Jesse shifted nervously. “What’s VFR?”

“Visual flight rules,” Foster explained. “As opposed to IFR, instrument flight rules. Ethel’s instrument rated, but IFR would put her under various air traffic controllers. Staying VFR minimizes her contacts. So, Ethel, I trust this is something off the books and you were never here.”

“Curt, I’m so far off the books, I’m not even in the library.”

“Can I offer you breakfast before you take off?”

“Thanks, but we need to get underway.” She paused and looked at the farmhouse. “I’m sorry. How’s Connie?”

“Good days and bad. We’ll sit on the porch later if it warms up. She likes that.” Foster turned to Jesse. “My wife has Parkinson’s.”

“Please give her my regards,” Ethel said. “And thanks for having everything ready. Is it okay if I keep the car parked here? I’ll leave you the keys.”

“No problem. But maybe if you’re not running late, we can all have a drink when you return.”

Ethel dropped her car keys into his rough, callused hand. “I’d like that.”

Five minutes later, Curt Foster watched from the porch as the Cessna lifted into the air. The plane circled once as it gained altitude, dipped its wing in salute, and flew south. Foster pulled out his cell phone and speed-dialed.

“Yeah,” a gruff voice said.

“Pete, it’s Curt. She’s on her way.”

“Did she say anything?”

“Not a word.”

“Did you tell her you’d heard about the agent’s murder?”

“It was the elephant on the runway, but since she didn’t bring it up when she called last night, I saw no point in raising it this morning. You know Ethel. And she has a cousin with her, but he’s pretty green. Pete, I get the feeling she’s on a one-woman op that could be dangerous for someone half her age.”

“What do you think I should do?”

“Offer to drive her wherever. You know Richmond better than she does.”

“And when she says no?”

“Is she taking your car?”

“Yes. I offered and she accepted.”

“Then figure out a way to track her. Maybe a cell phone under the seat if you’ve got an extra.”

“You’re really worried about her.”

“I’m worried by our lack of information, so I immediately conjure up the worst scenario. I’ve done it all my life, and that’s saved my life on more than one occasion. I’m counting on you to set my mind at ease.”

Pete chuckled. “Is that an order?”

“You’re damn straight. I still outrank you. Find out what she’s up to.”

Chapter 18