Page 47 of Statler

“How about we go together and try our luck after work tomorrow night?”

He hurried on as if he were afraid she’d say no. “The weather is supposed to be fantastic. I could pack a picnic supper, pick you up, and we could attempt some night-fishing.”

Eliza used to relish dropping a line after dark with Holden.

The nearby lake was full of trout, and once the evening light faded, the fish tended to feed closer to shore where they were easier to catch. Which had meant time for fun and banter between bites…when those things had still actually been a thing between Eliza and Holden.

Eliza sighed. She hadn’t used her rod since Holden’s death.

Before she could stop herself, she opened her big mouth.

“I’d really enjoy that. I know just the spot.”

“Awesome,” Statler agreed with a joyous lilt in his voice. “Give me your address and I can pick you up after your finished with work.”

Crap.

She really shouldn’t let Statler know where she lived. If her father found out…

Hah. Seriously?

If he found out she was seeing Statler at all, there’d be hell to pay.

But her father, if nothing else, was a creature of habit. He always left the office at five o-clock sharp each night. If she lingered over her desk, which wasn’t unusual, she could have Statler pick her up at five-thirty…

“How about you meet me in the parking lot of the factory?” she offered before she chickened out. “I’ll be finished by five-thirty.” She’d still be in her work-dress, with her hair slicked up into its bun, and her thick-framed glasses on, but there was no help for that.

Still, there was no hesitation from Statler.

“Sounds like a plan. But there is one problem. I didn’t bring any gear with me. Is there a place nearby where I can rent some poles?” he pondered.

She was happy to be able to impart, that wouldn’t be a problem.

“Not necessary. I have everything we need. I’ll just put it in my car tonight.”

It was all high-end stuff that Holden had splurged on one Christmas.

Somehow, she knew he would be pleased that the equipment was being used.

“It’s a plan, then,” Statler confirmed. “I’ll bring the food, you bring the gear, and we’ll see who catches the most fish.”

Eliza brightened, all previous thoughts of depression, gone.

She loved herself a good challenge.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

It had been a long day.

Statler and his team had begun their site-prep early, spending a lot of hours and effort examining what the concrete people had either screwed up or neglected.

If this job were simply what it appeared to be on paper, Stat would have marched himself directly into Flazer’s office and demanded change orders that would cover all the extras. But since the factory build was secondary to what they were really in Liminal for, Statler would keep his dissatisfaction to himself.

Not for long, though. If more surprises arose, Stat would be discussing extra money with the man. If Flazer thought Statler was being too generous, he might begin to get suspicious.

So for now, Statler would keep his mouth shut.

And speaking of not giving over crucial intel…