“He’s researching the case of the missing young woman,” George said.

“I see,” Hilda exchanged a glance with her husband.

“Sit down,” George said. “Would you like a coffee? Don’t you press folks run on it?”

Wyatt caught the subtle look Hilda had shot her husband, as if telegraphing her disapproval of his invitation. Still, Wyatt accepted George’s offer, despite being satiated with coffee. His instinct told him there was information to be mined here. He also sensed George enjoyed having a reporter for company.

“If it’s no trouble,” Wyatt said.

“No trouble,” Hilda said. “The cookies aren’t quite ready. Excuse me.”

Over the next hour, a couple of cookies, and coffee, Wyatt took notes. He learned that the Houghtons were retired professors who’d returned from a long cruise to the news about Samantha Moore and the message from Rod Noble of the VSP. George told him about his study of birds, his love of the hermit thrush, and how his camera may have recorded video of a vehicle involved in Moore’s disappearance.

“Really?” Wyatt said. “Can you show me the video?”

“We no longer have it,” Hilda said. “We’ve given it to the police. That’s why they were here. Initially, they were only going to copy it, but they took it to analyze it as potential evidence, they said.”

“That’s right,” George said.

“And they asked us not to discuss any details in order to protect their investigation,” Hilda added.

“Yes,” George said. “But from what I can gather, they might be looking for a camper truck or pickup truck.”

Wyatt concealed his excitement at the revelation, nodding while noting the detail. He knew it could be a huge break, but didn’t want to overreact.

“George,” Hilda said, “we’re not supposed to talk about it.”

“Oh, I’m sure Ray here knows plenty more than we do.”

“All the same,” Hilda said, “I’d rather you don’t publish our names, Mr. Wyatt.”

“Tell you what. Let’s see where I’m at when the time comes for me to write. I’ll contact you then, and we’ll discuss it. It’s possible this may not even be an issue later. So, no worries for now, okay? Deal?”

“Sounds fair,” George said, taking Wyatt’s card and giving him their contact information.

“That poor young woman,” Hilda said. “It’s such a troubling case. What more can you tell us about it?”

After giving them a generic summary of what he knew about Samantha Moore’s disappearance, Wyatt stood to leave.

“So, what’s next for you?” George asked.

“I’m going to head farther north into the country beyond Zeffie’s Gas & Grocery. I’m looking for a couple of people who may have been witnesses.

“I see,” George said. “Just be careful going up that way.”

“Why’s that?”