Changing of the Guard

36

Howard was cleaning out his temporary desk. The situation with Cox was effectively over, as far as Net Force was concerned. Jay was still doggedly trying to decode the file, and searching high and low for anything else that might swing the decision to back off in the other direction, but Howard knew a done deal when he heard one.

Sometimes you won, sometimes you lost. That was how it went. Losing this one, however — not only his last one with Net Force, but one with such a personal element, too — was going to be hard.

He looked up and saw Abe standing in the doorway.

“They are covering their tracks,” Abe said.

Howard said, “Yeah?”

“Natadze’s house just blew up. Pretty much leveled the sucker.”

“Really?”

“Our surveillance people have been long gone, but the local police are investigating it. First reports say it was probably natural gas, but I wouldn’t bet on it being an accident. Soon as the arson boys check it, I’m betting they find evidence of a trigger, even if it was a gas leak.”

Howard shook his head. “I don’t suppose Natadze was in the place when it went up?”

“No signs of a body. I’ll keep you posted, if you want.”

“I’d appreciate it, Abe.”

“You looking forward to the new job?”

“Yes and no. It’ll pay better. My wife will sleep easier. But it probably won’t be as much fun.”

“Anytime you want to come back and do a ride-along, let me know. You’ll always be welcome”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Abe left, and Howard finished his packing. He was going to miss this, no question. But better-paid and safer had their appeal.