Sweet Fortune

into a full account, including the fact that Alex Robin had managed to contact Susan. Hatch added a few desultory comments on the probability of a scam being run by the Dawn's Early Light Foundation.
    “We're starting to get very concerned about Susan's safety, Mrs. V,” Jessie concluded a few minutes later. “I wanted to consult with you before we did anything else.”
    Mrs. V gazed at the television screen for a long while. Then she turned her head to meet Jessie's anxious eyes. “I think, my dear, that you are right to be concerned about poor Susan.”
    “I was afraid of that. We've got to do something.”
    “Perhaps you should call the police,” Mrs. Valentine suggested. “This sort of thing should be turned over to them, don't you think?”
    “Good idea,” Hatch agreed.
    “I'm not so sure,” Jessie said slowly. “For one thing, we don't have any real evidence that she's in danger. Susan hasn't exactly asked for rescue. I think we should ask her what she wants us to do.” She stood up abruptly. “Come on, Hatch. Let's go. No point keeping Mrs. V up any later. She's confirmed my worst fears.”
    “I do wish you would turn this over to the proper authorities, dear.” Mrs. Valentine looked anxious.
    “That's just it, Mrs. V, there are no proper authorities. Not yet, at any rate. We don't have any proof of a crime or even any evidence of danger to Susan. Don't worry, we can handle this,” Jessie assured her.
    “Oh, my goodness.” Mrs. Valentine trailed after them to the door. She frowned as Jessie walked out onto the old-fashioned porch. “Jessie, dear…”
    “Yes, Mrs. V?”
    “You will be careful, whatever you do, won't you?”
    “Of course. But it's Susan Attwood who's in danger, not me.”
    “I'm not so sure about that.” Mrs. Valentine glanced at Hatch. “You'll take care of her, won't you.” It was more of a statement than a question.
    “Yes,” Hatch said quietly. “I'll take care of her.”
    Mrs. Valentine looked somewhat relieved. “Oh, well, then, perhaps it will all be okay. But I'm really not certain I like this new aspect of our business. Not certain at all.”
    “I don't blame you, Mrs. Valentine,” Hatch said. “Any way you slice it, there's no doubt but that Valentine Consultations is headed in new directions.”
    “Oh, dear,” said Mrs. Valentine.

    Jessie dialed Alex's number just before she climbed into bed. It was answered on the first ring.
    “Heard anything more from her, Alex?”
    “No. I think she's lying low.”
    “When's her next shift on the computer?”
    “Tomorrow night. If she maintains her present schedule.”
    “Maybe she'll talk to us then,” Jessie said.
    “Unless they've gotten so suspicious they've removed her from the job,” Alex said glumly.
    Jessie put down the phone and turned to look at Hatch, who was lying back against the pillows, his hands behind his head. He was naked to the waist and the covers were bunched around his hips, exposing the broad, smoothly muscled expanse of his chest.
    “I'm really worried, Hatch.”
    “I know you are.” He gave her a small wry smile. “Come to bed and get some sleep. There's nothing more you can do tonight.”
    Jessie went over to the bed and crawled in beside him. The heat of his body enveloped her as he pulled her close.
    “Hatch?”
    “Uh-huh?”
    “I'm glad you're helping me out on this case. I get the feeling I'm in a little over my head.”
    “You think you're in over your head now? Just wait until this is all over and I bill you for my services.”
    “Hatch, are you serious?”
    “I'm always serious.”

    At one o'clock the next afternoon, Hatch grabbed his jacket and started for the door of his office.
    “I'll be out for the next couple of hours,” he said to his secretary as he went past her desk.
    “Yes, Mr. Hatchard.”
    Twenty-five minutes later Hatch was waiting outside a classroom at Butterfield College. David Ringstead sauntered out of the room behind fifteen other students. He looked startled to see Hatch.
    “What are you doing here?” David demanded. Then he frowned in sudden alarm. “Is anything wrong? Is Mom all right?”
    “Nothing's wrong. I wanted to talk to you and I figured this would be the easiest way to do it. Can we go someplace where we can get a cup of coffee?”
    “Why?”
    “I told you. I want to talk to you.”
    David shrugged. “All right. There's an espresso bar across the street.”
    “Fine.”
    “Mind telling me what this is all