The Dead Priest by K. A. Bledsoe

Author:K. A. Bledsoe [Bledsoe, K. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780981589022
Publisher: Gardoyle Publishing
Published: 2019-08-10T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-seven

As Lenore walked into the lounge, Bondle was just standing up.

“Ah, Captain,” said the lieutenant. “I am ready to speak to you and your crew. Are you first then?”

Lenore was trying very hard not to grit her teeth at this self-assured young man’s attitude. He was just short of being pompous and arrogant. If it wasn’t herself and family coming under fire, she would admire this capable and efficient young man.

“You may start with my crew, but I insist on being present.” Before Hammins could answer, she stepped back into the corridor and motioned at Allison who was first out of Quinn’s cabin. She reentered the lounge.

“Captain, I usually don’t permit—” he began but cut himself off as Allison came into sight. The muscles along his jaw bunched and Lenore suppressed a wry laugh that at least she had got him to grit his teeth. It was obvious that Allison was a minor and there was no legal reason why Lenore couldn’t oversee the questioning. It also gave Lenore a chance to hear what everyone said, and she could make up stories to cover any error if she went last as planned.

“Very well,” was all he said as he waved Allison toward the opposite chair. Bondle left through the other door toward his cabin, but not before shooting a worried look at Lenore. I will have to question him myself later. Who knows what things they asked him?

Allison wasn’t even fully seated when the lieutenant began.

“State your name and title please.”

“Cathy Mikin, computer tech,” she answered, nearly matching his terse delivery. It wasn’t quite mocking but close.

“And how long have you been aboard this ship?”

Lenore answered before Allison could. “That question is not relevant for your purpose here.”

“I need to know if she was on board when the cargo arrived.”

“Then ask that specifically.”

Lieutenant Hammins gave a respectful nod to Lenore, obviously aware that she knew questioning tactics and wasn’t going to fall for any of them. “Very well. Ms. Mikin, were—”

“Yes, I was here,” she said. She looked sorry for her interruption but did not bite her lip, twist her hair or give any other tells that Lenore had warned her about. The officer ignored the interruption and kept going. He asked the usual, did she overhear anybody mention anything about the cargo being dangerous, any suspicious activity, and several other routine questions. Allison answered them perfectly, with an almost bored expression, until a certain question.

“Did you know that the submitted permits were forged?” Hammins’s face registered satisfaction at Allison’s surprise.

“What?” she said. “That’s impossible. I checked it…are you sure?” She shook her head. “Boy, I blew that one.” She turned her head toward Lenore. “Apologies, Captain. I should have caught that.” She turned back to Hammins. “How did you know? Can you tell me so I don’t get duped again?”

Lenore decided to intervene before Allison overdid it. “Leave it for now. We will discuss it later.”

Allison’s shoulders slumped as she dropped her head and mumbled, “Yes, Captain.” Her dejection seemed so real that Hammins looked uncomfortable at getting her in trouble.

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