He loved the way Jenny loved life. Last night she’d woken him to tell him she thought she’d heard a mouse. He might have complained, but he’d had too much fun comforting her.

He knew this bomb squad was just living a fantasy, no more than a kid playing Spider-Man on Halloween, but Ben planned to enjoy it as long as possible. He’d be serious about his responsibility, but he’d have fun telling Jenny all about it.

Putting all the clues together was pure chemistry theory. Figure out the facts you know, then what you don’t know, add in the variables, and come up with the final solution after eliminating all other possibilities.

Hank did most of the talking once they got to the conference room, which looked more like a break room no one ever cleaned. Ben followed the talk, mentally logging everyone’s comments. Ketch added a few suggestions. Pecos seemed to have lots of theories. The sheriff didn’t say a word except to ask for more coffee and remind everyone he had to leave in five minutes.

When Ben suggested they check the drugstore’s camera, everyone jumped up shouting the same thing. “The store has a camera?”

Ben explained that it was behind the pharmacy window facing out. It showed anyone collecting medicine and also the window behind the customer, looking out to the street. It was a long shot, but maybe they’d find something.

Colby said he’d go by and get the footage. Ben would examine the pipe found on his stairs. Beyond that, all they could do was wait for the next sighting.

As a group they tried to come up with a list of suspects. They decided Bull Wills would be at the top of the list if he had a few more brain cells working. Pecos suggested the two plumbers in town because they’d have pipe. Hank asked for the names of any unbalanced people in town, but the sheriff said there were too many to fit on the page. Colby seemed convinced it was just kids wanting to stir up excitement.

Finally the team broke up. Ben walked out with Hank and Colby. Ketch and Pecos both had classes.

Colby and Hank were making dinner plans and asked if Ben would like to join them. Both men looked tired. Ben had a feeling they needed a bit of normal for a few hours.

“Mind if I bring someone?” Ben asked.

Ben ignored their surprise. All three headed out, planning to meet at the café on the square in Honey Creek at dusk.

As soon as Ben climbed into his Jeep, he called Jenny. “I’ve got lots to tell you, dear. Will you go out to eat with me tonight with some law enforcement friends I’m working with on a problem? I’ll tell you all about it on the way to Honey Creek.”