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Sam examined that upper-level window, an idea forming. “Can you map out the floor plan of the attic?”
“Of course.” Oliver drew a rectangle, divided it into two rooms, one facing the front, an identical room facing the back—the doors to both opening to what he described as a dark, narrow stairwell, in the middle.
“This should do nicely,” Sam said. “If we can stall Dex until tomorrow night, that might be our best option.”
“The attic?” Oliver said. “How?”
“Rooftop entry, after dark,” he said, as the phone rang.
Bill glanced at the caller ID. “It’s Dex’s mobile.”
“Should I answer it?” Oliver asked.
“Typically,” Bill said, “Chelsea would answer.”
“I can be Chelsea,” Remi said.
“He might suspect you if you sound American.”
“I’ll make sure to sound like a proper Brit,” she said, in her best upper-crust accent. “David Cooke’s office . . .”
“Well done. Let’s give it a try, shall we?” Bill hit the speaker button.
There was a few second delay after Remi answered. And just when they wondered if Dex was going to answer at all, he said, “Oliver Payton told me you had some paperwork for me.”
“Who’s calling, please?”
“Dex Northcott.”
“One moment, Mr. Northcott. Let me see if it’s finished.” She put the call on hold and looked to Bill for further direction.
“Tell him the copies are ready for delivery tomorrow, midmorning, as promised.”
Remi hit the speaker button and repeated the information.
A long stretch of silence followed. Finally, Dex said, “Oliver told me he’d have the papers tonight.”
Sam drew his finger across his neck, telling her to cut that line of thinking. She nodded, saying, “I’m terribly sorry, but Mr. Cooke’s left the office for the evening, and he has to sign off on them.”
“Call him,” he ordered. “I’ll hold.”
“One moment, please.” Remi pressed the button.
Oliver stared at the blinking light, his expression troubled. “I don’t like that he’s rushing this.”
“I can tell him no,” Remi said.
Oliver shook his head. “The man has the temperament of a firecracker with a short fuse. He’s likely to take it out on Allegra or Trevor.”
Sam looked at the photographs, then at Bill. “Any objections to moving it up to tonight?”
“Not sure I’d be able to bring in anyone to help on such short notice.”
“There’s five of us,” Remi said.
Bill turned to Oliver and Chad, a dubious expression on his face. “Nor do we have the proper equipment. Radios and earpieces, gear to get from the roof to the window—”
“If we can come up with enough cell phones and a long enough rope,” Sam said, “we can hit from the top and the bottom. Assuming you’re all in.” When each of them nodded, he looked at his wife. “Reel him in, Remi.”