Neon Blue (suspense) and This Shoal of Space (SF) by John Argo were the first two e-books ever published online for download, in the history of the world, 1996-7 in innovative weekly serial chapters. More info at the museum pages. If you enjoy this free read, which is offered in the spirit of the Golden Age of the World Wide Web, please consider buying a print or e-book edition as a way of thanking the author. A fine E-book is typically priced at the cost of a latte, yet offers many more hours of enjoyment than a cup of coffee. Thank you (John Argo).

About/Preface   Chapter 1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18 
 19   20   21   22   23   24   25   26   27   28   29   30   31   32   33   34   35   36   37   38   39   40 
 41   42   43   44   45   46   47   48   49   50   51   52   53   54   55   56   57   58   59   60   61 

Blue and Chief Tomasi met in a diner in Darien, Connecticut, at the New York State border. Amid the clatter of dishes, the aromas of coffee and eggs and bacon and cigarette smoke, Tomasi said: "Miss Humboldt, hindsight is twenty-twenty. I wish we had listened to you about this Father Joe and his trips to San Diego that cabbie told you about." Tomasi had made a special trip to tell her Joe's body had finally been ID'd in San Diego.

"Thank you, Sir."

"Detective Stosik must be taking it hard. I understand they were friends."

"He is."

"Detective Stosik is being sent to coordinate with the San Diego police and to ID the body for the family. Look for clues, tie-ins, whatever. I want you to go with him."

"Wow." Possibilities swirled suddenly: Palm trees, beaches, but, ouch, Eddie, Innie… "Chief, I've been following a hunch. There may be another priest involved with Travignan, a Monsignor Gordon from the other parish in Hamilton." She explained her reasons, adding: "The church and the police know about him, and this Father Binder asked me to cool it while he checks Gordon out."

"Hm," Tomasi said. "He may nail down the paper trail we need. We'll have to make sure the church doesn't squelch it."

"Sure. Boy, California. Sounds exciting."

"It's seventy-two degrees in San Diego today."

"Can I take my swim suit?"

"Why not. Take some vacation days if the situation allows."

"How is old Vito?"

Tomasi laughed. "Same old Vito. He asks about you every day. I remind him he's married."

"Doesn't faze him a bit," they said in unison and laughed.

"By the way, a Maggie called. Wants you to call her."

"Really?" Blue stiffened.

"Vito took the call. Seemed pretty anxious to get a hold of you. Do you owe her some money or something?"

"No."

Tomasi gave Blue a funny look. "Just some crank?"

"Yes, someone who thinks I owe her something."