More Dubious Exploits of Alex and Nan
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Nan was beginning to appreciate The Ring. What fun it was to dazzle the room with tiny reflections dancing on the ceiling. The bauble served to command respect. After all, a man must really prize a woman to give her such a ring. She was uncomfortable, however, to be introduced as the “soon-to-be Mrs. Rayburn.” Had she already become a mere adjunct to the mighty detective? Again she scolded herself. Dammit! Stop thinking so much and enjoy the day. After a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony with the mayors of Buffalo and Corning wielding the scissors, a whistle sounded and the conductor signaled “All aboard!” Alex and Nan were shown to their reserved seats just forward of the club car. The 1940s vintage car was decked out in its former historic splendor. Alex gave Nan a celebratory kiss which, in front of everybody, made her face warm. “Why, Nan. You're blushing.” The train pulled out as Nan hurriedly took her seat On this fine day, Alex lapsed into somnolence. The clack, clack of rail segments under them caused him to push deeply into the overstuffed seat. As the conversation dwindled, Nan headed for the club car for some yet undiscovered treat from the obliging service staff. She paused between cars to watch the rolling countryside slip by under a perfect azure sky, devoid of clouds and devoid of speculation about a boxed head. It was a perfect spring day and Nan was reveling in the pleasure of this impromptu trip. It warmed her heart knowing that Alex always wanted to please her. Other passengers passed by as she lingered between cars. All were cordially exchanging pleasantries as they crowded into the club car. Nan's thoughts returned to Alex. now sound asleep in the forward car, probably dreaming of God-knows-what hairy adventure. She would take him some peanuts or popcorn or as a small surprise.She liked to give him such trifles, as she could not reciprocate his substantial gifts in kind. Standing in thought, she observed the rail ties passing under the steel platform and held the railing to steady herself. On the 1940s-era train, the noisy rails snapped past her in musical sequence accented by occasional hisses of brake-tempering mechanicals. What an experience! Nothing could spoil it except for a derailment. No, that wasn't going to happen! That would be for some other damned adventure where their lives were in danger. Not today. Through the door window, she saw Alex stir and notice her. She smiled and gave him a tiny wave as a man came up behind her. Through the window Alex saw Nan go suddenly sideways and tussle with someone. He sprang to his feet and ran the few steps to the door, quickly sliding it open. “What's going on here?” he demanded. “None of your business. Go back to your seat.” “Who do you think you're talking to?!” Alex roared. The man released Nan. He spun around and pulled out a gun. As he removed it from his pocket, his wallet and some papers flew out onto the platform. Nan let out a wail. “Look out, Alex!” Alex's hand moved deftly into place, gripping the man's gun hand. Nan let out another scream, catching the attention of the conductor. The trainman rushed out the club car door and tried to control the altercation. “See here! Stop, you two!” “Look out! This guy’s got a gun!” Alex yelled. A shot split the air. A bullet wounded the conductor in the leg. Alex began to see the man's desperation. “Damn you, Rayburn!” the interloper snarled. As they struggled, Alex managed to catch his breath enough to ask “How do you know me?” “You're getting off this train right now, Rayburn!” the man growled. Alex regretted his next move. “No. You are!” Under the wheels, the wooden ties suddenly ended. The steel mesh bridge surface coming up under them indicated the passage over water on a very high bridge. Alex twisted around and kicked the stranger hard in his stomach. The man reeled backwards into the handrail and see-sawed over it. Alex shouted, “Grab him!” “Too late,” the conductor said as he clutched at his wounded leg. The accoster let out a terrified sound and dropped out of sight, past the bridge cowling and into thin air. Alex seized the rail, lest he accompany the man into open space. “My God!” the conductor exclaimed. Alex responded with, “How dreadful!” Nan sank to her knees , but quickly .regained her equilibrium. Alex identified himself to the trainman., “I'm sorry, sir.” He said. No doubt you could see that I had no choice.” He spun around and pulled Nan close. The conductor responded, “Thank you for helping out. I'm not sure I could have handled him by myself. What did he have against you...or your lady?” “Well, I am a detective. Sometimes these things just happen.” “Yes,” Nan chimed in. “That blows the day for me!” Of course, she didn't mean it. I Danger merely supercharged her spirit as their past adventures had demonstrated. Alex figured he'd better give out a few more details regarding the many ways a detective can find trouble in a nanosecond. “hese fast-moving incidents can be hard to figure. Some facts may never be known, but when I haven't even met the mug, and he uses my name, it’s a pretty good bet there's more to come. “Well, good luck. You'll have to come up forward with me while we sort this out.” Nan's thoroughness had kicked in. She had gathered up the man's wallet and papers and handed them to Alex, who began to study them. He committed the information to memory and gave everything to the trainman. He said, “You're the boss, sir. I'll be glad to accompany you.” “I see no reason to stop the train,” the conductor said. We'll go up forward and get this squared away. The authorities will be advised by phone. I'm sorry this had to happen on your pleasure
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About the Book
Silver-haired sleuth Alex Rayburn and one-time network journalist Nan Holloway were less than thrilled to be forced into a crime-solving partnership. After a series of exciting and successful cases, their relationship warmed – a lot. Now a couple thoroughly enjoying their seventh decade, Alan and Nan take on two of their weirdest challenges in this volume. A head in a box, accompanied by a cryptic couplet, puzzles the pair in Poetic Justice. Can Alex and Nan keep their heads and catch the culprit? To complicate things, an old family friend returns from the past to become a prime suspect. In Neighborhood Buzz, a lawn party at the Rayburn mansion, a Ferrari show, and a visit from the Governor make for a festive Fourth of July. But there’s a deadly menace in the air. When danger strikes close to home, Alex must outrace the villains to save Nan.