"The only real winner is Julie."
For once, I had the sense to keep my mouth shut. I knew any defense of Julie O'Malley would bring the wrath of heaven down on our bed. Instead, I asked a question.
"What about Quinn and Martha? It's unfair to keep them in the dark on this matter."
"I know we're a group; all for one and all that shit, but if you're going to talk to Howie, just do it and don't ask the others for their permission. I guess you have to inform them but I dread listening to Quinn bitch and moan. We appointed you the boss. Don't ask for opinions; just do what you feel is best."
"Maybe I should fly out and talk to Howie in person."
My wife grabbed my arm. "Don't you dare! Don't leave me here alone with that mad man on the loose!" I was startled by my wife's naked fear. "I'm sorry, but I'm really scared. I haven't been this frightened since I was seven years old and got locked in our cellar. I've not slept through the night since this monster began killing people!"
"You should have told me," I said as I held her.
"He's stalking us, Ben. I know it."
I tightened my arms about her. "I'll stick around here and telephone Howie." I turned off the light. Somehow, both of us eventually slept.
We discussed neither Julie nor Howie over breakfast but Betsy joined me when I left for our office. I'd planned to ask Quinn and Martha to come in so I could tell them what I'd learned but the more I considered it, I decided a phone call was sufficient. Martha answered the phone. I spoke to her alone for twenty minutes. I was candid, omitting only the fact Julie had sent an entry to the newspaper contest. I felt if Quinn learned that fact he would want to scrub the entire operation. While Martha was as upset as Betsy and I, she wanted no part in resolving the matter. That was left solely in my hands. She would relate everything I told her to Quinn.
Betsy was a bundle of nerves. Usually at this time of morning she would be on her computer, searching for potential missing children for Howie to help. In his absence, it was too heart wrenching to even look, knowing he was unavailable and unable to help. Finally, she asked, "Do you want me out of the room when you break this news to Howie?"
"No. I won't tell him anything I'm not comfortable with you hearing. But we have a couple of hours to wait. It's only five AM in California. I want him awake with his wits about him when we talk.