Paper Trail - 3. Chapter 3

Marc went back to his own apartment after we got back from dinner while I went upstairs to work on my new case. I set up a file folder; I did keep some things in a paper file in the locked cabinet. I fired up my main computer, taking the stick and copying the information into a new folder on my desktop. But before I looked at that I pulled open the folder that Sally had made for me. Inside was a copy of the emails sent to Mr. Alterson along with the documents that had landed upon his desk.

I studied the wording of the emails; they were outraged yes, but still so proper. This wasn't someone who was venting their spleen in a fit of rage. The accusations were well thought out and seemed to be backed up by the documents in the folder. This wasn't some lower level employee that had stumbled on some documents and was upset they weren't getting some of the millions that seemed to be exchanging hands. This was someone who was outraged on the principle of the matter.

I read through all the documents. There were reports that detailed the exact splicing process of the genetically engineered millet, extolling its virtues as highly resistant to drought and depredation by pests. In addition were several emails supposedly sent between several of the high ranking company officials on the board to and from Mr. Alterson discussing the fact that the millet was actually more susceptible to both. It was pretty damning evidence if taking at face value.

There were also internal documents and memos speaking about pricing and sales in the Sahel region of Africa of surplus millet to the farmers that needed to replant as well as the sales of pesticides. It was all lined out just as Mr. Alterson has told him. I went over everything for a few hours, using the internet to check facts, company names, positions. I now knew more than I ever wanted to about millet, pesticides, the USDA's Foreign Aid Service... Sometimes my job was just plain boring!

I leaned back in my chair. This seemed all too well put together to be a complete fabrication. I couldn't help but wonder if this accusation didn't perhaps hold merit. I shuffled all the papers back together in the file folder and put that and my notebook in the cabinet and locked it up. Shutting down the computer took a few moments then I sat in the quiet room, just thinking.

Most of the business I did involved very shady characters, thieves, extortionists, hackers just to name a few. My clients were the injured parties, the people who were being hurt and threatened. They were scared, often angry, but almost never calm and detached. Mr. Alterson hadn't showed any real signs of distress. He had seemed uncomfortable and anxious, but in regards to how long it would take me, not the case itself. In truth, there was something about his calm victim party sincerity that rung untrue.

I was used to following my instincts in cases; they normally pointed me in the right direction. I used my skills on the computer to help me dig up all the facts that I needed and if that didn't work, my little computer bug friends never failed to dig up the dirt. I needed more information though.

Tomorrow would be good enough to look through all the computer files, and perhaps doing a little digging in the public forum. Right now I had a bunch of pieces scattered on the puzzle board but no real idea of the overall picture. I had some ideas of ways to help me figure out what exactly was going on but that would take some supplies and perhaps another visit to Nicane Technologies.

I yawned, already tired. A bit of jet lag, emotional and physical leaps forward with Marc and a new case all had me at my limit for the day. My brain was shutting down and all I could think of was crawling in between the cool sheets of my bed and getting some sleep. I stood up stretching, then shut and locked the door to my office on my way to bed. I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and put it on my nightstand when I turned my light on. Shutting off the main light I stripped out of my jeans and a t-shirt and crawled into bed in my underwear. I reached over for my su doku book and a pencil, doing a few puzzles always helped distract me from whatever was on my mind, keeping me from dwelling on whatever I was busy with.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

Waking up, I stretched, and then lay on my back, arms behind my head. I had a few ideas of who I could talk to about the case but I was going to try to get as much information as possible on this one on my own. I had never had a case that involved this much money. When you're talking millions upon millions of dollars in the mix people tended to get a bit touchy. In this touchy might translate into trigger happy. I had already been on the wrong side of a gun barrel once this year; I really didn't want to be there again.

There wasn't anything I could do in bed though so I got up and staggered my way into the bathroom. I stood below the showerhead and luxuriated in the water, washing every inch of my body thoroughly. I found my thoughts drifting from the case to Marc. Yesterday with him had been amazing but what I missed was the feeling of him sleeping next to me. Snuggling with him and waking beside him had been amazing. I had sort of hoped that he would show up last night and ask to spend the night again.

I turned off the water and dried off, dropping my wet towel on the bathroom floor. After I brushed my teeth and put on deodorant I went to the bedroom and dug through the basket of clean clothes, coming up with a pair of nice Dockers and a blue long sleeve t-shirt. I grabbed some underwear and socks out of a drawer and got dressed. Looking in the mirror I ran my fingers through my wet hair and arranged it in that messy finger combed way that would dry into a casual tousled look. I grabbed my watch and slid it over my wrist. There, dressed. Oh wait; I need a spritz of cologne. Now I was ready.

