Page 13 of Spock’s Snare

"They've lost bids to DC Construction before," Spark says, "but nothing close to the size of Inferno Ridge. This would've been their biggest contract in years."

Every set of eyes shifts toward me as I explain why I didn't select them.

"I remember the proposal," I say. "They looked good on paper. I met with them a few times, and they came across as reliable. It’s why they made it to the final cut. However, I called a few of their clients, not just the ones on the list of references that they sent me.”

"What'd you find?" Wildcard asks.

“They do quality work with fair pricing. The crews are professional, but their schedules often slipped.”

I glance around the table.

"Inferno Ridge is a big project. If they can’t stick to the schedule on smaller projects, how could we rely on them to handle something as complex as our subdivision?”

I look at Puma.

"The club trusted me to pick the right contractor. I wasn't looking for the cheapest bid. I was looking for the company most likely to finish on schedule."

Puma gives me a short nod.

"You made the right call."

"I still believe that."

Spark changes the slide again.

"Everything I found supports Spock's decision. Adams Construction has never been accused of fraud or sabotage. They've simply developed a reputation for missing deadlines."

"Any other connections to Chloe?" Viper asks.

Spark shakes his head.

"Nothing I could find. They’ve attended some of the same industry events, but nothing more.”

"The only concern I’d have about them is that they were my third choice, and they knew it. They knew that I was considering DC Construction. Neither had anything bad to say about DC Construction or Chloe. That could have been an act. However, neither of them seemed agitated when I broke the news. They thanked me and said to keep them in mind if we wanted additional help.”

Spark closes the Adams file and immediately brings up the next company. A new logo fills the screen.

SIN CITY CONSTRUCTION

Next to the logo, Spark displays a photo of a man in his late fifties or early sixties.

"Elvis Monroe," Spark says. "Owner and operator."

A few chuckles circle the table at the name.

Spark ignores them.

"He’s been in business for twenty-five years. He works primarily on home remodels and subdivisions.”

“He was the one I was leaning toward. That is, before I met him,” I say.

Puma looks my way.

"Yeah?"

I nod.

"On paper, he was perfect. He had the experience we needed.”