CHAPTER 2A VERY STRANGE HOUSE
JEFF arrived at nine the next morning. As he swung Laurel’s two suitcases into the turtle of his car, he asked, “What did Bertine say about it all?”
As an answer she showed him the note which Professor Bertine Pratt of the Department of English, whose flat she had shared for the past six months, had left on the pillow of Laurel’s bed.
Byrd, Dear:
I’m celebrating the start of my sabbatical leave with a quick trip to San Francisco. I plan to buy the craziest hat in town. The visiting professor and his wife definitely want to sublet the flat. I think in about a week. Does that disrupt your plans too much? I’ll write.
Bertine.
“Well,” said Jeff brightly. “Falkoner’s offer of bed and board comes in nicely, doesn’t it?”
“Beautifully,” agreed Laurel bleakly.
