Harry shook his head. "No, but I know several people who not only believe, but think there are aliens on earth. What do you think?"
There was a moment of silence, as if West was considering how to answer. "There are things in space, and even here on earth, that we don't yet fully understand. I believe in the possibility of life somewhere out there, but are they human form like us? Or are they completely different?"
"Interesting," Harry said, "but I have one question: - are there enough believers around here to form a UFO group of some sort?"
"For what purpose?"
"Perhaps to meet and discuss the things they read, or see on television."
West was silent for a minute. "I suppose there are enough believers, but there's no group."
"Are you sure?"
"I know them all and, if there was a group, I would know."
Harry stood up. "Thank you, Mr. West. That's all I need to know."
"Anytime." West said as Harry closed the door behind him.
********************
Back at the office, Harry told Bertie about his visit with Mr. West. "So, we can rule out a UFO group of any kind.
Bertie nodded. "I'm familiar with him. He came to the library often."
"Let me guess - anything related to space and science fiction."
She nodded. "He also did several presentations for the kids that went over quite well."
"I'm sure it did."
"By the way, I called a Library Board Member yesterday, whose son is a member of the local Divers Association. He said there's no ongoing or planned activity for another couple of months."
"So we can forget that too. I'll go check with the theatre again."
.
An hour later, Harry opened the door and looked at Bertie. "Grab your coat and let's go tell Max about his aliens. He's expecting us."
She sniffed, and smiled, as she got into the truck. He had picked up refreshments.
Max opened the door as they walked up the steps. "Come on in." They followed him and as soon as they were seated, with coffee and donuts in hand, he said, "Okay, what did I see?"
"Models, wearing scuba suits."
Max stared at him. "Are you sure?"
Harry nodded. "A local photographer was doing a photo shoot, to promote some tourism package that includes scuba diving. Three to five in the morning was the only time the theatre was available."
"No aliens," Max said.
"Max - I'm not saying aliens are real - but are you worried that they'll target you for some reason?"
Max hesitated a moment before replying. "Well, they're obviously intelligent, so it makes sense that they'd be watching for humans who believe in them."
"Why would they do that?"
"To experiment on them," Max said quietly. "People have told stories about their experiences."
Harry shook his head. "Stories is the key word, it's just stories."
'Maybe," Max continued, "but who knows what they're capable of." He shivered slightly. "I don't want to become a lab rat on some strange world."
"Max, you need to read something different, or you're going to have a nervous breakdown. Try some mysteries, or westerns, like Louis L'Amour."
Max looked at him. "I think Bingo has some of his books."
"The library has a whole collection," Bertie said.
"There you go," Harry said. "Borrow what Bingo has and then get the rest at the library. And you won't have to get rid of your tree."
"Get some folding chairs and I'll join you for coffee under that tree in the summer," Bertie said.
"Me too," Harry added.
Max laughed. "Sounds good to me."
