Page 44 of Hidden Chance

“Why is it you sound amused by all of this?”

“Trust me, it’s not amusement. If you’d like, I can adjust my attitude to a more angry demeanor. Would that make you more comfortable?”

“Can we just go and get this over with?”

“Sure. Just remember, if you tip Titus off, you’re both in trouble.”

“Except you won’t kill him.”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t have other options available to me.”

Hannah dragged her feet as they approached the building, then swiped her card at the after-hours door into the lobby.

“You two are back again?” Titus said. “Man, that issome serious dedication to the job. I don’t recommend it in the long term.”

“We have a bet going,” Robby said.

“Oh, is that what’s happening? What kind of bet?”

“It’s about one of the new products. We were talking about the personal touch the technicians put on some of their work. I think someone took credit for another’s work.”

“Based on this personal touch?”

“Yup.”

“Interesting theory. I’ll be curious to hear the outcome, but I hope Hannah wins the bet. I’d hate to think anyone who works here is underhanded like that.”

Hannah gave him a tight smile. “We’ll let you know.”

“We won’t be too long,” Robby said.

“Take as long as you need. If what you say is true. I think it’s important you get to the bottom of it.”

Once they were in the back hall, Hannah stopped and turned to Robby. “Did you have that prepared ahead of time? That bet story?”

“I did. Why?”

“Is that why we’re here? Is that what you think is going on, that I’ve stolen someone else’s work?”

“No. I made it up.”

“Oh. Okay, well, just remember, no weapons. Sal’s probably sleeping.”

“Uh-huh.”

She continued to look at him, the space between her eyebrows deepening as her frown grew.

“What?” he said when she didn’t move.

“I don’t want Sal getting hurt. If you do anything…” She had no ultimatum to give him. If he decided either one of them was a threat, he and his team would easily remove the danger. “Let’s just say you’d better behave yourself.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’m only here for answers.”

Hannah cleared her throat when they reached the closet door. She hated that embarrassment heated her cheeks. It was more for Sal than herself. She didn’t like the idea of Robby judging him because of his rough life and the outward appearance that reflected that.

“Stand back a little. I don’t want him to be startled.”

Robby did as she asked, moving to the side in case any shots were fired. His hand rested on the gun at his hip, and his other hand held his phone ready to ping Holland as soon as he sensed danger.

---