Lawn by Leonard

Lawn by Leonard


Leonard watched the doings up the street through his living room window for a few minutes, then decided he'd save a little time and go out to meet the cops this time.  If he waited, they'd be along eventually--they always asked questions up and down the street--and probably at an inconvenient time.  It would also give him a chance to point them in some other direction.

"Afternoon, Officer.  I came out to do a little gardening and saw all the commotion.  What's up?"

"Good afternoon, sir.  We're investigating a possible disappearance.  The occupant of that house, there," the policeman jerked his thumb in the direction of all the activity, "a Mister Henry Baldwin, was reported missing by his employer after he didn't show up for work and didn't answer his phone.  He's supposedly very reliable."

"Well, now, maybe I can help you guys out.  As it happens, I saw a panel truck in his driveway last night around eleven, when I came out to turn off the sprinkler.  It looked like one I'd seen over there a few times before, so I didn't think much of it.  But, if he's gone like you say, he could have just loaded up some stuff and taken off in the middle of the night, sort of like the Colts back in '84."

The patrolman took out his notebook and pen.

"May I have your name and address, sir?"

"Sure.  It's Leonard Carter, and I live at 2432, just three doors up the block."

The officer looked in the direction indicated.

"The one with the incredibly green grass and all the flowers?"

"Thank you, you're very kind.  Gardening's a hobby of mine.  I make my own fertilizer with all natural ingredients."

"So, what did you see, sir?"

"Well, as I said, just a panel truck.  It was light-colored, but not white, I don't think; maybe a light blue.  He seemed to be bringing out some boxes and loading them into the truck, as I've seen on previous occasions.  Those other times, though, it wasn't quite so late."

Leonard knew it wouldn't take them too long to get out all the details about that old fool Henry's panel truck.  He also knew it would take them a lot longer to find the truck itself.  As for Henry, well, he'd eventually make an appearance, although no one would know it was him.

Leonard went on to give a few more details that any of the other neighbors could confirm, which the officer dutifully entered into his notebook.

"Thanks for the information, Mister Carter.  The detectives will probably want to talk to you at some point, if that's okay?"

"Certainly, although I really don't know any more than I've just told you."

The policeman hesitated a moment, then asked "May I ask you something unrelated to this investigation, sir?"

"I suppose, officer.  What would you like to know?"

The other man looked a bit embarrassed.  "My lawn looks terrible, and yours looks fantastic.  What's your secret?"

Leonard smiled.  "As I said, I make my own fertilizer; I may even get it patented one day.  I'd be happy to give you a small bag."

"You would?  Really?  That would be great!  Thank you so much, Mister Carter!"

"No problem at all, officer.  I'll be right back."

As he walked back toward his house, Leonard considered which variety to pass along.  Not 'Herbal Henri'; that would need a couple of weeks to age.  Maybe some 'Fabulous Frederick'?  That little punk had had a lot of chemicals in him but, as far as Leonard was concerned, the mix was still technically a natural mix.

Yes, he decided - 'Fabulous Frederick' it would be.


[612 words]