Phoning Susan Kelley was clearly too risky; Tom and Donna would go to the Arboretum on public transit.

But Mary objected strenuously, saying that no subway station could be considered safe.

"Here's what we do," Kush said. "I go to the Store 24 and get some change. We walk to Back Bay Station as if we're taking the Orange Line to Forest Hills. At the last minute, we turn and hop on the 39 bus instead."

Patting her satchel, Donna said "Forget about getting change. I'll take care of it." 

As soon as they were gone, Shirley picked up her cell phone and called Susan Kelley.

"I'm sorry, Mary," she said. "I have to risk using the phone."

"We'll be lucky if Tom makes it there," Mary agreed.

Shirley scowled. "We'll be lucky if he makes it past Starbucks."

A moment passed but it seemed like a decade. "Susan? Shirley Blanchard. How's the weather there? Susan, you might want to look again. I think A hard rain's gonna fall."