He couldn't bear to leave Norris Moore alone there, even if Sherry White sought his life -- going there meant he could at least die with Norris.
*
When Maple Swallow returned home after visiting Ava, he noticed that Trenton Smith's car, which had been parked in the courtyard, was gone.
He rushed upstairs and kicked open the door to Trenton Smith's study. The man who had stayed quietly inside all afternoon, was indeed missing.
His usually calm mind became momentarily chaotic upon seeing the empty room, then he turned around while descending the stairs as he phoned the police.
They informed him that there was no trace of Trenton Smith's car.
Trenton Smith was much more cunning than the police; if he truly wanted to evade surveillance, no one would be able to locate him.
Maple Swallow cursed under his breath, hung up the phone, and had no choice but to call Rufus Swallow.
