A few moments’ conversation ended with both Skinner and Anger knowledgeable about one another’s findings. With both halves of the equation put together, all that remained would be to crunch the numbers. While Leonard would be continuing his perusal of the US National, Arthur could take his pick from the selection that now awaited him. “Hmm…” he mused allowed, looking over the two categories of choices and –more importantly- the proximity between pairs of them. “Given how early it is, can’t expect our comedian to be performing just yet, eh, Hogan?” 

Twisting the edge of his mustache with one hand, he drew with the index finger of his other on the map splayed over the driving wheel. “Capital Laughs…somewhat near Hillwood Museum and Gardens. And Chinese Menu Comedy is very close to the National Cherry Blossom Festival. But this Theodore Roosevelt Island is right by two of the clubs.” He glanced at his reptile companion, not because he expected the crocodile to have a useful reply, but because an idea occurred to him. “Well, I’d like to get you some time to enjoy yourself. Roosevelt Island is as good a place as any.” Tossing the map into the passenger seat, Arthur began the laborious process of pulling the van out of its spot and departing the library premises.

Midday traffic made the trip a fair bit longer and more uncomfortable than it should have been, but not too much time passed before the not-at-all-suspicious white vehicle came to a stop at a parking lot on the water’s edge. Across a footbridge lay Roosevelt Island, and from here Arthur could look across the river at the stretch of building that housed the two somewhat obscure comedy clubs he read about earlier. He extracted himself from his seat, slammed shut the door, and strode around to the van’s backside. The back doors flew open, bathing the cooped-up creature in sunlight. “Alright, bud, let’s go. Nice area to walk around in while we look for the guy.” He waved a hand at the scenery across the bridge. “If you don’t mind, I’ll tell people you’re trained. If they ask me to prove it, I’d like you to lend a hand. Okay?”