Page 1 of Out of Sight

Chapter One

Ted finished the code, set it to compile, and stretched. Another app ready for another happy customer. Well, grouchy customer when his wife wasn’t there.

Sabin Skarov walked in and scowled. “When will it be ready?”

“It’s compiling now. The framework is solid. You will be able to get a data entry clerk to populate it with all of your materials for calculation. There is a file for wall thickness and foundation presets. Another set of files for roofing and plumbing types. You have all your options set, as per your initial specs for this project.”

He paused. “Wait. It’s done?”

“It’s done. I make the framework, you install the databases as per my direction, and then you have someone look over your information to make sure you didn’t fuck it up.”

Sabin grinned. “This is two weeks earlier than your estimate.”

“You left me alone. It is amazing how many folks just don’t leave me alone.”

He blinked.

She checked the progress and smiled. “I am being nice and installing the database you were going to use. It will give you samples right away.”

“I admit to some excitement.”

“Good. Nora is coming down the hall. Point it that way.”

He narrowed his eyes. “How did you know?”

“I have spooky nerd powers. Plus, she smells like chocolate, and Aurora has been eating apples. My nose would have to have gone dead to miss that. It’s a walking fondue.” She got to her feet. “I am going to go get some coffee while I wait.”

He turned to greet Nora and their daughter. Astonished, he said, “It’s finished.”

Ted walked around her desk in the small office and said, “It will be complete when I leave this evening. I will send you the completed files and give you the blank framework on an external drive. I will be available for consultation at the price of two hundred dollars per hour, but I don’t think you will need it.”

Aurora waved her apple slice, and Nora smiled. “Ted, thanks so much for taking us on last minute. We have been feeling a little left behind, and now that we have an app for our guys on sites, this will speed our ability to make accurate quotes and get them in our client’s hands with a cold outline of what is promised. No saying we promised different materials when they have the printout in their hands.”

Aurora squealed and reached for Ted. Ted sighed and let the toddler stuff the apple slice in her mouth. “Thank you, Aurora. How did you know I was hungry?”

There was a giggle and clapping. Sabin smiled. “Did you want to join us for an early dinner? We try to feed her before we head to family events.”

“Are we talking chicken nuggies or higher?” She smiled as she chewed the apple.

“Slightly higher. The sports bar around the corner. It is family-friendly.”

“Well, then, marshmallow boy, get walking.”

Nora covered her mouth, but her eyes were dancing.

Sabin sighed. “You were much more polite at the start of the contract.”

“That is when you were the client. As soon as my computer finishes chewing on the data, you are a previous client.”

Nora sighed. “Can we still invite you for barbeques?”

“Yes, but if I am working, the answer will be huh?”

“Fair.”

Nora walked with her, and they exited together and headed for the restaurant.

Ted eventually ended up holding Aurora while the toddler shoved bits of buttered roll into her face.