*****
After his two-day stake-out, it seemed clear to Agent Smith that Captain Wright’s tip was correct: yes, people had started parking regularly in the once-vacant lot. But none of the licence plate numbers matched the ones on Smith’s list. So on his third day out, he started nonchalantly asking around, and his discrete investigation finally paid off.
Captain Wright was having a cup of coffee by the machine and discussing another matter with Detective Reilly and a couple of his other men when Agent Smith walked in, holding his notebook.
“Smith – you’re in early,” observed Wright.
“What’s new at the lot?” asked Detective Reilly.
“You were right, Captain; people are starting to park there regularly. But I think I’ve cleared that question up now. The lot belongs to the new dry-cleaning place that opened up recently. I have it here: it’s called Happy Harry’s Cleaners. I verified – the owner’s name is Harry, although I couldn’t be sure whether he was happy or not.
“Anyway, one of the cars, a black Chevrolet SUV belongs to Harry, the boss, and another one, a blue Buick, belongs to one of his employees.
“Sounds like you’ve been pretty busy, Agent,” commented Detective Adams with a half-smile.
“That’s not all,” added Smith. “While I was staked-out, fourteen different cars parked there. I have the plate numbers. Twelve turned out to be customers and...”
“Good job, Smith,” complimented Captain Wright, gazing blankly at his coffee. “Don’t forget to get that all down in your report.”
“Don’t worry, sir, I won’t,” assured Agent Smith.
*****
WRONG ADDRESS