Stan has started his investigation by Sam's house. He examines the driveway, and the street. All he sees is that something was dragged a short distance, and then disappeared. He sees a truck tire tread, takes a picture of it, and measures it. He then starts to go to Clover's house, when he sees the same dragging trace, and truck tire tread. He makes his way toward Alex's house, when he just barely sees a dragging trace. No truck tire tread this time, but that's because this occurred on cement, not blacktop.
"Jerry, I may have a lead. I'm sending you a picture and a measurement of a truck tire tread. See if you can get me a manufacturer."
"OK, Stan. …….Yes, the manufacture is World Tire, and the tire is a Gripmatic, 20 inch. The tread depth shows an even 2 inches."
"Thanks, Jerry! World Tire is located only a few blocks from here," and Stan is off.
Soon Stan is in the office of the President of World Tire, who happens to be an old friend and former WOOHP agent, Neal.
"Hi, Neal! Nice to see you!"
"Stan? Stan! It's been so long! How are you doing?"
"OK, and you?"
"Business is good! But I can see by the look on your face that you're not interested in buying tires today. So what can I do for you?"
"Neal, what is the usual tread depth of a 20 inch Gripmatic tire?"
"The 20 inch should be our truck design. The usual tread depth of a new tire is two inches."
"Really? So, the one I am tracing has a depth of 2 inches – it must be pretty new. How many sets have you sold of these, Neal?"
"Well Stan, they are made specifically for leaf vacuum trucks. We just introduced the line two months ago. We've only sold 20 sets, all to the Ajax Truck Company."
"Thanks, Neal!"
"My pleasure, Stan." And then under his breath Neal whispers, "Oh, and nail 'em one for me for old time sake, OK?"
"You got it, Neal!" smiles Stan.
And Stan heads for the Ajax Truck Company. Soon he is talking to the head of Ajax Truck, Sal.
"Well, Stan what can I do for you?"
"Sal, I am doing an article on Gripmatic tires and I understand your leaf vacuum trucks use them. How are they performing?"
"Well, Stan, I've only had one buyer of trucks equipped with those tires, and he just bought the trucks last week, so I can't say. You may want to talk to him. I've sold him 3 trucks with Gripmatic tires. His name is C.R. Son, and here's his address."
"Great! Thanks!"
"Say Stan, can you put a good word in the article for Ajax Trucking in your article?"
"Sure! No problem! Thanks, Sal!"