“That guy didn’t strike me as the type to do the legwork on anything,” Brad added. “He struck me as someone who took all the glory, but rarely got out of bed before the sun rose.”
“Exactly.” Noah moved forward.
“Twenty minutes is up.”
“Jesus! You scared the crap out of me.” Noah grabbed Lani’s arm and gave her a little shake. “Go back to the car.”
“So I’m guessing you came up blank on the first two houses and now you’re following Mr. Pompous into there.”
“Mr. Pompous is actually a great name for that guy,” Tex whispered.
“Shut up, all of you.”
They fell silent.
“Tex, you and Lani stay out here and keep watch.”
“Done.” His friend grabbed Lani as she made a move to follow him. “I get scared easy. You stay with me.”
Tex was in fact a decorated vet who had been in some bad situations fighting for his country. Noah doubted anything would scare him. He smiled as Lani started to argue with the Texan in furious whispers. That would keep her busy.
Brad was at his back as they entered the small building. They could hear Trask’s voice as he talked to someone on his cellphone. Luckily, he had it on speaker so they could hear the conversation. Moving closer, they found him seated at his desk.
“You promised me a delivery by now, Dr. Trask. I am still waiting.”
Noah pulled out his cell and began to record the call. Something told him that this was serious.
“It needs adjusting, but we’re on track,” Trask said, crossing his feet as he leaned back in his chair. “The locals that I’ve sold to are happy enough. A few ended up sick, but that happens when you’re testing.” Trask shrugged, and Noah wanted to punch him. Mikey could have ended up a lot worse if Lani hadn’t found him.
“I just need to pull back on the psychoactive drugs I’m using. I think it will be ready for me to ship out to you in the next week or two.”
“All right. Two weeks, but no more, and if it’s not arrived by then, I’m finding a new supplier, Trask.”
“You’ll have it. And believe me when I say this will hook them like no other batch has before. It will be more addictive, and consequently we can demand a higher price. Tell your suppliers it’s coming.”
Noah thought about just walking across the room and planting his fist in the man’s face but knew that wouldn’t help anyone.
Brad tried to muffle a sneeze, and failed.
Shit.
“Who’s there?”
They slipped outside and into the dark. Trask followed, heading their way. Cubby was not going to be pleased if they were caught.
Trask stopped when he heard a noise from the other direction. He turned, and both Brad and Noah exhaled as he walked back inside. They heard the conversation start up again.
“Sorry about that, some wild animal was sneezing,” Trask said.
Noah slipped back in with Brad behind him and continued to record the call.
“Will you be able to keep me supplied, Trask?”
“It’s the perfect place to grow it, actually. The house I set up is in the trees behind us, and the bush dense around it. No way will any of these locals find it. They’re simple, and if anything, stupid. Real country folk,” he added, laughing. “In fact, this is the perfect place for the operation. Plus the potatoes are growing well, so Professor McClyne will be happy and want me to stay on.”
Brad squeezed his shoulder, and they both backed out of the room. Reaching Tex and Lani, he grabbed her hand. “Let’s go.”
They ran back to the fence. Once through, Brad and Ethan repaired it, and they all hurried back to the car.
