Chapter 357


    As Hannah and I reached the garden gate, I peered through the sliver of an opening. Sure enough,


    someone was inside.


    We exchanged silent nces.


    Hannah signaled for me to stay put while she crept forward, ascending the two stone steps to the


    entrance. She pressed her ear against the door for a moment, and I drew closer as well.


    The gap was too narrow for me to see anything inside.


    With a daring nudge, Hannah gently pushed the door ajar further. My heart raced, fists clenched,


    fearing we’d make a sound.


    The door opened a bit more, but the darkness within veiled the interior from view.


    I was about to push the door wider when Hannah yanked me back and I heard a faint whispering voice


    inside!


    Despite the intermittent sounds, I recognized Jan’s voice immediately. I knew him all too well.


    My nerves calmed, reced with curiosity. What could anyone be up to in the middle of the night?


    I held my breath, straining to hear who Jan was speaking with and about what.


    I was sure about who was inside now!


    I overheard Jan asking, "In a nutshell, what does Galen do every day?"


    The reply came from Gemma, "Sir, Galen goes out daily. The missus says he works at VitalAxis


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    Pharmaceuticals, alwayses homete. I find it odd, sir. If he''s working, why doesn''t he ever bring


    any paperwork home?"


    Gemma was certainly keeping tabs on my father''sings and goings. I leaned in, straining to hear


    better in the pitch ck.


    Jan prodded further, "Who does he meet with often?"


    Gemma answered, “He had lots of visitors. But mostly, it''s the Damon family from next door. They chew


    the fat about nothing in particr, mostly kids’ schooling and such. I used to record them, but it was


    fruitless, so I stopped. Few folks from the pharma industry pop in, but they chat briefly and leave. I


    suspect... he doesn’t discuss business at home."


    At this, a chill ran down my spine. Gemma was more observant than I gave her credit for.


    "What do you mean by ''doesn''t discuss business at home''?" Jan pressed.


    "Just that, sir. He never talks shop in the house," Gemma said cautiously.


    "Why do you think that? Found something? Or..."


    Gemma continued, "Just a hunch!"


    "Why not follow him to see where he actually goes?" Jan sounded irked.


    "I''ve thought about tailing him a few times, but his wife is sharp. If he steps out, and I try to follow, she''d


    call me back for chores."


    Gemma''s tone was sycophantic but sincere, "By the time I''d be free to leave, he would be long gone."


    "Does he drive, or does he walk?" Jan asked.


    "I''ve noticed it’s usually the chauffeur driving him. He seldom walks unless someonees to see him.


    Then they''d stroll and talk."


    Gemma borated, "He has a habit of walking down the street after dinner. Those looking for him


    picked up on this habit and would choose that time to discuss matters. I couldn''t hear what they were


    saying while walking."


    She was thorough in her reporting.


    "Did they mention how much the government might pay for Oldtown Avenue?" Jan''s question was


    blunt.


    I snorted involuntarily. How desperate must someone be to unabashedly reveal such a greedy side,


    asking so directly?


    "No specifics, but I overheard them talking about ownership rights of the street, suggesting it could all


    belong to Galen. He was adamant about not selling. I got the impression he wanted to persuade the


    remaining residents to leave and take over their properties."


    Jan muttered, "Hmph... seems the old coot''s got a hefty appetite for greed himself!"