Tuesday Decision (Socks CXXVI)

"I've been thinking about hiring a private eye. That voice change sealed it. I think Frank's covering for him" Pretty flipped through the phone book. She mumbled to herself.
"Mufflers, plumbers, printers, restaurants, crap, private investigators. See investigators and investigation services."
She flipped the other direction, "Loans, furniture, insurance, investment securities, ahh, investigators. Wow, there really is a Fatman agency, who knew."
Pretty punched buttons, "Yes, I wonder... I would like to... I believe my husband may be having an affair... I want him followed."
*
"OK. I understand"
*
"I work tomorrow afternoon, I'll call in the morning." The call ended.

Tuesday Dead End (Socks CXXV)

Pretty's thumb hit the red button, the phone found it's way to the coffee table, and another tear headed for the ground.
"Crap."
Mom came in, "What?"
"When I mentioned racquetball, Mr. Petersen's voice changed. He said that it was his pleasure to beat the new guy. He said that he always likes to spend social time with people that are being groomed, get to know them outside work."
"Maybe..."
"Then he said that the two of them would be probably spend quite a bit of time together in the near future."
Pretty paused, then, "But Mom, his voice changed."

Tuesday Fishing (Socks CXXIV)

"If you call his boss and he's not lying....."
"I know, I'll look like a nut case. I have a plan."
Mom went back to the kitchen.
Pretty called. She explained to the person on the other end who she was and that she would like to speak to Mr. Petersen.
"...called to thank you for trusting my husband with the Essex campaign."
*
"Yes he is, very excited."
The conversation carried for a few more minutes.
"I won't take up any more of your time, but thanks again."
*
"Oh, and thanks for taking him to play racquetball, he loves playing."

Tuesday Information (Socks CXXIII)

Sounds came from the kitchen. Cupboards and drawers, opened and closed, metal tinkled against metal, water ran, and Mom hummed.
Pretty sat on the couch talking into the phone, "Thank you."
Pretty punched the red button, set the cordless on the coffee table, and stared across the room. A single tear made it's way toward her chin.
Mom came in with coffee, "Are you OK?"
"I still don't know anything. The courts close at nine, but they don't lock the doors until ten."
"Maybe he's telling the truth."
"I doubt it."
Pretty sipped her coffee, "I should call his boss."

Tuesday Call (Socks CXXII)

"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to call Court Connection to get their hours."
"Should I leave, so you can have your privacy?"
"No. I've been putting it off, waiting for you to get here."
"OK?"
"I don't want to be alone, in case I get bad news."
"When are you going to call?"
"Right now."
"I'll go to the kitchen, make some coffee while you call."
"Thanks, Mom."
"I'll be right in here if you need me."
Pretty got the phone book, flipped pages, and punched buttons.
"Hello. Can you tell me what hours you are open?"

Tuesday Suspicion (Socks CXXI)

Grunter left. Pretty put the boys in the washer with other clothes. After drying they were in the basket, being carried to the living room when the doorbell rang.
"Mom?"
"It's me."
"Come in."
The boys were near the bottom, under most of the clothes, they could hardly hear. The basket was on the couch, between Mom and Pretty. They shared the job of folding, and as the clothes were removed above them, they heard more of the conversation.
"...home late again last night."
"How late?"
"After eleven."
"What was his excuse?"
"Playing racquetball with Frank. I'm sure he's lying."

Monday's Answer (Socks CXX)

Grunter gave no response.
Pretty left the room, but in a short while, "I've made eggs and toast."
"Be right there."
"Where did you play?"
"How long will you yammer?"
"How long will you avoid the question?"
No response.
"Your breakfast is getting cold."
"Not as cold as your.."
"I'd be warmer if you'd be more honest."
"Give me a break."
"I'm fresh out of breaks. Where did you play?"
Grunter said nothing, but left the room.
Pretty got Grunter's suit jacket and left. From the other room came, "Here's your coat. Where did you play?"
"Court Connection. OK?"
"Thank-you."