Hide and Seek

"Look, it has to be the Crouch place."

"Why?"

"Because it does."

The hamburgers at Harmon's were lousy. The refrigerated, prepackaged

kind you stick in a microwave. But we ate them. Casey looked terrific

in a tiny blue halter and cream-colored shorts. The makeup was subtle

and carefully done. To me it was obvious there was seduction going

on.

"Because the Crouch place is isolated, dummy. I have no intention of

getting caught like our cat burglar over here." She nodded at me and

Kim smiled.

"Nobody's going to come by. Nobody's going to see us go in or come out

again, and nobody's going to pay any unexpected calls. It's

perfect."

"She's right," said Steve. "It's the safest place around. But I

dunno, Case. Where's the big thrill?"

"It'll be worth it. You'll see."

"Got something planned?" Kim wiped at a crumb of burger bun at the

corner of her mouth.

"I might."

"So tell us."

"And make it good, please," said Steve. "Because I really don't see

this so far. I mean, what's the big deal about walking into an empty

house at night, looking around and leaving? It's kids' stuff. It