Carnival of Secrets

Chapter 4

A rap on the doorframe broke into their conversation.

"Hey, Lizzie. Morning, boss," Ben said. "I just followed up on a voicemail from a deputy with the Wise County Sheriff's department. They've got three cases they think are related, and they're asking us to build a profile. Can we round table about it?"

"Are they sending the case files over?"

"They should be here any minute. He said they were sent via overnight courier for early delivery."

"Sure," Nathan answered. "Review the files and get your presentation ready. We'll meet in the conference room at ten-thirty."

***

* * * *

"Move your asses and let's get this done! We need to be ready to go by six o’clock sharp!" came a booming voice from his left, and he swiveled his head slowly toward Jake, the site foreman.

Hm. There's another one I could test it on if needed, he realized.

"You. Kid," Jake sputtered. "Toby, right? Don't just stand there taking up space. Help get this unloaded."

Motion in his periphery had him narrowing his eyes at the greenhorn that was now scrambling to obey Jake's orders - and pulling on a strap that could wreck the entire setup.

"Back off," he muttered at Toby through clenched teeth as Jake walked away. "You're gonna screw it up."

Oh, yeah. Yeah, I think they both need to go at some point.

He silently counted to three in his head before he turned his full attention to Toby.

"Just watch me and learn."

"Sure thing - Pops," the kid shot back with a sardonic smile.

He gritted his teeth and willed himself to not break character.

Change of plans. I need to get some as soon as possible, he thought as he focused on peering at Toby. My trial runs cannot possibly start soon enough.

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