and lift him off Miss Jade. For a comical moment Dweeb resembled a neighborhood hound humping air. The guard set the executive on his feet and marched him off the left side of the screen.
"What?" Barker asked when he heard the loud splash and low rumble.
"He threw your debonair director into the Jacuzzi and flipped its switch." Brad didn't even have time for a good laugh before he was engaged in the poignant exchange between Mick and Jasmine. They were soon joined on the screen by Geek, Piercely, and Precious. Barker flinched after the females departed and Loneshark used the word rape, but he had to laugh when Dweeb rushed back into the frame, shaking water from his coat.
Spiritus and Brad remained quietly listening as the conversation ensued and the two technicians related the events the conspirators already knew so well. When Dweeb was halfway through his closing statement, Brad tapped the pause key. "I don't see any problem. On the contrary, this is candid proof that Dweeb and Geek were completely convinced of my extraordinary – "
"Wait!" Spiritus commanded and touched the play button.
Brad's presentation had totally fooled the two skilled technicians, Vice President Shoeshiner, and even the omnipotent King Midas, but a security guard had instantly spotted the single flaw in Barker's near perfect ploy. The doctor was stunned. Spiritus stopped the video when Dweeb began rolling the cart out of the bridal suite and waited for Brad to respond. "I never considered time zones. That man, Loneshark, is far too astute for a security officer. Those guys out there aren't even experienced in security work. They were handpicked for their handsomeness as potential tour guides, not genuine guards." Dr. Barker paused. "Spiritus, I want you to find out everything you can about Mister Loneshark."
"I was sure you would. I've already amassed quite a lot of information on him." Brad pulled up a chair and seated himself attentively. Sir Spiritus turned his custom chair to face Brad. "Mick Loneshark . . . Detective . . . Mick Loneshark is a decorated homicide investigator with a rank of sergeant here in Chicago. According to police personnel records – "
"You infiltrated The Chicago Police Department's computers?" Brad broke in nervously. "Isn't that dangerous?"
Spiritus rasped, "It certainly would be if there was the slightest chance of them detecting my presence, which, of course, there is not!"
"All right, all right, please continue."
"You were right about Loneshark being astute. He has a file filled with commendations. It seems Detective Lone–"
"Don't you mean former detective?"
"No, not officially."
