Chapter 34

Back in Boulder

     Pretty quickly, back in Boulder, Susie was on the job being a waitress-detective, gossiping with everybody, listening for any idle table chatter that might provide a clue.  Although Charlie Furbush had not been in for some time, lots of regulars had known Charlie a long time and he was Boulder’s most notorious citizen ever since his trial and acquittal. 

     One cold mid-November morning, several retired guys sitting by the front window were getting refills when Susie overheard one saying, “Charlie still laying low, or back in business?”  Unable to inconspicuously linger and learn more, she made a plan to be more friendly with these regulars, especially the guy who was usually first in and liked smiling and flirting with her.  Susie had heard him referred to as “the geriatric pussy hound.”   

     That night she called her son Joey in Vancouver and insisted he tell her what business Furbush was in besides being a hunting guide.  “Why do you want to know Mom?  Somebody is already dead – probably because he knew too much – just drop it!”