Catch & Neutralize Read Online Free Page A

Certainly not drunk and definitely not a buzz, something more along the lines of normalcy wrapped its fuzzy arms around Mark. His wits loosely returned, making him feel well enough to function as a human.
    Mark had never seen an ALGS security person on a weekend or holiday, although the building was supposedly 24/7 guarded and monitored. He suspected security roaming the halls could only be for busy weekdays when the building zoomed with people. Sitting comfy in the security office, possibly napping, would be much easier to pull off when saved for slow days like today. But, one could never be sure.
    The whiskey shots reached full speed in Mark’s bloodstream. He stopped in front of a security camera to smile and wave.
    A tiny speaker came to life with a deep male voice. “Good afternoon, Dr. Carter. Dr. Roger Bale is working in your lab today.”
    Mark gave the camera two thumbs up. “Great. Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome, doctor. Have a genetically perfect day.”
    Mark chuckled at the security guard’s sense of humor. “Same to you.”
    Next time he’d bring Hollite Coffee and a box of donuts for the guard on weekend duty. During this uncertainty with Angie, it might be good having someone keep a close eye on him while here.
    Mark swiped his badge and entered the laboratory. The sound of buzzing machines filled the area. Dr. Bale appeared totally focused while hunched over one of the larger ones.
    “Hi, Roger. How’s it going?”
    “It’s going.” He looked up. A mask covered his mouth and nose, but Mark saw a smile playing over his eyes. “I try to avoid this place on weekends like prostitutes with VDs but woke up with this crazy idea. Thought I’d come test it.”
    “It happens,” Mark said returning the smile. “Hope it works out.”
    “Thanks.”
    “I also hope all of your future prostitutes are VD free.” Mark shook his head with a chuckle. “Maybe you should start canvassing for a wife, Roger.”
    Roger pulled his mask down and blew a kiss Mark’s way. “Why? You available?”
    “No. Don’t wait on me.” Mark flashed a knowing smile. “That new guy in tech support asked about you last week. Why don’t you try sending him a work ticket?”
    Roger’s hand flew to his chest. “Oh, honey, don’t tease me. I’ve been eyeballing those muscles for a week.”
    “Not teasing, Roger. Call him.”
    Roger’s eyes went dreamy, the left side of his lips rose into a half smile. He looked to Mark like a gay mad scientist: crooked smile, eyes love struck and distant, mask dangling, curly hair askew, and white coat pulled tighter than skinny jeans on a corpse.
    “I’ve got some data to log. I’ll be in my office.”
    “All right. Thanks for tipping me off about the tech support muscleman.”
    Mark nodded, lifted a hand goodbye, and headed to the back of the lab. He had way more important things to worry about than office romances at the moment, things such as keeping himself from becoming a murder victim.
    One more badge swipe left him alone in his office. He closed blinds facing the lab and turned on his laptop. Mark needed to find out more about this Mr. Pilfer and dig deeper into Angie’s recent activities.
    A Google search turned up nothing about James Dean Pilfer. Mark decided to contact his longtime friend, Detective Franklin P. Wacker.
    He answered on the first ring, low and gruff. “This is Wacker.”
    “Franklin Peter Wacker! How’s it going, Frank?”
    “Mark Carter! Funny you called. I thought about you this morning.”
    “Still fantasying about me after all these years? Still living up to your old nickname?” Mark laughed.
    “Shut the hell up,” Frank teased. “My middle name is Paxon, not Peter. I see dorky college jokes never die.”
    “Nope, not the good ones.”
    “I’m glad you called, Mark. What’s going on? How’re you? How’s Angie?”
    Mark cleared his throat, serious now. “Well, Frank, that’s what I was calling about. I need to talk to you, but I’d like