Dead Asleep by Jamie Freveletti Page A

flowing in? I’ve been out of the loop down here and it makes me nervous not to know.”
    In the past two years they’d been recovering from a devastating public relations disaster—an unknown force that seemed bent on portraying Darkview as a dirty player in the world arena. Congressional subpoenas demanding information about their DOD contracts were issued weekly and the IRS had weighed in, auditing their records. Luckily, Stromeyer’s paperwork was impeccable and nothing had come of the probe, but the feeling remained that there was a person or corporation with an interest in destroying Darkview by manipulating matters behind the scenes. Neither Banner nor Stromeyer had ever taken the time to hunt down the perpetrator, instead pouring their efforts into obtaining new contracts and business to keep the doors open and the lights on. They’d survived, and obtained not only this mission but two others, yet Banner remained on the alert. If someone chose to mess with his company again, he would not rest until he’d found out who it was.
    â€œSo far so good, but I don’t have to tell you that we need to wrap this one up with an arrest. The Department of Homeland Security has tried and failed, and the CIA has been unable to trace the money. If we crack it, we’ll be heroes. Mayonnaise?” He held up the jar.
    She nodded. “Do we know where Caldridge is? She’s never where you’d expect her to be.”
    â€œSumner said she’s in the Caribbean. Terra Cay. She’s on the search for a miracle seaweed that when put into a jar will make every sign of old age disappear like that.” Banner snapped his fingers and was pleased to hear Stromeyer laugh.
    â€œAnd make her company millions, no doubt.”
    He smiled. “No doubt. I’d like to think she’s safe for the moment, but I asked Sumner to call her and check.” He placed the sandwich in front of Stromeyer.
    â€œAre they still dancing around the personal issue?” she asked.
    Like we are? Banner was too savvy to say it out loud. Stromeyer had no idea that his admiration for her ran deeper than on a business level, and he was determined to keep it that way. He’d never thought it was a wise idea to date one’s colleague. Still, he was always happy when she appeared and sometimes couldn’t help but tip his hand.
    â€œThey both seem set on building their careers right now. You know how that goal can overwhelm all others.”
    Stromeyer threw him a glance. “Know? I’ve been living it since the investigation. Funny how financial troubles have a way of focusing one’s attention.”
    â€œI can only hope that her company is making it, though. She employs almost one hundred people. She stumbles, and they all do.” Banner joined her at the table and they ate in silence for a while. When they were finished he leaned back and looked at her. Circles around her eyes were evidence of the long nights she was keeping, and he was certain she’d lost some weight. “Tell me about the woman. Do you think it was Kemmer’s work?”
    Stromeyer sighed. “No. She’s not one of his girls, and it occurred at the same time that the beach house blew up. At first I thought the events were related to Kemmer, but now I think that they both are pointing to Sumner. He’s angered someone quite dangerous.”
    Banner got up and cleared the plates, placing them in the dishwasher. He grabbed the pot of coffee from the maker as well as two mugs by their handles. He put the cups in front of Stromeyer and poured. The black liquid was almost viscous. Stromeyer raised an eyebrow.
    â€œWhat in the world did you do to make the coffee that thick?”
    â€œPut new grounds over old. What, you don’t like it?”
    â€œUh, well I don’t know. Let’s see.” She went to the refrigerator and retrieved some cream, poured it in the coffee, turning it from black to