Fergus looked around the state-of-the-art kitchen as though he were expecting an answer from the four walls. When nothing was forthcoming, he said, “No, but I am starting to worry. I sent off two texts in the last hour and have gotten no response. It’s like dealing with that guy Meadows. Or Jack’s calls, which he didn’t answer either. It’s not like Avery, and it is certainly not like Abner to keep us in the dark. They know we’re counting on them. You don’t think anything has happened to them, do you, Charles? I’m not as worried about Avery, because I know he can take care of himself, but Abner is a numbers computer guy. He’s a babe in the woods when it comes to fieldwork. He’d be mush if he were put in harm’s way. My only consolation is they were together when they left us. I can only hope they didn’t split up.” Fergus waved the bottle of peppercorns to make his point.

“I think we need to think positive and decide that the two of them are onto something and are following through on whatever it is. I’m also sure one or more of Avery’s operatives would have been in touch if something had gone awry.”

“Only if they know something went awry, mate,” Fergus said glumly.

“There is that, Ferg. We also have to remember they work on Avery’s payroll, not ours. Their loyalty is to Avery and only Avery. I’m certain Avery has some sort of protocol in place for situations like this.”

“So what you’re saying is that there is nothing we can do until Avery or Abner decides to grace us with their presence and share whatever it is they’re both working on.”

“That’s pretty much how I see it, Ferg,” Charles said as he stared down at the meat loaves he had neatly lined up in the roasting pan on top of the range. “As you can see, I made three meat loaves, knowing Avery’s appetite. And Abner is no slouch, either. Just in case. If they turn out to be no-shows, Cyrus will be dining on meat loaf for the next few days. Since it’s his favorite food, that shouldn’t be a problem.” Charles smiled just as Espinosa entered the kitchen, Cyrus at his side.

The big dog immediately went to the range and started to sniff at the roasting pan. “It’s meat loaf, Cyrus! One for you and two for us.” Cyrus barked happily as he wandered around the kitchen, looking for a spot that was out of the way but still gave him a clear view of what was going on.

“The dog wanted to come back here instead of Jack’s room. I think he smelled the meat loaves,” Espinosa said.