He was sure that they were watching the store; one of them had binoculars and was talking to the person in the backseat who was taking notes. The driv...r was watching for other cars and law enforcement.He walked back up to the counter with another purchase. “Sorry about that. I’m forgetful sometimes.” He said to the clerk.“It’s not a problem, I get that way sometimes myself.” She told him. “Is this going to be all?”“No, I need you to do one other thing for me.” He told her.“Sure, what is it?”. ?B-but your friends are here. And I don?t want Audrey telling people in theoffice that I--?Hope?s eyes steeled. ?I don?t want to have a sceneon your birthday, dear.? ?A scene? could be anything, and Earl feared Hope?sfearsome authority. He took off his clothes as Verena, Carrie, Lauren, Ileneand Audrey watched. ?Jesus, you have him well trained? Ilene observed. ?Now, here is your first present, darling?fromVerena.? Earl opened up a fuschia body stocking. ?You have to be kidding? Earlsaid. A few blocks of residential housing would bring her to main street. Maybe there would be more activity there.There was certainly more traffic on the road. Not many pedestrians, though. As hot as it was, Helen thought there should at least be someone going to the convenient store on the next block for a cold drink or some ice cream. The idea sounded so good, the teenager decided to see what kind of treats they had in there.The old man behind the counter nodded when she entered. Helen had been in. He reached into his bag and brought out the money, placing it on the dainty little table that sat beside his chair. "This is the money he asked me to give to you. From what I can gather, he got the money from a pawn shop ten years ago, before he ended up in prison."Rose couldn't stop the tears this time and Gavin had to pause until she had recovered herself a little."This is what he pawned to get the money," he said next, reaching into the bag to pull out the jewel case. He went to lay the case.