I found Big John and Doc on a small flagstone patio that opened off the kitchen. They were seated at a large glass topped, wrought iron table and there was a huge pot of coffee on a hot plate at Big John’s elbow. The view from the patio was of the tumbled mountain range north of the lodge, but Doc and Halloran were not enjoying the view. They were leaning over the table studying a large map of Denver and vicinity.

They glanced up when I stepped out and Big John nodded a greeting. Then they went back to studying the map. I sat down across from them and Big John pushed the coffee pot toward me without looking up. There was an empty cup with saucer near my elbow and I filled it and sat there drinking the coffee, breathing the fresh, clean air, minding my own business.

(cf. Dewey, Thomas B. Run, Brother, Run!)