and now you’ve piqued my curiosity.”

“Yes, ma’am,” said Hudson, sitting up straight in his chair and assuming a studious look.

Helen waved good-bye and left. Hudson was glad she had come to see him. He felt that they’d developed a kind of friendship in the short time he’d been coming to the center, and it was nice to think she was on his side. Just like John and Ed were on each other’s side, he thought.