Richie Tells Miss Peeg

Richie made up his mind on the way into his office to take Miss Peeg into his confidence. She was observant and if the man looking for him appeared in town again she could alert him.

“Miss Peeg,” Richie said entering his office.

“Good morning Mr. Roberts…I have the information from Miami on the McGee case...it should be ready in a moment. The coffee is ready sir.”

“Thank you Miss Peeg…um I’d like to talk to you a moment.”

“Yes sir,” Miss Peeg stood up and followed him into his office. She thought he looked tired and weary for so early in the morning.

Richie set his briefcase down and removed his jacket taking the gun from the back of his pants and slipping it into his drawer and locking it.

Miss Peeg’s eyes rounded at the sight of the gun but she said nothing waiting for him.

“Please sit down, I put some guys away some time back and I’ve heard some of them are getting out of prison. At the time of the trial there was a contract out on my life…I’ve uh heard it’s still on. I had a visit the other day from an old um friend who would know about these things. I just wanted you to know about it since you saw the man with the New Jersey accent…what can you tell me about him?”

Miss Peeg felt for the back of the chair and sat down, “Oh Mr. Roberts how perfectly terrible. The man…yes. I would say he’s about 5’10” medium build…he wore a hat like American baseball players wear…he was dressed in black…black slacks…black shiny jacket with a zipper. He wore large sunglasses and as I said, spoke with the accent.”

“Very good…would you recognize him again?”

“If he were dressed similarly yes…dark hair showing beneath the cap with a bit of a curl. I might be able to sir but with the glasses and the hat pulled down…”

“I would appreciate it if you do see him that you let me know.”

“Of course…can I be of any help is there anything I can do?”

“Just keep your eyes open and Miss Peeg this is just between us.”

“Yes Mr. Roberts…oh dear…I shall be very diligent.” Miss Peeg rose and squared her shoulders moving back to her office. The man would not get past her!