Page 124 of The List

8:03A.M.

BRENT WHEELED INTO THE MILL PARKING LOT AND HEADED STRAIGHTfor the cafeteria. He wasn’t sure, but he thought a car followed him from town. The mill’s eatery filled an appendage of Building C directly adjacent to the main gate leading back into the central production areas. It was used by almost all the employees, both hourly and salaried, and represented one of the few services the company contracted to an outside firm. The daily breakfast included a small buffet, nothing like the extravaganza at the Comfort Inn, but a bargain at under $5.

Out of respect for Bozin, contract negotiations had been suspended for Monday and Tuesday. So the IBEW committee, the only one yet to come to an agreement, had returned to the mill until Wednesday. A memorial service was scheduled at St. Nicholas Catholic Church later in the afternoon and all company employees had been invited. Until hearing the news about Greene, Brent had planned to attend. Hank was ensconced in one of the red-and-white laminated booths, a cup of steaming coffee and a newspaper before him.

“Good to see you,” Hank said in a raised voice, obviously playing to the audience. “Get yourself something to drink or some food.”

Hank’s eyes said he should play along. So he filled a plate with eggs, grits, and toast. He wasn’t the least bit hungry but understood the importance of appearances. He grabbed a glass of orange juice and sat. Hank started to talk. Animated. His expressions not matching the words.

“Obviously, you heard about Greene.” Hank smiled for whomever may be watching.

He got the idea and faked laughter. “Sure did.”

Hank gazed down, turning his attention back to the newspaper. Today’sSavannah Morning News. “You better eat some of that food. A couple of security guards just moseyed in for coffee.” Hank glanced up and continued to act like they were having an amicable morning conversation.

He forced himself to take a few bites of egg. “We’ve got trouble, Hank.”

“No shit, Sherlock.” Hank slid him the folded newspaper. “There’s a front-page article on Greene. If you believe what’s there, seems Cue Stick got caught in the sack by a jealous husband. He and the woman were found naked.”

“That’s crap, Hank, and you know it.”

“So what happened?”

“Hell if I know. But if Greene was whacked because he knew too much, guess who’s next?”

“Good point.”

“We blew our one chance by trusting him.”

“They’re not going to get us if I can help it.”

“You have something in mind?”

“We’re going to get the hell out of this mill.”

“We shouldn’t have come in the first place.”

Hank shook his head. “That would have sent red flags everywhere. No. They’re still unsure about us. They have to be or else they would have already moved. The better tactic is for us to show up, then slip out quietly and find the cavalry.”

“That may not be so easy.”

“Now who’s underestimating who?”

“I have a huge measure of respect for the people we’re dealing with,” he said.

“Sit tight and keep your cell phone close.”

“What are you up to?”

“You’ll see.”

9:04A.M.

BRENT GLANCED UP AS ONE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTSappeared in his doorway. “They want you over at the front office.”

“You know why?”

“They just said your help was needed on something right now.”