Origin - Season One by Nathaniel Dean James Read Free Book Online Page A

to dig deeper?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “Oh, I don’t know. Lift a few stones? That kind of thing.”
    “If you’re talking about breaking the law, then no, definitely not. In fact, forget I ever mentioned it. Just send the report through.”
    “Solid copy. And if you need any more superheroes found, you know where I am, old buddy.”
    Mike put the phone down and made his way back to the couch. He needed a twenty-minute power nap to clear his thoughts. He was asleep within two.

Chapter 13
    Skyline Defense New York, New York Monday 17 July 2006
    1700 EDT
    Carl Bosch looked up when Jack entered. “Christ, Jack. When was the last time you got a full night’s sleep?”
    “I’m fine. Probably caught something on the subway.”
    “Well don’t give it to me; I’ve got enough shit to deal with as it is. Some fucking hedge fund has decided to outbid us on the New Mexico site. Get Marius to find out who they are. If they want to play hardball, we’ll give them what they want. And tell him I still haven’t seen the profile on that guy in Omaha, what’s his name?”
    “Kesler.”
    “Yeah, him. Richelle has been chewing my ear off about it. If he’s good to go we need to get him down to Houston as soon as possible.”
    “I’ll get Marius on it,” Jack said.
    “Good.”
    Jack turned to leave.
    “Hey, maybe you should take a couple of days off,” Carl said.
    “I’ll think about it.”
    Jack’s phone began to ring. “I need to take this.”
    “Just get me that profile.”
    “I’m on it.”
    It was Rollins. Jack let the phone ring until he was back in his office.
    “Steve, what have you got?”
    “Ever heard of a guy named Gerald Ross?”
    “No. Who is he?”
    “He’s a security systems engineer. Retired a couple of years ago and moved to Massachusetts. He’s not on the list you gave me, but his name’s come up three times already. According to his former colleagues he was the best in the field.”
    “Where are you?”
    “Still in Boston.”
    “Good. Check him out. Call me back if you find anything.”

Chapter 14
    Wellfleet Town Pier
    Cape Cod Bay, Massachusetts Monday 17 July 2006
    1800 EDT
    Gerald Ross stood and raised his glass. “Gentlemen,” he proclaimed in a voice that was not quite a slur yet, “As always, it’s been a pleasure. To fair seas and the men who sail them!”
    The rest of the men gathered at the table held up their own glasses and repeated the toast.
    “Anyone heading back to the Cape this weekend?” One of them asked and the group quickly took up the discussion.
    Gerald walked back to the bar and asked for the phone. The barman took the handset from the cradle behind the counter and handed it over.
    “Darling, it’s me,” Gerald said when his wife picked up. “I’m leaving in a minute. Should be home before eight. Did you manage to get the car looked at?”
    “No. The damn painters turned up an hour late,” his wife said. “I haven’t had time to go anywhere. I hope you’ve had dinner, because there won’t be anything here when you get back. I’ve got to run down to the Jensens’ at five and pick up the dog.”
    “I’ve already eaten.”
    “You mean you lost your appetite drinking.”
    “Christ, you know me well, woman.”
    “I know you well enough to be sure you’ll sail that damn boat out into the open sea one day and that’ll be the end of it.”
    “Oh, I don’t think you’ll ever get that lucky. Anyway, I’ll see you this evening.”
    “Yes, dear. Two of me, I have no doubt.”
    Gerald hung up and handed back the phone.
    “Another, sir?” The barman asked, pointing at the glass in Gerald’s hand.
    “No, thank you. I still have to sail home.”
    “I’m sure you’ll do just fine,” the barman said.
    “If only my wife were as optimistic.”
    The young man gave him an understanding smile and walked to the end of the counter to serve another customer.
    Gerald left the building and made his way across the yard to the foot of the main