Jackknife 24
Chapter 24 Saltese Meet
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Cray found a spot for Rhea and went in to the Silver Dollar Inn. He got a table, ordered coffee and looked over the menu. There was no way to disguise his tiredness but he was going to give it his best shot with some food and plenty of caffeine.
He was just finishing off the last of his dessert when he saw Ken and Bill entered the restaurant. The waitress wasted no time guiding them to Cray’s table. They looked as haggard as he felt. Things at Silver Label Logistics must be tense at the moment he thought.
“Have a seat,” said Cray as they arrived at the table.
It was hard to read their moods. Ken might be angry or embarrassed, Bill was a blank. They hesitated a moment then slid into the booth seating. Whatever they were feeling it wasn’t happy. Ken finally started talking.
“Where’s the truck?”
“On the far side of the parking lot, out of everyone’s way. Locked down with the alarms set.”
“Good, the technical team needs to look her over. We’re still not getting GPS signals.”
“That sounds like we are still on mission.”
“For the moment. Headquarters is very unhappy with the Greenhalt situation.”
“He’s out there. Claimed there were loads lost and a driver killed. Said he was going to turn his rig over to the Feds or highest bidder, depending on the load. I take it he didn’t make it.”
“No, he’s in custody. He stands accused of causing a fatal accident involving multiple vehicles. We’re trying to keep you out of it.”
“I appreciate that Ken. We’re within six to seven hours of the goal line. We could put this thing to bed tomorrow.”
“If only it were that simple …”
“It is that simple! Don’t make it complicated.”
Ken got up slowly.
“I’m going to check in with the technical crew. Order me whatever is the recommendation for the day. I will be back shortly.”
Ken turned and left Bill with Cray, walking with the stiffness of a man who has sat in one position too long, robbing his stride of its usual self-confidence.
“You guys drive all night?” asked Cray.
“Yeah,” Bill answered, not looking up from the menu.
“You’re not much of a talker, are you Bill?
“Nope.”
“That’s too bad. I thought we broke the ice back in Wyoming, headed into the mountains. Thought you might fill me in on the mole problems at Silver Label and fill me in on the lost load details.”
“Not my place.”
“Could you at least confirm if those Toyotas we saw had something to do with them?”
“Nope.”
“Well, order something, the waitress doesn’t have all night, and neither do we. Tomorrow starts early.”
Bill didn’t respond and the conversation died an awkward death.
Bill quietly stared at the table while Cray stared around the room. This was the kind of place he would like to Marie to for a vacation, cozy inside, wide open views on the outside. He was so close he could taste the victory.
Ken returned just before the food arrived, looking a little refreshed from his walk.
“Looks like some wiring came loose. Repairs shouldn’t take long. Let’s eat.”
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