Page 49 of Spock’s Snare

“We’re done here,” she says. “Go home. We’ll discuss this tomorrow after I’ve had a chance to inspect the damage.”

“I told you what happened.”

“And I told you I’ll inspect it myself.”

For several seconds, Blackwood stares at her. I see resentment flash in his eyes before he turns and stalks away.

I wait until his footsteps fade before following Chloe toward the destroyed wall. I glance where Rush and Hawk stand at the ready. I give them a subtle shake of my head. Hawk leaves to follow Blackwood out, while Rush stares after them.

Chloe crouches beside the pile of broken drywall and picks up a jagged piece. Exposed wiring runs between the studs. I’m not sure what happened here, but I can tell Chloe isn’t happy.

“What do you see?” I ask.

She studies the wires, then examines the broken edges of the drywall. “I don’t know yet.”

“That wall was already finished?”

“Yes. Taped, mudded, and ready for primer.” She rises and runs her fingers along one of the studs. “Blackwood claims the crew hung the drywall before confirming the electrical work was complete.”

“Could that happen?”

“Not with my crew. Not unless someone gave them the wrong information.”

I look toward the doorway where Blackwood disappeared. “Someone like the foreman?”

“Maybe.” Chloe steps back, her gaze moving over the entire wall. “But something is off about this whole thing.”

“What?”

“I don’t know.” Her expression hardens. “But I intend to find out.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: CHLOE

I pull my phone from my back pocket and step closer to the exposed wall.

Spock moves with me.

I glance at him. “What are you doing?”

“Protecting you.”

The flat certainty in his voice tells me arguing will be a waste of time. He plants himself less than two feet away, his broad body positioned between me and the doorway Steven disappeared through. His shoulders are rigid, and his hands remain curled into fists at his sides.

He’s still angry. He isn’t the only one.

I activate the camera on my phone and take several pictures of the damage. I start with a wide shot that captures the entire wall, then move closer to photograph the torn drywall, exposed studs, and wiring. I study it all, and still nothing jumps out at me.

The electrical boxes are mounted where they’re supposed to be. The wires are in place. They aren’t hanging loose or tangled. I don’t see anything that would justify Steven ripping down a section of freshly installed drywall after everyone else has gone home.

“What’s going on?” Spock asks.

“I don’t know.”

“That’s not much of an answer.”

“It’s the only one I have.” I crouch to photograph the pieces of drywall scattered across the floor. “Blackwood has been acting strange lately.”

Spock goes completely still. “How strange?”