Recalling that she had never visited the Brunner garage to request Jerry Barrows' address from the manager, she made that her next stop. As she parked outside the building, she noticed that Joe Franey, faithful to his trust, was still following.
"Poor man, he must think I am completely crazy," Penny laughed. "Perhaps I am too!"
Upon requesting to see Mr. Brunner, she was informed that he was busy. She was forced to wait nearly three-quarters of an hour before he would see her.
"What can I do for you, Miss Nichols?" he inquired with forced politeness as she entered.
"Oh, yes!" He laughed apologetically. "You know, the matter completely slipped my mind until this minute."
"Indeed?" Penny inquired. She had not been surprised at the answer.
"If you will come back in a few days----"
"Can't you get the address for me now? It is rather important that I have it immediately."
The manager frowned. "I'll see what I can do. Wait here."
He left the office, returning a few minutes later.
"I can't seem to find it on our records at all, Miss Nichols. The boy never worked here steadily. In fact, he has been discharged."
"It isn't that, Miss Nichols. We'd be glad to provide it if we could. Unfortunately, we can't."
She left the garage and went back to her car. For a time she sat thinking. She could not make up her mind as to her next move.
While she sat debating, George Brunner came out of the building. Without noticing Penny, he climbed into his automobile, one of the latest and most expensive models available, and drove away.
"I wonder where he's going in such a hurry?" Penny asked herself.
She decided that it might be worth her time to follow. Quickly, she shifted gears and took after him.
Without being aware that anyone was trailing him, the garage manager weaved from one street to another, gradually traveling toward the poorer section of the city. Penny had difficulty in keeping him in sight.
"What a silly thing I am doing," she told herself. "I think I'll sign off and go home."
However, she could not resist following the car a few more blocks. Her patience was rewarded. Presently Brunner turned into South Lake Street.
"I'll keep on a little farther," Penny decided. "It may be that Brunner is perfectly honest and above board, but I have my doubts. I think he'll bear watching."