I put on a pair of brown casual shoes, not wanting to wear dress shoes or sneakers. Grabbing my keys, wallet and cell phone off the table by the door I undid the locks, ready to go wake up my man. I took one look at the grey, drizzly skies and grabbed a leather jacket and my umbrella. Okay, now, finally, I was ready to go. I ran down the stairs and knocked on Marc and Ry's door, waiting impatiently for someone to answer.

“Ry?” I said surprised when he answered the door, his chest bare and just a pair of sweats hanging low on his hips.

“Yeah?” was the only response I got as he turned and walked into the kitchen. I followed him inside, shutting the door behind me.

“You have a late night or something?” I asked as he grouchily punched buttons on the coffee pot and started ransacking the cupboards for something to eat. He grabbed a bowl and a spoon and set them down at the breakfast bar at the stool next to mine.

“Yeah. Took Marc to go meet some friends of mine and have a drink down at Perry's Bar. Thought he should meet some of the guys from school and relax a little. He seemed a bit tense.” Ry sat back down with a box of sugary cereal and a carton of milk. “It got a little out of hand when we ended up going over to my friend Carl's place. He has a pretty good stock of liquor and mixing that and beer was probably not a good idea.” Ry admitted. “Gods, I think I was up puking just a few hours ago.” He took a big bite of cereal as he said that. I looked at him and laughed.

“What?” he said around the food in his mouth.

“You were puking just a few hours ago and yet here you sit, eating cereal? Does the term hangover mean nothing to you?” I asked. “Normally I can't even look at food if I've binged.”

“You know me, always hungry. Besides, I just get a bit of a headache, nothing some aspirin and coffee can't handle. So, what's up?”

“Oh, I’ve just got to do some shopping for a case today, thought Marc might want to come with me if he wasn't busy.” I said.

“Well, he had a few drinks but I think mostly he's just tired from staying up late taking care of me. I seem to recall missing the toilet once I think.” Ry's face screwed up a bit as he tried to remember through the alcohol haze clouding his memory.

I laughed at him again, “Oh, don't hurt yourself trying to think.” Ry flipped me off, his mouth currently busy chewing the latest giant bite he had taken. He'd already wolfed down half the bowl and was eyeing the cereal box that was still open in front of him. “I think I'll go see if he's awake while you munch your way through the entire box of cereal. Don't forget to chew.” Ry's finger spun around in the air, inviting me to sit and spin for my latest jibe. I walked over to Marc's room, laughing as I opened the door.

He was curled on his side in the middle of the bed, the pillow over his head instead of under it. I chuckled, shutting the door behind me. This could be fun. I took off my jacket and toed off my shoes before climbing onto the bed. I carefully lifted the pillow off of Marc's head, smiling down at the peaceful look on his face.

I grabbed his shoulders and rolled him over, laying half on top of him and yanking down the covers. I started blowing raspberries on his bare stomach as he thrashed around a bit, giggling and trying to get away. I worked my way up his stomach to his chest and neck, finally ending the torture and giving him a kiss on his sleep swollen lips.

“Morning babe!” I said in a cheery voice.

“Ugh.” he said. “You're mean! Who let you in here?”

“Ry, of course, after he told me all about your little outing last night,” I said in a mock stern voice, “What's all this I hear about going to bars and strange men's houses and drinking?”

“Uhh, I... I only went because Ry wanted me to, I didn't even look at the guys, I swear I didn't do anything!” Marc babbled a bit, a panicked look on his face.

“Hey,” I said in a soft voice. “It's okay, Marc.” He avoided looking at me so I reached up to grab his chin and he flinched. I dropped my hand down to his chest and closed my eyes, taking a deep breath so that I could be sure my face didn't show the anger I felt. It wasn't aimed at Marc but at the bastard Preston. That little shit had better stay far away from me, if I ever saw him again a bloody nose would be the least of his worries.

“Hey Marc, look at me please.” I asked, still using a soft voice. He did but it was a watchful look, sort of out of the corner of his eyes. “I was just teasing. I want you to go out and have fun with your brother, make some friends, rejoin life, you know? It's okay to hang out with other guys and to have fun without me.”

“I know,” Marc said softly, “but, I guess it was just your tone of voice and...”

“And?” I prompted.

