“Then I assume you’ve been apprised of the change in command.”

Nick looked him over. “How old are you?”

Flanagan paused. “Why do you ask?”

“Donovan told me you were green, but I had no idea—all you need is a sash full of merit badges.”

Flanagan shook his head. “Donovan told me you were borderline psychotic. Is that true?”

“I have no borders.”

“He also said you’re the best there is.”

“He’s right about that—but then, you’re taking the word of a psychotic.”

Flanagan stepped past Nick and extended his hand to Kegan. “You must be Dr. Alexander. I’ve read your file; it’s a pleasure to work with you.”

“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “Then you must have read Nick’s file too.”

He glanced at Nick. “Yes, I did.”

“I don’t know who writes those things,” Nick said. “Besides, history is open to interpretation.”

“Let’s hope so.” Now Flanagan raised his voice so that all of the technicians could hear him. “I am Special Agent Daniel Flanagan. As of this morning I am replacing Special Agent Nathan Donovan as agent in charge here—that means you’ll all be reporting to me now. I will remain on-site as much as possible; I will be the first one here every morning and the last one to leave at night. If there are any new developments, I want to know about them. I like facts and I like details; if you’re not sure whether you should tell me or not, tell me. If there are any questions or problems, bring them to me. If there is anything you need to do your jobs more quickly or more efficiently, let me know and I will get it for you. I look forward to working with each of you. Please resume your duties.”

Now he turned to Nick and Kegan. “Agent Donovan briefed me early this morning, but I’d like to be brought up to date on any recent developments. In addition, I expect to be briefed by each of you twice a day— once during the lunch break and once at the end of the day. Questions?”

“Yes,” Nick said. “Do I have to raise my hand to use the bathroom?”

“Twice a day might be a bit much,” Kegan said. “The excavation of buried remains usually takes anywhere from one to three days, and then there’s the lab work after that. I’m not sure I’ll have much to report twice a day.”

“Nevertheless. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like a word with Dr. Polchak alone.”

He turned and took a few steps aside and Nick followed. “I’m going to call you Nick,” he said. “It’ll save time.”

“Pals already,” Nick said.

“I want you to know, I did read your file.”

“And?”