If a bomb was beneath the boards, one explosion would only cause a racket and smoke. If they put it above the platform, the bomb might injure anyone within ten feet.

“Should we check the stage?” Ketch asked, obviously reading Hank’s mind.

“Yes, but it’s too obvious.”

“I agree, but if they planted a bomb to upset the ceremony, it would have to be close to get the attention.”

Hank pulled out his cell and dialed Dr. Monroe. When the professor picked up, Hank asked, “You up on the top floor?”

“Yes,” Benjamin answered.

“Tell me what a person standing on the platform could see.” Logic told Hank the bomber would want the governor to see the blast. Since all the bombs had been small, this last one would have to be close to the stage.

Ben’s voice was lecture steady. “The clock tower. The front of the science building. Faculty parking. The front of the library, and across the street from the north entrance is the back of the hospital.”

“Anything else?”

“A circle walk twenty feet from the platform with six trees surrounding it and a rose garden in the center with flags.”

“Thanks, Ben, see you back at Primrose Hill.”

Chapter 38 - Benjamin

Chapter 38

Benjamin

Pecos and Benjamin headed down the steps of the science building. Ben had spent his life blocking everything but work as soon as he stepped on campus. Tonight, work was the last thing on his mind. He’d concentrated on finding a place where someone might hide a bomb. He saw nothing.

As they walked away, Jenny filled his mind. She’d told him she was pregnant so calmly, as if it wouldn’t change their lives forever.

Before he could think of the future, Ben had to deal with the present.

Ben had helped Pecos find the best locations to post lookouts at dawn. Every inch had to be checked. Then if anyone got close to the speaker stand before the presentation or the path leading to it from the street, they would be questioned. He had to help.

Hank had told them that the governor wouldn’t call off his appearance without a real threat, and they had no proof and no real evidence. The pipe bombs that were poorly made were of different interest to the Texas Rangers, but the governor had seen it as only a possible threat. He refused to cancel his speech.

“Do you think we’re all making something out of nothing?” Ben asked Pecos.

“Yep. The way I see it is that it’s better to chase a hundred nothings and come up empty than stand by and let one something happen.”