The music from the car radio was soft and com- forting and blended well with the hum of the tires on the road as the car sped me toward my destination. My first stop was a summer resort, normally closed during this time of year, but open because of a special con- vention of an eastern concern. My boss, Harry Dorn, had often told me about this resort which he consider- ed the best vacation spot in the western states. He, and his family, often went there. He had become friendly with Vickie Lane, who had been running the resort since the death of her husband two years ago, and had found her to be a warm and friendly woman. I was looking forward to just resting, reading, and in general relaxing for a couple of weeks, then after us- ing the two weeks just to slow down from the hectic pace of business, I planned a drive up the East coast to visit some service buddies, then into Canada and cross the country finally coming back to California via the Coastal Route.
A glance at the gas gauge told me the tank was almost empty and since it was almost dark and the ar- ea was rather sparsely populated, I decided to stop and refuel. Fill it up, I told the attendant, and went into the office to buy some cigarettes. The dim- ly lit station made it difficult to sign the charge slip without straining, but once this was accomplished, I hopped in the driver's seat and drove the last 50 miles of unpopulated countryside to Lane's Resort.
I was surprised to find the main gate to the re- sort closed, but opened it and drove through to the main building which, much to my astonishment, was also dark. At this point I was wondering if I had come to the right place. I circled the building hoping to catch sight of some one but no one was in sight. I did notice lights in a building about 200 yards away and as I walked quickly toward it, I could hear the sounds of voices coming from a radio or television set. I ra ng the bell and after what seemed like hours an attract- ive woman of about 30 years opened the door. She look- ed startled to see me standing there.
"Are you Mrs. Lane?
I inquired.
t
52.