Page 70 of Caught in the Crossfire

“What do you think the chances are that the vandal is someone on the construction crew?”

“Caught that, did you?” Mason gave his partner a nod of approval. “I didn’t see signs of forced entry in Building 7.”

“Patton and Fisher worked in there almost exclusively.” Dean scowled. “You think those two are responsible for the rash of vandalism in this building?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised. No proof, though.”

“If they’re guilty, what’s their motive?”

He thought about that for a minute, then shook his head. “I don’t know. Fisher is bucking for a promotion. Doesn’t make sense that he would sabotage his chances of moving up.”

Dean flicked him a glance. “Makes perfect sense if he’s sliding pieces into place to blame you for it.”

Stunned, Mason stared at his partner. “That’s crazy. Why would he do that?”

“You’re Brian’s go-to man. If something has to be done and done right, he turns to you first. That’s why he’s pressuring you to take over the home rehab side of Elliott Construction.”

“I didn’t realize you knew about the offer.”

“The whole crew knows. Brian hasn’t been quiet about his desire for you to take over.”

Mason grimaced. “No wonder Patton and Fisher have been prickly. Fisher wants that job.”

A snort. “He might have more time on the job with Elliott, but he’s definitely not the most qualified for the position. That would be you.”

Uncomfortable, he shook his head. “Plenty of other men on the crew have better qualifications.”

“Not from where I’m sitting, and the boss agrees with me.”

Two hours later, Patton and Fisher wandered into unit 7 and looked around. Patton smirked. “Having to redo your work, Kincaid? Guess you’re not so perfect after all.”

Mason refocused on the coat closet hinges, tightening a screw that had mysteriously backed out of the hole. “What do you want, Patton? We’re pressed for time.”

“Thought you might need a hand fixing what you screwed up.”

“No, thanks. I’m sure you have plans for the night that are a lot more fun than this. I don’t want to hold you up.”

The other man’s eyes glittered. “Our help not good enough for you?”

“Brian told us to take care of the tasks ourselves.” Dean flashed him an impatient glance. “You have a problem with his orders, take it up with him.”

“You think you’re better than we are?” Fisher growled. “We’ve been with Elliott longer than you have and have more experience.”

“It’s not about either of those things.” What was their problem? He and Dean didn’t have time for this contest of wills. “Brian trusted us with the responsibility. We won’t let him down.”

Patton glared at each of them. “You better enjoy the work while you have it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“When Fisher’s promoted, both of you slugs will be out on your butts.”

“I guess we’ll see what happens.” If Brian promoted this guy to be Mason’s supervisor, Fisher wouldn’t have to fire him. He’d walk out. Hopefully, Ethan would give him time to find a new job before coming down hard. If he had to, Mason would start his own business. Not his first choice, though. He liked working for Elliott Construction and didn’t want to go into competition with Brian.

Fisher nudged his friend with his elbow. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. I hear an ice-cold beer calling my name. If Kincaid and Connor don’t want help, let them work all night to finish. Serves them right.”

Once they left, Dean sighed. “That could have dissolved into an ugly confrontation.”

“Oh, yeah.” He was afraid it would come to that if he accepted the position Brian offered.

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