Hoosier 101 part 7

Jimmy was alway nervous when Howard was there. He had three more of these visits to go and he couldn't wait for them to be over.

"So James, how has your job search been going?"

"Oh man, I'm starting Monday."

"Oh really, where are you going to be employed?"

"My mom heard about a job at Schwiess. They make some kind of electrical stuff. The job is 2nd shift. They pay $9.00 and hour to start."

"James, that is a promising development. Are you prepared to stick with a job like this? This type of work is very repetitive. You need to show up on time also."

"Dude, Oh I'm sorry I mean Sir, if it's going to mean getting me some money I'm gonna do it right. That other job didn't work out I know, but I learned my lesson, I mean I know it doesn't make sense at my age that I ain't got no steady job but to me it do or die right now, it's time to get it done. For one thing, I got come up with $500 to keep to lights and gas on. They said if I could make it up over time. I need to get even if I'm ever gonna get a new car. This is it, this is it. I don't care if it's the worst job in town, I'm going to step up to the plate and do what I need to do."

Howard heard what Jimmy had to say, but he was noticing that the vent on the space heater had finger smudges all over it. It looked odd. What a perfect place for a lazy person to try to hide something.

"Mr. Dowd, I have noted that you are starting work. I would like to commend you for taking the initiative. I have another appointment now. What are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"Me and a buddy are a gonna work on his jeep."

Howard headed out on the porch and started breathing through his nose again. Down the steps and into the street back to the car. Mrs. Freund was watching him through the gap in the blinds. He pulled around the corner and started and called the precinct on his cell phone.

"This is Howard, I just came from Mr. Dowd's rental house and saw something suspicious. I believe he may in possession of illegal drugs. His landlord is Mr. Metzeler in south county. Please send an officer over to meet Mr. Metzeler and check the area around the space heater in the family room. Mr. Dowd is leaving shortly."