1.
Lenny sprinted up the narrow alley, breathing hard. The hand was in the carrying case, he was pretty sure, but he wanted to stop and make doubly sure. After several backward glances and seeing no pursuers, he stopped running. Unlatching the case, he peered inside and – yes! – Osgood’s hand was there. He took off again as his thoughts veered out of control.
Why did he go to the meeting? It had nothing to do with him. Stupid, stupid decision! Osgood was the one meeting Marissa and her dull brother. Lenny had known she was trouble the first time he saw her at Greater Aldershot. He should have minded his own business.
Lungs near bursting, he reached the crest of the alley where a wide strip of overgrown grass lay between him and a busy road. He waded into the grass.