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Pandora's Children - Part 16

"What is the convention about?" She asked.

"It's all apocalypse type stuff from movies, TV shows, and books. It's a big deal in North Texas."

She smiled. "Sounds like fun."

"Good, now go get me a coffee, and don't forget the #zarf."

"The what?"

"The cardboard thing."

***

"It has a name?" She asked.

"Everything has a name," I answered. "If you're going to that cafe across the street, I'll have a #chicken sandwich, too."

"Of course, your highness."

"Hurry up. They could move any second."

"Where are they?"

"They're sitting in a diner."

***

I knew they were at a diner because Stevie said it was a popular hangout for street people The owner often gave them food. We posted a couple of detectives there to keep watch. They were basically just #Kicking back and relaxing but they let me know that they were there.

***

Jaci came back with two coffees and a bag. She put the cups in their holders and was digging in the bag when I saw the tracker move.

"Buckle up. They're on the move."

"Where?"

"#Rock Ridge Trail, by the zoo. Maybe they have a house nearby," I replied as I headed there.

***

We drove around slowly as if we were looking for something. The tracker went crazy as we passed a burnt-#orange panel van sitting in a dilapidated driveway. Jaci scribbled down the plate number as we drove past and I pulled up to a house with a "For Sale" sign outside.

***

We used a #classic ploy. An open house. We got out of the car and walked to the front door. Jaci knocked while I furtively glanced at the van down the street. A man answered the door and Jaci moved her jacket a little and showed her badge.

He moved aside and let us in.

***

"How can I help you?" The man asked. "Are you interested in buying? The #chrome fixtures in the bathrooms and kitchen are brand new."

"Sorry, no. We just need to spend enough time in here to make it look like we had a tour. We're on surveillance."

"Then take the tour."

***

We agreed to the tour and spent almost an hour walking through the house. It was nice, open plan, with new appliances throughout. There was a lot to like, but I was most impressed with the glass #crane sculpture on a pedestal in the entryway. I asked if it was for sale.

***

"The sculpture was a gift. I'm sorry, it's not for sale," the man replied. "What about the rest of the house?"

"I love it," Jaci said. "I'm confused about the golf #club above the mantelpiece though."

"It's the club I used when I got my first hole-in-one years ago."

***

"What's the neighborhood like?" I asked, trying to #telegraph my intentions to Jaci.

"It's a great neighborhood, really quiet," the man replied, but was startled by his wife clearing her throat. "Well we do have one problem neighbor."

"Tell them the truth, George."

***

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