Checking In

Chapter 122:

James woke with a throbbing backache from that lumpy bed in that cabin. He missed his big, fluffy mattress at home. But hey, at least he was alive, right?

He went into the kitchen to search for coffee.

Hawk sat at the counter, banging away like lightening on a laptop.

"Morning," she greeted, not stopping. "There is a pot of coffee on."

"You are a lifesaver," James muttered, filling a mug to the brim and taking a long draught. "Ah, that is better. What is the plan for today?"

Hawk closed her laptop. "We need to start stitching together how the Shadow Council's operations tick. Your company might be a good place to start. Any loyal employees you can reach out to?"

James thought a second. "Yeah. Maybe my assistant, Angie. She is been with me for years. If anybody knows what is going on at the office, it is her."

"Can you trust her?" Hawk asked.

James nodded. "I think so. She's always had my back."

"Okay," Hawk said. "Use the line at the office…and keep it short."

James dra