Page 9 of Wild Oblivion

Unknown.

I hated answering unknown callers. Usually spammers. I swiped the screen and held the device to my ear. "This is Deputy Wild.”

A rather cheery fellow said, "I'm so glad you picked up. How do you like my handiwork?"

Anger tensed my jaw, but I was also optimistic. At least we had contact with the perpetrator. "So you're responsible?”

"It didn't happen on its own," he quipped.

It was always wise to be cautious when dealing with anonymous phone calls. Sometimes crackpots would call just to get a thrill.

“Tell me what kind of device was used.”

"I can’t give away all my secrets. Where's the fun in that?"

"So this is a game?"

"Isn't everything?”

"People could have been killed."

"I'm glad you're aware of the consequences. I think it's important to establish what's at stake.”

"How about you come down to the station and we can have a more in-depth conversation about this?"

He laughed. “I'm curious, does that line ever work?”

"Sometimes."

"I'm sorry, Deputy, but you'll have to work harder than that.”

"You know my name, but I don't know yours,” I said.

"You don't think I'm stupid, do you, Deputy? Keep on with these mid-wit tactics, and I will get offended. Rest assured, you don't want me to get offended.”

"I apologize. I didn't realize you were so sensitive.”

He paused for a moment. "I would start taking this more seriously if I were you.”

"How do I know you're not some crank trying to take credit for something you didn't do?”

After another pause, he said, “I suppose you're right. You must get a lot of that.”

"From time to time. Give me a piece of information. Something only the bomb designer would know."

He thought about it for a moment. "I suspect the ATF and your bomb squad are combing through everything, looking for fragments of the explosive device, hoping to track parts to their point of purchase. I can assure you, they will be unsuccessful. This bomb is unlike anything you have ever seen. Once you realize that, you'll know you're talking to the right person.”

"Sounds impressive."

"It is.”

"Help me understand. What's the point of this? Why blow up an abandoned restaurant?”

"It's simple. Haven't you figured it out yet?”

"I want to hear your perspective.”

"It got your attention, didn't it?"