“You mean the job that landed half the DiMarco family in a South African prison?” Kat said.
Angus shrugged. “Nobody said it was perfect.”
“You’re missing the point, guys,” Kat told them. “We have to get the prototype back before the launch. If the investors and stockholders see the faulty model…”
“Hale Industries is finished,” Hale said.
“The Princess and the Pea?” Gabrielle suggested.
“Not enough time,” Kat said.
“Where’s Waldo?” Gabrielle went on.
“No.” Hamish recoiled. “I am still not allowed back in Morocco.”
“Three Blind Mice?” Simon said.
Everyone looked at Kat, who shivered. “I don’t do rodents.”
The train kept going and the suggestions kept flying, but none found their mark, and finally silence descended on the crew.
“Maybe we’re making it too hard,” Simon said. “Simple is good, right?”
“As long as we’re not kidnapping anyone,” Kat said.
Gabrielle blushed. “It was only a suggestion.”
“What do we know about Garrett?” Kat asked. “Hale, does he gamble?”
“I don’t think so,” Hale said with a shake of his head.
“Drink?” Kat asked.
“No more than any of the other people from my childhood.”
“Chase the ladies?” Hamish asked.
“No. He’s just…a lawyer. He was always there. Briefcase. Suit. Hat. The guy is seriously boring. There is nothing scandalous or even interesting about him.”
“Well, that’s not exactly true.” Kat spoke softly, carefully. She forced herself to meet Hale’s gaze. “He does have an ex-wife. And a daughter.”
“Natalie isn’t a part of this. She isn’t,” Hale insisted even when Kat didn’t protest.
“Okay. I believe you,” Kat said. “But she might be useful.”
“We’re not going to use her.” Hale’s voice was like stone, unmoving. “And besides, it’s not like she and her dad are exactly close. Natalie went away to boarding school when her parents divorced. She hardly ever came home after that.”
“How long has Garrett worked for the company?” Gabrielle asked.
“That’s the thing.” Hale shrugged. “There’s always been a Garrett working for us. His dad had the job before him, and so he was always…around.”
“Okay, so we go farther back.” Kat felt herself swaying, rocking like the train. “Tell us about your grandfather.”
“What can I say, Kat? He’s dead. They’re all dead. My grandmother. My grandfather. My grandfather’s brother—”
“Wait,” Kat said. “Was this the brother who was supposed to run the company with your grandfather?”
“Yeah. He died way before I was born. He was supposed to be a real character, but then he died, and my grandfather got it all—all the money, but all the pressure and responsibility too. He was a workaholic. And—”