you going to rise to the challenge and create a career by solving this case?" Loneshark's lasers seemed to pump energy into the drained eyes of the forlorn FBI man. Tyro slowly stood. "Excellent!" Mick encouraged. "Clean your weapon tonight and meet me at the cabin at eight in the morning, Agent Newbee."
The next morning Agent Tyro Newbee arrived punctually. Tyro was dressed in his FBI windbreaker with his pistol holstered. Mick met him at the door. Loneshark gave Tyro a backpack containing several bottles of water and nutrient bars. Mick hoisted a matching pack over his jacket as he pointed toward the second highest peak. "That's where we're going. Have you done any mountain hiking?"
"Uh, no,"
"It's going to be an ordeal. We'll take it slow and easy. When you need to stop and catch your breath don't hesitate to tell me."
"Okay."
"Then let's go." Mick had to reduce the rate of his usual pace by half before they reached the crest of the second foothill. Loneshark stopped to let Tyro rest. Newbee's breathing was already labored. "You must take slow, deep breaths, Tyro," Loneshark coached and was reminded of the last time he gave those same instructions under very different circumstances.
"Today's the day," Brad said to King unnecessarily. Mr. Midas had appeared in the control room only moments after Dr. Barker's own arrival, determined to watch the bank's video feed from Pinewhittle. "Do you really expect that FBI agent to bring Mr. Indigence to the bank?"
"Yes, I sent him a telegram yesterday afternoon. Agent Newbee will have my full support with the director if he successfully apprehends Mr. Indigence."
"You know the director?" King did not condescend to answer. He silently settled himself into the ergonomic throne for the long vigil. Mr. Midas had instructed Mop Sweeper to bring the duplicate chair of authority from the board room.
Halfway up the winding switchback trails, Tyro gasped to Loneshark, "I . . . forgot . . . to tell you . . . Mick . . . I got a telegram yesterday afternoon from King Midas himself. Mr. Midas promised to intercede with the director if I bring Mr. Indigence to the bank, so they can . . . can film the arrest."
"Aren't you proud you made the decision to act before receiving that telegram?"
"Yes . . . sir . . . I am," Newbee gasped. Mick would never reveal to the rookie that he had sent Mr. Midas a telegram two days earlier, suggesting King's communique.
When they had covered approximately two-thirds of the distance, Tyro collapsed as Loneshark was sure he would. In fact, Agent Newbee had impressed the detective with his perseverance. Mick had expected the novice hiker to collapse far below that point.
"I . . . need . . . minute."
