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The group eat their chosen meals, all of which are excellent, whilst discussing their day. About an hour later everyone has eaten their fill, some feeling a bit tipsy from the wine. The waiter comes over. I hope your meals were to your satisfaction. Would you like anything else?
Gesturing at his companion, Might I ask good sir, how long have you lived in the area? My friend here is a writer and newsman, interested in the local lore and folk tales. He nods and smiles, his body turning to face the waiter, shoulders relaxed and friendly, presenting an open and unassuming posture. He's seeking one or two goodly souls who might share insights into his interests, were any willing to sit and answer a few queries.
Before the man can answer, he grins slyly and winks, There may be a few coins in it, should someone be so inclined to tell him simple, full, and honest. Not that I would assume anything else be considered.
Non capisco signore, the waiter says, I sorry, I no understand.
Stevie attempts to explain his thoughts again, this time in his army trained Italian.
The waiter still looks bemused. I not long in America, signore. I just work in a restaurant. I don't know how I could help you, I'm sorry.
Suddenly there's a sound of smashing glass from outside, followed by Ted's raised voice, just about intelligible through the windows and swing-doors of the restaurant. What the hell! You son of a b#~~#!
Looking at Dorothy, he says Wait here. He then glances at the doctor and his cohort, rising from the table. He moves towards the doors and looks outside, to see what problem has occurred for their thus far friendly neighborhood taxi-man.
Outside the restaurant, Stevie sees Ted on the sidewalk. Ted throws a lit cigarette on the ground and takes a few steps towards a black car in the middle of the road but it screeches off before he can get close, the burning rubber of its tires leaving a cloud of smoke in its wake. The windscreen of Ted's Ford is smashed. Ted checks out the Ford and lifts a heavy object from the driver's seat that looks like it's wrapped in paper.
Stepping outside the restaurant, Stevie moves closer to the car, peering at the object in Ted's hands. Are you alright? What happened? Looking down the street after the fleeing car, trying to memorize any pertinent details. Who was that?
Gene rushes out onto the street, following Stevie. Seeing Ted's car, the student stops, not quite sure what to do. "Ted, what's happened? Are you hurt? Shall we get help? The Hospital's right here if they've done any physical harm, whoever they are."
Stevie and Gene catch a glimpse of the black vehicle, an Oldsmobile Viking, just before it reaches a junction and hangs a left to disappear from view.
Ted is still highly agitated and annoyed but is otherwise unharmed. Those sons of... Ted begins. I'd only just stepped out of the cab for a smoke when those clowns turned up and threw this at my windscreen. Ted hands Stevie the object. I'm fine, he says to Gene. Just a bit shook up, that's all.
The object handed to Stevie is nothing more than a plain old house brick, wrapped in paper with some string tied around it. Stevie easily unties the string and removes the paper, to find a message scrawled on it. The message reads, "If you know what's good for you, stay away from Danvers!"
Stevie hands the message over to Gene, then looks at Ted. Is it worth reporting this to the local authorities? He then fishes around in his coat but not finding what he wants, And I would be happy to reimburse you for the windscreen, but I will need to have some funds wired from my bank in New York to one in town. I don't have paper or pen, to get your information, but if you can take me to a bank I can write a check to have it arranged.
Looking at Gene, It seems Dorothy and I may have ruffled a few feathers.
Much obliged Mr. Barrows, Ted replies. I'll take you to a bank tomorrow. I appreciate your willingness to pay for the damage. And if they think this will scare me off driving you and your friends around, they can think again. If people associated with Danvers Asylum are prepared to do this, then whatever's going on at the asylum deserves to be investigated.
Regarding Stevie's suggestion of involving the authorities, Ted gives his reply. We have the brick thrown, the note wrapped around it, and the make and model of the car, an Oldsmobile Viking, so we could certainly report this crime if you want to, Mr. Barrows - but we would have to spend half a day at the station answering their questions about who might have thrown the brick and why. It might cost you a lot of time.
I'll defer to your judgment regarding the authorities then Ted. Looking to Gene, We should discuss the matter further among the others regarding how best to proceed regarding Danvers.
Stevie shakes his head, walking to the front of the car and surveying the damage a bit better. I'm sorry we brought this trouble on you Ted. Would you allow me to buy you dinner? I'd understand though if you'd prefer to remain with your automobile. We could have something brought out to you if you'd like. A small loaf stuffed with meatballs, cheese, and a bit of sauce perhaps.
I'd appreciate something brought out to me very much, Ted replies. It's probably best that I stay with the car, considering what just happened.
Stevie will ask the wait staff if they can take something out to Ted, and asks them to put it on his tab. He will then return to the table and inform the others of what has occurred outside.
The waiter is happy to oblige and soon Ted is contentedly munching on a small loaf stuffed with meatballs, sat in the damaged Ford. The rest of the meal passes off with little comment from the others despite the dramatic events that have just unfolded outside. Stevie gets the bill as usual, for which everyone is very grateful, then they all leave the restaurant and clamber back into Ted's cab, the broken glass from the smashed windshield having been brushed up by Ted whilst they were eating.
Where to now folks? asks Ted.