84
George Tobias
“Mr. Van Houten doesn’t answer his phone,” the secretary announced to Senator Tobias who hovered over her. She stood, a contemptible frown creasing her face. “I’ll see if I can find him.”
“I’ll go with you,” Senator Tobias said, following her to the office.
When he wasn’t in his office they proceeded to the shop through Evers’ rear door. She grabbed the arm of a foreman to get his attention over the noise. “Have you seen Mr. Van Houten?”
He nodded. “Left through that door,” he said, pointing. “Some time ago.”
“His car’s still here.”
He shrugged. “Maybe he took the pickup.”
“Will you check if it’s gone?” Tobias asked.
They returned to the office. Soon the foreman returned. “It’s gone.”
Chet McPhearson stepped up to the secretary. “Call his home.”
“I really don’t
