Evans Creek Book 2: In Good Hands

Chapter 11

"Sure, I remember that job." Jack said, putting two cups of coffee on the desk in front of Rowdy and Dennis. "I actually went out to the site several times before that and I've no doubts that I'll go back several more times before that project is finished."

"I know you do security and tech installs," Dennis began, "But what did you actually do at the sight?"

"For starters, I set up the computer system and the security for the office trailer." Jack paused to sip his coffee. "I also set up the security for the storage sheds."

"Storage sheds?"

"Yeah. They keep the portable tools and equipment in there. The bigger stuff is kept inside a fenced area that is locked up at night."

"Are cameras part of the security that you set up?"

"For the sheds and the fenced area, yes. Not for the office."

"Why?"

"Expense. There isn't anything valuable that is kept in the office overnight. The money for payday is brought into the office in the morning when the foreman shows up. It's all gone by end of the day. The office trailer does have an alarm system, but you'd have to talk to the foreman to see who has a code for it."

"Did you set up the safe where the pay is kept?"

"No. That was brought in later by the foreman. I think he had it brought in with the furniture. I set up the phones and computers for the office and the security cameras for the other areas." Jack paused to sip his coffee. "But he did ask me to come back and wire the safe into the alarm system."

"And what about the day the pink money showed up?"

"The foreman called me saying that the phones kept going out. I went out there...oh, it must have been around five thirty, or so, in the morning."

"That early?"

"Believe me," Jack frowned and sipped his coffee, "I wasn't too happy about it either. But the foreman wanted it fixed before the first crews left. After that, the office has men coming and going all day to collect their pay. He didn't want me getting in their way, I guess."

"I see. Was anyone else there?"

"The foreman. He let me in and stayed while I worked. I didn't find any problems inside but one of the outside lines was nicked. The foreman wasn't very happy when I told him that I had to come back with the replacement wire because I didn't have enough with me."

"Why didn't you just splice in a new section?"

"I could have," Jack shrugged, "but the site is pretty dusty. I didn't want to take the chance with a repaired wire, so I just replaced it. It's all above ground, so it didn't take me long."

"And there was no one around?"

"Not around the trailer, no. At least not when I went the first time."

"How long were you gone?"

"I had to wait for Gruber to open up and you know what a helpful fellow he is."

"Actually, I do." Rowdy agreed.

Jack looked at him in surprise. Rowdy couldn't blame the guy. It was the first thing he'd said since they arrived.

In the car on the way over, Dennis suggested Rowdy let him lead the questioning so that Rowdy didn't seem like a jealous lover.

That was ridiculous!

And Rowdy told Dennis as much, but he agreed to let Dennis to lead the questioning.

"Anyway," Jack nodded as he went on, "It took me a few hours. When I went back, some of the crew was standing around waiting their turn to get their pay."