Inner Workings

Inner Workings - Part 23

Milton finished typing up his report on Sandra Pearl, a thrill of a job well done as he hit the button to send it to the printer. After watching the videos of her and reviewing her personnel file and the reason for her being dismissed from the Watch, it had been child's play to diagnose her. This project showed his initiative, thinking ahead; getting something done other than skulk in the shadows and take notes. Not that he hated observing people and taking notes, that's what he did best; but this time it might mean something more.

Picking up the report from the printer, Milton noticed an absence in Main Tech.

Reese Carmichael and Benita Chang. Missing.

***

"Your flight leaves in two hours," said Cetz, passing over the e-tickets to Beni and Reese. He already had their two suitcases packed and waiting in his office. "I have a driver waiting in the Garage to take you two to the airport. And remember to give those SkySprechts to Will and Louis the moment you see them."

"We will," said Beni, weighing the box with the tiny earbuds. "What are our orders concerning Sandra?"

"Bitch," muttered Reese.

"Bitch."

"Bitch," agreed Cetz. "Alive, unharmed if possible. Leave the gun and badge game for the real cops. You're just there to make sure Will and Louis return to Watch Two, not Watch One."

Reese lifted an eyebrow. "And if we get flack from Watch One goons?"

"Don't give them a reason to give you any flack. They are agents just like you. We're being territorial, but don't look like we're being territorial."

"Got it," the agents chorused.

"Good. And Beni? Try not to get speeding tickets on your way up to Massaru's house. It's getting harder for the Watch to put those under their expenditures."

"I'll try."

***

Milton caught Rachel as she walked briskly along the hallways of Med Tech, clipboard in hand. He matched her pace.

"Doctor Sampson. I have the report you wanted."

"Leave it on my desk, I'm busy right now."

Milton stuttered, hanging back. So much for a pat on the back and a job well done. He tried to keep his enthusiasm in the conversation, refusing to lose that spark. "O-okay. Um, did I see Reese and Benita leave?"

"Yes."

"Oh." Milton paused chewing his bottom lip. "Well..."

Rachel sighed and turned around. "What?"

"If Benita, Reese, William and Louis are gone, who am I to observe?"

"Whoever is left," said Rachel, her voice dismissive and frustrated. Just by her stance Milton realized that he had come to her at a bad time. She left him alone in the hallway, pondering his altered assignment.

Reese Carmichael and Benita Chang were gone. Louis Patriarch and William Rowe were gone. Who was left to observe?

Megan and Teegan of course, Grant, but he seemed busy, and...

Olivia.

Oh dear.

***

Thin drops of rain streaked the sides of the SUV, and the grey clouds above slowly rolled north. After miles of forest and little to no signs of civilization, the twisting road broke upon a valley dotted with houses. At least a quarter mile existed between the houses, and most of it forested.