Placing the pistol back in the pack she removed a small rag; she snatched up the third shell casing and then took a moment to wipe off the handle of the refrigerator, the only surface in the apartment that she'd touched. The cloth went back in the pack and carrying the remaining orange juice, she calmly left the apartment.

Chapter Seventeen

DAY 929

The water pressure increased in Cowan's ears as he descended. He remained submerged, swimming as hard as he could. When he broke through the surface, he took a deep breath of the warm desert air. An evening swim was his favorite way to relax when things were on his mind. The in-ground pool was quite a bit larger than most. When Kathy had suggested getting it, their son was participating on a swim team at school, and it made sense to get something that he could swim laps in.

As he was toweling off, he heard a car outside the front of the house about twenty minutes earlier than the time they'd designated. He waited until he heard the car door close before calling out a greeting.

Amy Travers appeared on the deck, stopping beside the large gas grill. She wore a pink blouse and tight-fitting blue jeans along with sandals. This wasn't Amy's first visit to the Cowan's home, she'd been here several times since joining the Sleep Program and she and Kathy had become good friends.

“Are you swimming tonight?” Cowan called out.

“No thanks, I've got too much on my mind right now,” Amy answered.

“That's when I enjoy a swim the most; it helps clear my head,” Cowan said, climbing up onto the deck. He disappeared into the house and returned after a few minutes, dressed in a polo shirt and shorts, his feet bare. “After today's meeting with Matt, what could you possibly have on your mind?”

“None of it makes sense. There's a lot of stuff he's not telling us,” Amy Travers admitted.

“Yeah, I think he wants to, but he can't,” Cowan said.

“I keep getting these crazy scenarios in my head,” Amy responded. “Whatever it is, it's big.”.

Now Cowan understood. His friend who was never on time for anything in her life, had been early tonight for a reason. She'd wanted to beat Matt Fitch here, so they'd have time to discuss the situation they'd both been dragged into.

Cowan motioned her over to a couple of patio chairs, and they sat down.

“Matt made it clear that while he couldn't talk about it, anything he did say would be the truth. From what he's told us, it seems certain they want this in place immediately and for us to be able to sleep as many people as possible. The only explanation I can find is that there's an impending threat and they want an option,” Cowan surmised.

“How long can this possibly be kept quiet? There are more and more people becoming involved. Nothing stays a secret long.”