"It might come in handy in case of surface flooding too," Harry said, "if basements were flooded."
Max nodded. "I didn't think of that. That means preserves in the basement aren't really safe."
"Do you have a spare room you can use?" Bertie asked. "You can buy plastic shelving units that can be assembled in minutes. Add a three-step folding stool for easy access and you're good to go."
"You sound familiar with all this," Max said, and she smiled. "You too?" he asked. Still smiling, she nodded.
Max looked at Harry. "What about you?"
"I try to keep Mildred's pantry filled, but I'm not as good at it as she was. However, now I know where to go if there's a disaster," Harry said, with a chuckle. "Is that what you came to tell us, Max?"
Max shook his head. "I need someone to cut down that old willow tree in the front yard."
"Any particular reason why?" Harry asked.
"Well, it's not serving any purpose, and it kind of blocks my view," Max said.
"That beautiful old tree looks like a great spot to sit in the shade and read, while sipping on a drink,"
Bertie said.
"I guess so, but that's not something I usually do."
Harry frowned. "You don't sound very sure, Max. What's really on your mind?"
Max sighed. "I'm afraid it might also be a good tree for aliens to hide in when it's in full leaf."
There was a moment of silence as Harry closed his eyes and slowly shook his head. "There are no aliens, Max, and even if there were, why would they hide in your tree? Unless you're doing secret scientific experiments that we know nothing about."
"Hey! I used to be pretty good at science in high school," Max said. "And there are aliens here. I've seen them several times."
Bertie's eyes widened. "What?"
"When and where?" Harry asked.
"Walking down the street... early in the morning... just before daylight."
"Okay, what did they look like?" Harry asked.
"Skinny people in silver-coloured space suits."
"How do you know they were aliens?"
"They had antenna on top of their heads."
"Did they have big, bulging eyes?" Bertie asked.
"They were side on, I couldn't see their eyes."
"What were their ears like?" Harry asked.
"I couldn't see them either. Their suits were kind of like scuba suits."
"Maybe they were divers," Harry said.
"But they had no goggles or breathing tubes," Max said.
"Was this on any particular night?" Harry asked.
"Mostly on weekends."
"Could be people going home after a costume party," Bertie said. "Or a science fiction fan convention. They're very popular events."
Harry nodded. "Perhaps the local theatre group is rehearsing for a science fiction production."
"Wouldn't they be finished rehearsing before that time?" Max asked.
"Some of those involved in local theatre have regular daytime jobs and they practice at whatever time works for them," Harry said.
"Maybe," Max agreed.
