“What are those numbers under each name?” he asked, pointing to the short series of numbers.
“I don’t know, but they don’t appear to be random. I have no idea. I was just starting to get answers out of Stanley when he got spooked and took off. He said to follow the names I didn’t recognize and see where they all came from. But it appears that it was Kristen McDonough who got everyone so stirred up. Apparently her son, a recruit, had become a public drunk and embarrassment to the system and she didn’t like what was going on. Made a lot of complaints, started talking to her coworker, Ray.”
“And suddenly no more McDonoughs.”
“Right. And then Ray tells everyone he can get a hold of that he’s found out some key part of the puzzle and to make sure everyone lets me know what’s up if something happens to him…”
“And he apparently commits suicide.”
“Right again and suddenly there are too many coincidences. And Paul Whittaker is a potential recruit in what appears to be a life time commitment that your parents make for you. But for what reason or really to who, I don’t know.”
“Okay, I can’t say I’m panicked, but maybe a wee bit worried,” said Norman, hesitating as the coffee was placed before them.
“We’ll just do the breakfast bar,” said Wallis, as she waited for the waitress to turn and leave.
“You’re hungry again?” said Norman. “Not that I care.”
“No, it just came out. Didn’t want to sound cheap.”
“That’s not like you. You normally don’t care what anyone thinks.”
“You’re right. I’m a little off center at the moment.”
“Apparent suicides can do that. Got anything else, any ideas?”
“I was thinking of asking Ned to look at the drive for me, but I didn’t know if that was really, really stupid.”
“Ned’s probably the smartest computer guy we know and very reluctant to ever share information with adults. He’s perfect for the job,” said Norman. “Maybe you’ll find out more at that tea. Are you going to try and quiz Sharon?”
“Not sure. I thought I might talk to Lilly Billings first and get a look at everything on that disc and then decide.”
“You have an assignment for me?” asked Norman.
“Just the usual support,” she said, sliding the papers back into the folder and putting it back into her purse.
“Yours without asking,” he said, sliding out of his seat, checking his watch.
“I have to get to court. How about if I pay for the coffee?”
“A gentleman as always. I have to run too. Catch up on some things at the office. Walk me to my car?”
Norman held out his arm and Wallis took it as they walked through the restaurant making their way to the cash register.
“You’re not staying?” the waitress asked Norman as they neared the front.
“No, onto other things,” he said, “good coffee, though.”
Wallis smiled and stepped aside as a middle aged man in a business suit tried to get by her.
“S’cuse me,” he muttered, as he slid between Norman and Wallis, heading back toward a booth in the small atrium off to the side.
Wallis shrugged and said to Norman, “This must be the hot spot for meetings.”
“I forgot to leave a tip,” Norman said, “I’ll be right back.” He walked quickly in the direction of where they had been sitting and turned, disappearing around the corner.
A small woman in a blue business suit who had been sitting in the other row of booths got up, draping her coat over her arm and quickly approached Wallis.
“No good can come of what you’re doing,” she hissed at Wallis. “You’re only an incidental.”
“What?” Wallis was caught off-guard and quickly looked around for Norman. “What are you talking about?”
“No good can come of it. It’s a much larger web than even the Black Widow is used to, let it go,” she said and turned for the door, quickly walking out to the parking lot.
Wallis leaned against the counter, trying to make herself calm down, suddenly feeling clammy.
Norman came strolling back up but picked up his pace when he saw Wallis.
“You okay? What happened?”
“A woman, she told me to let it go. Said, no good can come of it.”
Norman looked all around. “What woman?”
“She headed for the parking lot,” said Wallis, running outside quickly followed by Norman. “She’s gone. She must have really been moving.”
“Did she threaten you?” said Norman, putting his arm around Wallis.
“Not exactly, but it felt like a threat.”
“What did she look like?”
“Our age, shorter than me, brown hair. Pretty non-descript Richmond white woman,” she said, frustrated. “This must have been how Ray Billings felt trying to explain all of this to Lilly.” Wallis looked down at her purse still swinging off of her arm. “The file! The file is gone! Do you see it?”
“No, I’ll check inside. You okay out here?”
“Yes, go, go. I’ll be okay.”