Coaster by Lorena Bathey Read Free Book Online Page B

that's quite a feat. Anyway, can you walk us through the morning routine you did yesterday?"
    "Sure. I got here at five-thirty and me and my team had a meeting. Then we did the walkthrough at six, just like we usually do. I split up the team to do sections of the park and it takes about three hours to do the entire walkthrough of the park."
    "And you, specifically, walked the coaster in question?" The man was checking his notes.
    "Yes. Me and my associate , Jacob. We walked it." Roger was feeling the bile in his stomach. He knew what they were doing. They were asking all the questions you ask someone you think is guilty of something. While they might technically be right that he should have found the bomb, the situation was really outside of his control. They couldn't be thinking of blaming me could they ?
    "During that walk you noticed nothing out of the ordinary? When running the cars you saw nothing to raise concern?"
    "No. If I had, I would've let someone know or closed the ride. There was nothing that either of us saw out of the ordinary."
    The suit looked briefly from his notes. "Well, there obviously was something out of the ordinary, wasn't there?"
    Roger nodded . Damn, they're gonna make me the fall guy here. Someone's head has to roll, why not mine. "Yes, there was."
    "So it is safe to say that you are responsible for not detecting the device?" The room went silent with that question.
    Roger looked around and caught Detective La Rosa's eyes. "Um...."
    "Is that a correct statement, Mr. Merit?"
    "Well, I guess...that could...be true. Wait, are you trying to say I did this?"
    The CEO stepped in. "No, Mr. Merit. No one is saying you did this. But you must see we need to get to the bottom of this situation, and someone is going to have to be responsible for the issue. You understand that is the case, correct?"
    "No. I don't. For all we know this was a terrorist that did this. How am I supposed to stop someone like that? I'm not Homeland Security, am I? I'm a mechanic. I check the machinery and make sure that your coasters are safe. That's my job." Roger felt his mouth going dry.
    "Yes, you are responsible f or the safety of the patrons." The CEO was baiting Roger.
    Roger paused a nd thought before he spoke. "No. I'm responsible for the mechanics of the roller coasters. That is my responsibility."
    The CEO nodded. "I see. Okay, Mr. Merit. You are free to go. Since the park is closed for the remainder of the week, why don't you take the time off as well? We can talk next week." He stood and nodded towards the door. Roger had been dismissed.
    "Sure." Roger was under no preconceived idea that this was over. In fact, he was sure it was just the beginning. He got up and turned to leave. Detective La Rosa was looking at him as he exited the room. As he walked down the hallway he heard the door behind him open and he turned to see her follow him.
    "Mr. Merit. Can I talk to you for a minute?"
    "You know what...." Roger wasn't sure he wanted to talk to anyone else today.
    "I know you probably don't want to talk to me. But if I can just have a moment."
    Roger smiled. She'd read his mind. "Okay, just for a minute."
    Detective La Rosa pushed open a door and looked inside, "In here?"
    Roger stepped through the door into a smaller conference room. The door shut and Detective La Rosa sat down near him. He could smell her clean scent.
    "Mr. Merit. Thanks for your time. That was pretty rough in there." She nodded across the hall.
    "Well, I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Shit always rolls downhill."
    Detective La Rosa nodded. "Look, I'm the type that lays my cards on the table. I don't believe you're responsible for what happened. But my believing that and what others take into their hands is not within my control. So I'm gonna give you a piece of advice. You need to find a lawyer. A good one. Quick."
    Ro ger nodded. "It's on my to-do list."
    "Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?"
    "Sure." He looked at her eyes. They were warm, brown,