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“Yeah, him too.”
“Your only job is to hire the trucks, fill them with coal ash and deliver them to the plant. It’s not rocket science.” Malcolm was beginning to think he needed to find a replacement for Walsh. He was becoming careless and taking matters into his own hands. “Don’t ever do anything without consulting with me. Am I making myself clear?”
Walsh was still staring at the carpet. He had to conceal the smirk on his face. It was lucky Fielder didn’t know about his recent visit to Zoe’s apartment building. If he’d gotten in, he could have shut her up for good. We’re not thugs? He supposed even criminals have their class system. “Crystal.”
“Fine. Now I have to get ready to leave. Phone me when the shipment leaves Santo Domingo and you have a copy of the bill of lading. I want to be sure it’s out of the port by tomorrow.”
Walsh didn’t move. “Anything else?”
“No. Just shut the door behind you.”
REBAR manufacturing plant
Santo Domingo
In spite of her real purpose for being at REBAR, Alexis felt compelled to do some of the work she’d been hired for. But before she settled at her desk, she took one more walk around the office space, taking a few more pics. When she passed Segundo’s desk she noticed a framed photo of a woman and two children at a beach. They all looked very happy. Normal. She was convinced Segundo had no idea about all of the corruption he was fostering. She knew what it was like to be accused of something you were not guilty of. Just to be sure her soft side wasn’t taking over, Alexis double-checked with Charles, sending him a text:
Any connection between Segundo and the others?
A few minutes passed before Charles answered:
Not that we can find. His bank accounts match his salary.
Alexis pinged back:
Got it. Thanks. Someone should alert Zoe about Ohio shipment.
Another response from Charles:
Roger. Will see what she knows.
The contracts Alexis worked on were all standard. She zipped through them like the pro she was. By the time Segundo and the others returned from lunch, her wire basket was empty. Segundo stopped by her desk to drop off a sandwich. “Miss Johnson. What have you done with all the files?” He looked genuinely befuddled.
“All done, sir.” She looked up at him and smiled.
“But that cannot be possible!” Segundo scratched his head.
“They were all quite standard. All the t’s were crossed and the i’s dotted, and the signatures were in place.”
“You are a miracle worker.” He stood with his arms folded and gazed at the paperless desk.
“Not really.” Alexis stood. “As I said, all routine.”
“It seems you are finished for the day.” Segundo could not have been more pleased.
“What time shall I come in tomorrow?” Alexis asked, knowing she would probably never see him again.
“Any time before ten.” Segundo smiled.
She shook his hand. “Thank you again for the opportunity.”
“The pleasure is mine. Have a good evening.”
Alexis made sure she had all of her belongings before she said her final farewell.
* * *
By three P.M. Maggie and Eileen had gotten several hours’ sleep and were getting ready for their next night in the woods. Alexis pinged Maggie to see if she could stop by their apartment, which was two floors above hers. First Alexis went to her apartment and changed out of her pantsuit. She removed the wig and stuffed her real hair under a straw pork-pie hat. Even if she was caught on camera, no one would recognize her. When they’d first arrived at the hotel, Eileen had done a sweep of the floors and elevators to locate the security cameras. They were in the usual places: above the door of the stairs and one in the corner of each of the elevators. Alexis checked the hallway. Empty. She sprinted the two flights up the vacant stairwell and slowly opened the door to check the hallway. Empty, as well. She scooted to Maggie and Eileen’s suite, where Maggie had left the door unlocked so Alexis wouldn’t have to knock.
