Sound of Darkness

“This area is huge for my company,” Megan told Colleen.

They’d decided to go all out making breakfast that morning, since Megan would be leaving later in the day. Omelets with cheese and lots of vegetables and waffles and toast and bacon. They’d woken up early enough to get going on it. When they were kids, there had been no fighting in the kitchen. All three of the Law children could cook, chop things up, and clean up as they went along. And they always had fun while cooking.

“You mean the DC area?” Colleen asked curiously.

Megan nodded. “We publish science fiction with a bit of paranormal thrown in. And our owner and publisher, a man named James Swenson, started off as a criminal attorney. He’s a good guy. He told me once he loved science fiction as a kid, but when he started working, he loved it more. It was the best escape in the world. I’m assuming a lot of your Washington types feel the same way—they need an escape.”

Colleen laughed. “We could all use an escape from politics!”

“Anyway, I have one last lunch meeting with one of our marketing and promo people. Since the days of COVID-19, a number of our people have continued working from home, so it’s nice to sometimes hit the road and meet in person. And, even better, I get to see you!”

“I’m glad when you come here! I’m also glad when I can get to New York. I love the city, the music venues, the comedy clubs, and, of course, the Broadway shows.”

“And your sister!”

“And my sister!” Colleen agreed.

“What time is tall, dark, and hunk-ishly handsome picking you up today?” Megan asked.

“Not sure, actually. Usually around eight. I guess I should—”

“Call him and see if he’d like breakfast?” Megan announced.

Mark called Colleen as she picked up her cell to call him.

“Figured we’re okay to run a little late,” he began. “We have some interesting interviews today, but—”

“Good. Thanks. Megan is leaving later today but she wanted me to invite you to breakfast.”

“Breakfast?”

“It’s a meal normal people eat in the morning,” she said lightly.

“Right. I do know that. But where—”

“Here. We’ve been doing a Law kitchen thing,” Colleen said.

“Uh, sure. When?”

“Whenever you can get here.”

“Do you need anything?”

“Nope, we’re covered. Food, coffee, orange juice.”

“I, well, yeah. Tell Megan thank you.”

“Will do. Oh! What are our interesting interviews?”

“Believe it or not, our musician must not sleep too much. Vince has already called me and he’s happy to come into headquarters. He’s supposed to arrive at ten. I think he’ll be on time. Because he doesn’t like Dierdre’s father, who’s arriving at one.”

“Oh? Rory Ayers? Does he know something he hasn’t told us yet?”

“We’ll see. Because he did fail to mention he and Gary have been working on a deal to garner a government contract together, which could mean more money than I can imagine to both of them. Buildings with special tech built right into the infrastructure.”

“Oh! So, that’s why he likes his prospective son-in-law so much?”

“Maybe. That’s what I’m curious to find out. I also want to find out from both men if we’re missing anyone in our pool of suspects. Someone Dierdre maybe even inadvertently slighted. Angela is going through the web, trying to find any kind of communications between Carver and other men who might be...intrigued by his sexual proclivity. Anyway, we’ll worry about that when we get there. Enjoy your time with Megan. Red and I will be there shortly.”

She ended the call. Megan was looking at her.

“He’s going to come in?”

“Yes.”

“Great! Oh, what do we have for Red?”