Free Difficult Run by John Dibble Page A

has any information, though.   We can put the TipLine number on the posters and see if anything shakes out.”
    “I’ll take care of that tomorrow,” Jake said.
    They stopped on the way to Jake’s apartment and picked up some Chinese take-out and a bottle of wine.   Jake opened the wine and poured each of them a glass, raising his in a toast.
    “Here’s to a great date.   Let’s do that again real soon,” he said sarcastically.   “By the way, why didn’t you spook when that owl flew over?”
    “You’re such a city boy, Jake,” she replied.   “I grew up in the hills of West Virginia.   We had owls fly over our heads all the time.”
    They finished eating and while they were rinsing off their plates, Jake asked, “How about spending the night?”
    M.J. turned toward him, gave him a kiss, and said, “Yes, I think I’d like that very much.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
    M .J. STOPPED BY HER APARTMENT early the next morning.   She showered and changed into her pantsuit, then drove to Anacostia Station where she wrote an interim report on the investigation, carefully omitting any mention of Doc Wonders.   She handed it to Detective Sergeant Tony Lauretta.
    Tony had spent ten years in the Marine Corps.   He had a wife and two children who he saw very little of as a Marine, so he decided it was time for a career change and joined the Park Police.   Tony was about five feet eight inches tall with extremely close-cropped hair and built as solidly as anyone M.J. had ever seen.   Although he tried to present a gruff manor, he was actually very kind and considerate in dealing with the people who reported to him.
    “Glad you’re turning this in, M.J. The Lieutenant has been bugging the hell out of me about whether there’s been any progress in the case,” he said.
    “I’ll try and give you updates so he’ll stay off your back,” M.J. said.   “By the way, sorry I’ve been missing so many roll calls. I’m spending a lot of time at Great Falls Park on the investigation.”
    “That’s OK, M.J.,” he replied.   “I’ll let you know if anything important comes up.”
    “Thanks, Tony,” M.J. said and left for the park.
    She changed into her running clothes and headed for Doc’s campsite.   When she reached the bottom of the path, Lola appeared at the top with her leash in her mouth, wagging all over.   M.J. went up the path and found Doc sitting under the tent awning in his usual chair.
    “Did you teach her to do that?” M.J. asked, pointing to the dog.
    Doc raised his open right hand and said, “Honest, she figured it out herself, M.J.   You know, ‘whatever Lola wants.’   How about a cup of coffee?”
    “Sure, I’ll have a quick one.   Seen or heard anything of interest lately?” M.J. asked.
    “Not a damn thing,” Doc replied. “How’s your investigation coming?”
    “Slowly,” she replied.   “We’ve interviewed several people but haven’t gotten any leads so far.   It’s early though, so maybe we’ll get a lucky break.”
    “Well, I’ll keep my eyes and ears open,” he said.
    M.J. finished her coffee and picked up the leash, which Lola had conveniently placed at her feet.   “C’mon girl.   Let’s do our run,” she said.
    They ran the Old Carriage Road to the Ridge Trail, then over the top of the hill to Difficult Run.   As they started up Difficult Run, M.J. was struck by the difference in the atmosphere of the place in daylight compared to the night before.   In the dark, it had seemed closed in, almost tunnel-like.   Now, it was truly beautiful, she thought, with trees in bud and the sound of the stream below punctuated by birds excitedly calling to each other.   For so early in the day, there were a considerable number of people on the trail.   Mostly hikers and dog walkers; not many runners.
    They crossed Georgetown Pike and started back on the Old Carriage Road.   When they reached Doc’s camp, M.J. scratched behind Lola’s ears and gave her a treat.