Hunting A Spider- Sabotaged 12

   I was putting the finishing touches on my plan when I got a call from Max Gustafsson, a detective with the Swift County Sheriff’s Department in Minnesota, who wanted me to tell him everything I knew about Bryce Koosman. As I explained my relationship to the ex-con asshole, I did all I could to contain my anger at Early, who had set me up so he could get out of going to the Gopher State. Gustafsson allowed me to talk without interruption, but when I finished he hit me with a battery of questions, most of which I couldn’t answer. I really didn’t want to give the detective my Mother’s number, but I also didn’t want to be hauled to Minnesota for further questioning, so I gave Gustafsson all the information about my Mother that he requested. “Have you had any dealings with Bryce?” I asked. “We know who he is.” Gustafsson replied in a clipped tone. “I trust your Mother will be cooperative in this matter.” the sullen Swede said before hanging up. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of my Mother being interrogated, which would be priceless.

   After talking with the humorless detective, I immediately went looking for Early, who was conveniently unavailable for a couple hours while I simmered down. I should have known the cagey old bastard would pull a stunt like that because like a mean old mule, Early can be stubborn to the point of exasperation. I went out and got a bite to eat and when I arrived back at my retreat I found Early sitting at my kitchen table wearing a shit-eating grin. “Did you talk to that charmer Gustafsson?” He asked. “You asshole, did you really object to going to Minnesota that bad?” “Absolutely, but the thought of you playing quarry for a serial killer bothered me even more.” Early’s concern for me is genuine and beyond question, so I decided just to let it go. “I understand why you want to do these things, Drayton, and trust me, I admire it, but there are some things better left to the local authorities and the Swift County Killer is one of them. The Buckeye Strangler is probably another, but I won’t push ya on that.” Early said. “That’s might nice of you.” I replied. “I know, now let’s revise your plan.”