Racing the Light (Elvis Cole #19; Joe Pike #8)(29)

“Think they’re feds?”

Wendy and Kurt.

“The government doesn’t provide free phones and security to retired academics.”

I had googled the Schumachers after Wendy hung up. Adele Schumacher, under her maiden name Adele Raisa Voight, had received a Ph.D. in Computer Theory & Mathematics from MIT, after which she joined the faculty at Stanford. Corbin Schumacher was on the faculty when she arrived, having received a doctorate in Materials Science the year before. During the next eight years, they married, published sixty research articles, and registered as an LLC called Applied Thought, through which they worked as consultants to the aerospace industry. They left Stanford the following year, after which I could find no further information about them or their company.

Pike said, “Maybe they aren’t retired.”

I set out bowls of chips and salsa as we talked, and took the bags of marinating beef and chicken from the fridge. Lucy had called. They had landed, picked up a rental car, and were on their way.

“I got fake chicken cutlets for you. Figured we’d grill them with a little lime and cilantro.”

Pike faced the window and studied the canyon.

“A spotter couldn’t tell you’re making tacos. They must’ve followed you to the market.”

“Adele hired me to find her son. Why would her people follow me?”

“To see if you pad the bill.”

“Is your name Corbin?”

Pike turned from the window.

“Spooks spook. It’s what they do.”

The world according to Pike.

“I’m not the only person trying to find her son.”

I told him about the men in the SUV and the night crew.

“I don’t know if they play on the same team or we have two sets of two. It’s a crowded field.”

“What did Wendy say?”

“Corbin’s people wouldn’t need to sneak into Josh’s place in the dead of night.”

Pike’s head moved.

“The dead of night.”

“Sorry. I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“Lucy.”

I stopped. I nodded, but the nod was for me. I looked at Joe, but the blank lenses were empty.

“Want a beer?”

“Sure.”

I broke out two bottles. We twisted the caps.

I said, “I don’t like the suddenness of this.”

“Their trip.”

“I’m glad for the chance to see them. I love seeing them. I don’t see them enough.”

Pike nodded, a move so slight most people wouldn’t notice.

He said, “But.”

“I’m concerned. Her wanting to talk but not saying why is not Lucy. She isn’t coy.”

“No.”

I glanced at him again.

“They’re staying here. With me. Lucy is staying here, too.”

“Sounds good.”

“I’m fine with it, but you know how it’s been.”

“Yes.”

“We’ve had boundaries.”

“I know.”

“For a long time. She drew lines and I respected them. Never liked them, but I accepted her limits.”

“Maybe you’re making too much of this.”

“I’m concerned.”

“They’ll be here soon and I’ll take Ben. Ask her.”

“It’ll be strange, knowing she’s down in the guest room. It’ll be strange in the morning.”

“Ask her.”

“I’ll ask her.”

I stared at the fridge, and wondered if I’d forgotten anything.

Pike interrupted my staring.

“These people after Adele’s son.”

“What about them?”

“Maybe they’re not after her son.”

“I’m listening.”

“How many people were with Adele when she came to the office?”

“Wendy and Kurt, a driver below, and a second driver in a trail car. Two vehicles. Four suits.”

“A security detail. And her husband?”

“Ryan told me Corbin has a crew.”

“Having security implies you feel threatened. Maybe her son’s disappearance is connected to the threat. Maybe the people watching his place are the threat.”

I had considered it and considered it again.

“It’s possible, but Josh and Skylar were into something. Way it looks, they argued, she left, and he’s trying to find her.”

“These are maybes.”

I thought it through. Bending the narrative away from Skylar was as difficult as bending sheet metal, but thinking about it gave me an idea.

“If the gardeners watched Josh’s place yesterday and again today, they’ll probably watch it tomorrow. They might even be watching it now.”

Pike sipped his beer and nodded.

“Might be worth a look.”

He sipped again.

“Unless you scared them off.”

I grinned.

“Did you make a joke?”

Pike checked his watch, giving me nothing.

“I’ll take a look after dinner.”

“One more thing.”