“I guess I felt a little guilty. Uh, see, Ry's friend Carl? He's gay and, well, he was flirting with me.” Marc looked away as he admitted this, tensing up a little.

“Hmm, guess he has a fine eye. Can't blame him for wanting you, I know I do.” I said. Marc looked at me with a shocked look on his face. I laughed a little. “You can't help it if a guy thinks you're hot and hits on you. I would be pissed if they did it in front of me but when you're alone, it's bound to happen. I know you won't cheat on me, so I'm okay with it, as long as everyone keeps their hands to themselves.” I paused, “Besides, it might help me convince you that you are not some scrawny ugly guy if you have to keep fending off date offers.” I said cheekily.

“Hmph.” Marc said sounding doubtful. He looked at me, full eye contact this time. “You really mean that?”

“Of course.” I leaned down and kissed his soft lips again, nibbling on his bottom lip. “Now, do you have any plans for this morning?” Marc shook his head. “Good, how about you get dressed and come shopping with me? Ry started some coffee; I haven't had any this morning so I'll go get a cup while I wait.” I got up off the bed.

“Sounds like fun.” Marc said. “How about I treat you to breakfast before we shop? I'm hungry!” I couldn't help but laugh at that. “What?” he said defensively.

“You and your brother. Do neither of you get real hangovers?” I asked.

“Not really.” Marc said cheerfully. “Just lucky that way I guess.” I shook my head and retreated into the kitchen, grabbing a mug and filling it with some of the hot coffee from the pot. I took a sip, enjoying the bitter flavor that bit my tongue and helped wake me up that final bit. Ry was missing so I figured that he was in his room, probably back to sleep now that he had eaten something. I picked up the box of cereal on the breakfast bar and shook it. Yep, empty. God that boy could eat!

I sat down on the couch and flipped on the TV, turning it to the news. The weather report was on. That reminded me so I called out to Marc, “It's raining by the way, just so you know.”

“Okay, thanks.” I heard faintly through the closed door. More loudly came the order from the other bedroom. “Shut up, I'm trying to sleep!” All I could do was laugh. Ry hungover, no problem, Ry in a food coma? One cranky dude. I sat there and zoned out to the news, learning about the Mayor's love of bicycling, the stock market opening down from last night's closing numbers, the new plan for welfare from the latest idiot in the White House... pretty much boring stuff. The weather report was back on by the time that Marc stepped out of his room, dressed and ready to go.

I took the last drink out of my cup as I enjoyed the view over the rim of the mug. Marc had put on a pair of black slacks and a dark red polo shirt, almost a burgundy. It was a great color against his pale skin and dark hair. I got up and gave him a kiss, running my hand down his back and along his side to squeeze his waist. “You look great. Ready?”

“Yeah.” Marc rapped on Ry's door. “Hey bro, I'm heading out with Nat for a few hours, okay?”

“Fine, great, just go so I can get some peace and quiet already.” Ry said in a cranky voice. Marc grinned at me then went to the stereo and turned it on, cranking it up. “Shows what you know, I like that song!” Marc burst out laughing and I echoed him.

We went and had a nice breakfast, our good mood translating into cheerful conversation. I drove out to my favorite electronics store and we got out. “What exactly are we here for?” Marc asked as we walked through the parking lot into the store.”

“Remember my little bug? Well, the one we used on Mestrick’s computer was my last one.” Marc's face fell a little at the mention of that name; I hurried to change the subject. “Anyhow, I got paid some money up front yesterday and I want to get some supplies to make more. I think one might come in handy on this latest case.”

“Did you figure out who was making the accusations?” Marc asked.

“Well, not really. I don't really want to go into it here but I think I wasn't given the whole story. Getting some more information on my own might make my mind rest a little easier or confirm my suspicions.”

“Okay.” Marc followed along with me as I grabbed wires and soldering supplies, electronic boards, round plastic chips and a bunch of little things. I didn't need everything I bought but I was always careful to never buy just what I used to make my little toys. Marc whistled when the registered totaled my purchases, a final number of $786.59 making his eyes go wide.

“All that for those two little bags of stuff? You've got to be kidding me!” He said incredulously. I shrugged.

“Technology is expensive.” I said. We went back to my apartment and Marc watched fascinated as I combed through the bits and pieces I had purchased. I had my blueprints out on the small computer bug that I had designed. I started taking things apart and laying out piles, trying to explain what I was doing and why to Marc who just shook his head.

“I don't get any of this,” he said in a frustrated tone, “I'm sorry.”

