Earth to Evans'

♔15

James woke up the next morning with one thought in his mind.

Breaking into the Captain's office would be too easy.

Zane was set to take Linda, the receptionist, out to lunch at noon. Once they left, James would go behind her desk and retrieve the key for the Captain's office. Then, he'd unlock the door and retrieve Addy's file from the large filing cabinet in the back corner of Captain's office. James would take pictures of each page before putting the file back in its spot. He'd lock the door behind him, replace the keys, and be back in the conference room by the time Zane was back from lunch. Easy peasy.

James's phone pinged. It was probably just Zane telling him that he'd left with Linda.

Code blue.

Haven't even started yet.

How's something already wrong?

James was slightly worried. This was supposed to be simple.

Linda canceled lunch.

'Preparing 4 the Captain' or something.

Zane! You had one bloody job!

Distract Linda!

Ik that. I'll see what I can do.

As Addy would say, this is why you do things by yourself. The only way to get into the Captain's office is with the key behind Linda's desk. They may need a new plan.

---

"Linda, sweetheart," Zane begged. "Today was the only day we were both off at the same time!"

"Sugar, I have to do what the Captain asks. He'll have my collar if this paperwork isn't finished by the time he returns." Linda said, exasperatedly.

"Whatever. It's not like I actually cared about you anyway. I just wanted a quick one." Zane stated with an eye roll. Linda's glare was muted by the tears shining in her eyes.

"Good Lord! And here I thought I found one." Linda attempted to snark back, but her thick Southern accent made it sound authentic.

"As if. Nobody wants a Southern woman who can't make a peach cobbler." That seemed to be the last straw. Linda sobbed and ran past Zane. He pulled out his phone and sent a message to James.

Hurry. IDK how long we have.

A moment later, James stumbled around the corner. He was breathing heavily but started to rummage through Linda's drawers.

"Help me darn it!" James said. Zane looked appalled. He just made a girl cry over cobbler, which was basically a death wish. What else did James want him to do?

"Hurry up dingbat!" Zane screeched. "She's coming back!"

"Got it!" James whispered. He shoved the bronze key into his pocket right as Linda turned the corner.

"Unless you're here to accept my offer to take you boys to church this Sunday, hurry along. I have enough work here to employ me til Labor Day!"

"I'd love to go with you, Linda! Could you make more of your peach cobbler? It was awesome last week!" James said though he didn't understand the glare that was sent his way. Zane muttered something about digging holes. Weird.

Luckily for James, the Captain's office was just out of sight from the reception desk. He easily slid the key into the lock and opened the door. The office was adorned with family photos and the Captain's diplomas.