Page 39 of Collin: Episodes 4-6
Janice rolled her eyes. “People need to catch up with the times.”
“I heard there’s a really famous country singer who only uses fax still. And everyone just works with it.”
Janice snorted. “I can’t with these people. That’s like as old as the telegraph.”
Ash waved Janice away. “It doesn’t matter; if people are still using it, then you use it. Anyway, are we sure none of you recognize this number?”
Bruiski was typing into his own laptop at the corner of the table. “We have contacts in the area for a project, but none of them are using that number. And it’s not registered publicly to any government office or local business I can find.”
Collin picked up the schematics again. “The only people who should have this are me and my professors. This isn’t even the final copy. It’s one version before the final that I shared at the symposium.”
Ash squinted up at him through his red bangs. “It’s not a public document?”
Collin shook his head. “Honestly, this is like looking at a ghost. There’s still some comments on this that I needed to change before my final submission.” He pointed to a comment line.
Ash grabbed the papers and hunched over them. “Would your professors have shared them?”
Collin shrugged. “Probably not? They wouldn’t have a reason to. And they aren’t in Indianapolis.”
Ash grimaced. He pulled both of his legs up so that he was crouching on his seat instead of sitting on it. “Where’s the computer you have this file on?”
“At home.”
“Can you go get it?”
“Yes. Do you think…”
Ash hunched his shoulders. “We should check. Don’t open it. Don’t plug it in. Just bring the charger and the computer.”
“I haven’t opened it in over a week.”
Ash made a face. “Just get it.”
Collin glanced at Mr. Reevesworth’s door. “I’m supposed to be here.”
“We’ll cover for you. If he needs anything, we got him.” Hartwick waved Collin toward the door.
Collin grabbed his coat and hurried out.
He had to use his own keys to enter The Residency. It felt weird and awkward. For the first time, he was in the condo with no one else. Collin stood in the entryway and took a deep breath. Shoes off, go to the guest room, well, maybe his room? Was it? He hadn’t slept in it in days. His computer was still in a bag. He found his old phone as well and chargers for both of them. The bag went over his shoulder, and he hurried back to the entryway.
Closing the door behind him, he checked the lock three times and then called the elevator. Stay calm. Stay calm.
On the ground-floor atrium, a flash of bright light hit his eyes. He raised his hand to cover his eyes, suddenly remembering that he’d forgotten his hat.
There was another flash. Collin glanced back. Someone was ducking behind a pillar. Collin gritted his teeth. He reached for his new phone, the one Ash had secured.
Sir, I think I’m being photographed.
Almost immediately, Mr. Reevesworth replied: Why? Where are you?
Leaving the atrium of The Residency building.
You’re supposed to be in the office.
Collin swallowed. Fuck.
Yes, sir. I went back for something.