“Don't be sorry. I don't get numbers the way you do. Don't worry about it.” I smiled at him and tried to reassure him. “You don't have to watch me do this, you know. You can hang around or go back to your apartment if you have things to do.”

“No, I don’t have anything to do. Maybe I'll just watch some TV.” Marc said.

“That sounds good. I like having you here with me.” I told him. Marc came around the table and gave me a kiss before going over and plopping down on the couch. He turned on the Discovery channel and watched some wildlife show while I kept working at the table. It was a few hours before I sat back, turning side to side to work out the kinks I had gotten in my back from hunching over my work. Completed in front of me were three little round bugs that looked perfect. I just had to test them and then get one on Alterson's computer. That would be the hardest part.

Marc had gotten up from time to time to get a drink or use the bathroom but he hadn't moved in the last hour or so. I got up and looked at him, sleeping peacefully on the couch. I decided to leave him to his nap, using the time to test the chips on my computer. One of them wasn't filtering all the information properly so I put it aside to test and fix later. The other two went into black cases, one I placed in the locked cabinet and the other I put by my wallet on the table by the front door. It was 3:00 p.m. already so I called Nicane Technologies, asking to be transferred to Sally. I realized I didn't know her last name so I hastily tacked on Alterson, hoping I was right.

It was only a few moments before I heard that soft voice, “This is Sally, how can I help you?”

“Hi Sally, it's Nat. We met yesterday?”

“Oh yes. What can I do for you?” She sounded a bit anxious.

“I've looked over the file and some of the electronic documents.” I was lying about this but if I was right in my suspicions none of them would really matter. “Anyhow, I think I need to come in and check the department head and manager printers and the copy machines on Mr. Alterson’s floor. Just a hunch I need to play out.”

I took a deep breath; this was the part I hoped she bought, “I think it best if the staff doesn't meet me yet, just in case I need to conduct some interviews undercover. Do you think I could meet you at Nicane at 7:00 pm tonight and we can do this alone? It would be very helpful.”

“Umm, should I clear this with Miss Daschel and Saul?” she asked.

“Oh no, I've already been given the green light to perform these checks. Mr. Alterson instructed Miss Daschel that I was to have access. Not to mention, remember Miss Daschel asked you to help me with anything I needed?”

“You're right.” She said slowly, sounding a bit reluctant.

“I'm not interrupting any plans you might have, am I?” I asked.

“No, I had no plans this evening.” she answered.

“Well, that's too bad but it works out for me. I'll see you at 7:00?”

“7:00 is fine. See you then, Mr. Ve... I mean, Nat.”

“Perfect. Thanks a lot; I really appreciate your help. Bye Sally.”

“Goodbye.” I hung up the phone, pleased that my little plan worked. I had a few hours left and Marc and I had skipped lunch. I was hungry so I walked out of my office and into the kitchen.

“There you are.” Marc said from where he was sitting up awake on the couch. I jumped a little. He laughed at my startled look. “What, were you doing something naughty? You look like I just caught you with your hand in the proverbial cookie jar.”

“No, nothing naughty.” I said, “Not that I'd pass it up.” Now I was leering at him, raising my eyebrows. His stomach growled loudly, interrupting my kinky ploy for some make out time. It hadn't taken much for Marc to turn my thoughts from making food to making him moan but he just had that affect on me. “Actually, I was going to make us some food. Want to help?”

“Sure.” he said, rubbing his hands together. “What are we going to make, sandwiches, soup, hot pockets?”

“We are at my place, remember, and I'm cooking. We'll have real food but let's go check the fridge to figure out what I have before we decide.” I opened the door and we peered inside. “Hmm, how about some cube steak? I have some potatoes and veggies. You could make baked potatoes while I cook the meat. Sound good?”

“Sounds great, but don't baked potatoes take a while?” He asked.

“Not if you make them in the microwave.” I pulled the plastic covering off the meat and seasoned the cube steak patties with salt, pepper, hickory smoked season and onion powder. I directed Marc on how to start the potatoes as I placed the meat in a sizzling hot pan. The smell of the hickory smoke and onion filled the air. I took a deep breath, savoring the smell. I loved anything smoked flavor.

“Hmm, smells good.” Marc said.

“It will be.” I had him pick out some vegetables and popped the broccoli he picked into the steamer. He hugged me from behind as I flipped the steaks, kissing my neck. “Hmm, thanks babe.” I said.

