He understood that. Its why he got called in by so many other doctors to consult on tricky cases. It was something innate, something he hadnt realized was special until hed started his residency. One of the first attendings hed worked with a man named Monte Flint had been the one to point it out to him. Hed helped steer Morgans career in the direction it had gone, convinced that Morgan had something unique to offer his patients.

He hadnt been wrong.

Ill keep my eyes, ears, and nose peeled, Morgan told Danielle.

Good. Thats what I need. What I dont need is for you to tackle the person were here to talk to. I dont need you to threaten him or to accuse him of anything. She put her sunglasses on. Got it?

Morgan nodded. Got it.

Good. Now lets go find out where this Fugate guy is. She marched to where part of the fence had been rolled back to make a gate and then up the steps of a trailer that had a small red office sign on it.

She pounded on it three times in short succession and then stepped back. Nothing happened so she pounded again. This time the door flew open. What the . . .? The man in front of them let his words trail off at the sight of Danielle. He was a light-skinned Black man with greenish eyes and a very close-cropped goatee. He looked wiry and wore a button-down tucked into belted jeans.

Danielle held up her badge. Id like to ask one of your employees some questions.

The mans eyes narrowed. Is this about the copper wire?

Danielle shook her head. You been having a problem with your copper wire?

The man sighed and motioned for them to come into the small cramped office space. Only if I actually want to get this job finished on time and on budget. He sat. Which I do, he added. So who do you want to talk to? Ill page whoever it is. He lifted the handset of the phone on his desk.

Danielle held up her hand. Id rather if we approached him in person than paging him, if thats okay, Mr. .

Hawes. Nathaniel Hawes. And you are?

Agent Danielle Hernandez and this is Morgan Stark. Hes consulting with us on this case. She sat back in her chair, waiting.

Hawes sat back as well and regarded them both. This is an active construction site. Its not safe for people to be traipsing around here. Its easy to get hurt.

I assure you, we will not be traipsing anywhere, Danielle said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. Were happy to be escorted to the area where our subject is. Id just prefer not to give him advance warning.

Hawes nodded. Sure. We can probably do that. Who are you looking for?

Don Fugate.

Hawes looked slightly surprised. Don? Really? Whats he done?