“I like cooking with you. You make it easy and fun.” I turned my head a little and smiled at him, content in the moment. It only took about fifteen more minutes before dinner was ready and plated. We both sat down and enjoyed the home cooked meal, making small talk as we ate.

We had moved to the couch after we ate everything, sipping our drinks and talking. I enjoyed just sitting next to Marc. I had to go soon and didn't want to so I wrapped my arms around his chest and buried my face in his neck.

“What's up?” asked Marc as he stroked my back.

“I have to go to Ticane Technologies tonight and I have to leave soon. I don't want to go, I want to sit here and snuggle with you.”

“Do you need to go tonight?”

“Yes, I do, unfortunately.”

“Well, then you go.” he said reasonably. “Maybe I could wait here for you, if you would like me to?”
I craned my neck to look up at him, not letting him go from my tight grip on his chest. He looked a little anxious about his offer.

“You would do that? Wait here for me?” I asked him. “Stay the night with me?”

“I would love to.” he said, leaning his head down and kissing me.

“Mmm.” I smacked my lips. “You taste good.”

“You do too.” he said after he leaned down and kissed me again, pulling back to suck on his bottom lip as he stared in my eyes. “So, you go and I'll wait here for you.”

I made a face at the reminder I had to leave but I really did have to go in order to get to the building before 7:00. I got up reluctantly and grabbed my laptop bag out of the office and stopped by the door to pickup my stuff and the small case with my little bug. Marc came and said goodbye to me at the door.

“There's a spare key on the hook if you have to leave.” I said casually. “You can keep it if you want.” I glanced at him; he had a dumbfounded look on his face that quickly changed to happiness.

“That will be good; I might need to run out for a little bit. But I will definitely be here when you get back.” Marc promised.

“Good. I'll see you soon babe.” I gave him one last kiss. Hmm, yep, his taste was definitely addictive.

** ** ** ** ** ** **

I managed to find street side parking near the Ticane building and took the elevator up to Sally's floor. She was waiting at the reception desk for me. “Good evening, Nat.”

“Hi Sally. Thanks so much for staying late to help me with this. How about I show you what I need and then we can split up and just go office to office and get done that much faster?”

“Whatever you think will be best.” Sally said, softly. She took me to her computer to start since it was still on. “Any particular document that you would like printed?”

“An email would be preferable.” I told her.

“Okay.” She opened up her email and printed off the bottom one. I handed her a file folder already labeled. “If you wouldn’t mind doing the same thing for all the computers on this side of the floor, I’ll do the other half and we can meet in the middle.” Sally agreed so we parted ways, my side Mr. Alterson’s office. I carefully checked the hall by the door to Miss Daschel’s outer office making sure they hadn’t implemented my camera idea yet. It looked clear.

I fired up Miss Daschel’s computer then quickly walked into Mr. Alterson’s office. I didn’t need to start up his computer; I just quickly took the side off the CPU then installed the chip I had hid in my pocket. It was the work of only a few minutes but I hurried, anxious in case Sally tried to find me to ask a question or something. I had no sooner slid into Miss Daschel’s seat than a man walked in pushing a janitor’s cart.

“Who are you?” he said suspiciously. He was a shorter man, dressed in one of those blue coveralls that janitors always seemed to wear. His said ‘Michael’ on the breast pocket.

“Nathaniel Verset,” I answered honestly. “I am working with Sally on the computers for a short time tonight.” I quickly printed off an email from Miss Daschel’s account, sliding the paper into another folder like the one I had given Sally then switched off the computer and stood up. “I’ll be in and out of the offices over here but I’m done in this one so I shouldn’t be in your way.”

“Thanks.” Michael said, pushing his glasses up on his nose.

“No problem.” I told him, making my way out the door to the hallway. That was close! I wasted no time in printing off emails on this side of the floor. It took me about 45 minutes but I was done just a few minutes after Sally. “That’s great!” I said as she handed me the folder. Sally smiled at me, seeming pleased at the praise. “Okay, can you help me make copies from all the machines on this floor and then we can get out of here?”

“Of course.” With Sally’s help it only took a few minutes to make the copies. I carefully labeled each copy of an email page with a highlighter so I wouldn’t get them mixed up but I was please. I got some useful information and planting the bug on Alterson’s computer went without a hitch. Now I could go home to Marc.

I said my thanks to Sally and made my way back to my car. 8:30 pm. It normally took about 45 minutes to get home but I made it in 30. Guess I was a bit eager. I jogged up the steps to my apartment, taking a quick second to catch my breath before I opened the front door. I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t the sight that greeted me.