Ratio: A Leopold Blake Thriller (A Private Investigator Series of Crime and Suspense Thrillers) Read Online Free Page A

companion. “I just don’t see how we can make it work.”
    The other man frowned. “Both systems are in the basement level, and in the same room. We only need to get in there.” He lit up a new cigarette. “If we can get some time alone, we can work on the ventilation systems without being seen.”
    “And if we can’t? Someone from maintenance will need to let us into the room, and he’ll want to stay in there with us.”
    “I can keep him occupied. Setting it up shouldn’t take much longer than a few minutes. You can do that while I keep someone else busy.”
    The older man gave it some thought, nodding his head. “Should be eight screws to remove the access panel, that’s one minute. Take the device out of the toolbox, set the timer and switch it on, another minute. Set the device inside and tape it in place, another minute. Put the access panel back on, another minute. Add on an extra minute for good measure, and it’s five minutes total.” He looked at his companion, not much more than a kid. Skinny, with pale skin. “Can you keep an American busy for five minutes without him getting suspicious?”
    The kid smiled. “I can keep an American idiot busy for half an hour, just talking about nothing. Americans get nervous when it’s quiet.”
    “Good. I can plant the device, no problem. All we need to do is get our foot in the door.”
    “We got the aliases, right?” 
    “All set up. We just need someone to book us in.” The older man lit a new cigarette. Digging out his cell phone from beneath a pile of print outs, he double-checked a number and dialed. The call went through and was picked up on the second ring. 
    “Building Operations,” a man’s voice said. “Rick Gustafson.” 
    “Yes, hello, this is LS Coventry Electrical,” the Korean said, trying to control his accent. “We’re contracted to maintain your ventilation and heating systems. I understand you’re still under warranty? From our records, I see it has been a year since your last system inspection and maintenance. To keep your warranty up to date, we need to make sure you’re booked in.”
    “Our usual service company is Ace Commercial, and our inspection isn’t due until…” Rick paused. “As a matter of fact, all of our inspections are up to date. We had someone in today already, checking the mechanicals.”
    The Korean felt his pulse quicken. They weren’t due a visit until next month. “Are you sure?” he asked. “Did they check the electrical system?”
    “No, just the HVAC hardware and ducts.”
    He relaxed a little. “Yes, this is a different issue. Your warranty covers all moving and non-moving electrical components, as well as the software and firmware that controls the environmental controls. We look after the full infrastructure, not just the mechanics. It all needs maintaining properly, otherwise you forfeit your cover.”
    “What happened to the usual guys?” 
    “LS Coventry bought Ace Commercial last month and took over all of their client accounts. Because of that, and to introduce our company to our newest clients, we are offering a half-price service. With our newly expanded fleet and crews, we have unlimited scheduling at this point in time.”
    The Operations Manager took a moment. “You got references?” 
    “Yes, sir. Full references. We also offer an initial consultation, free of charge. If you want to book us in to check your systems, I can give you the details while we’re there.” 
    “Free consultation?”
    “You got it. No charge, no obligation. We can be in and out in less than an hour. If you’ve got any issues, we can spot them early.”
    He heard Rick take a deep breath, apparently weighing up his options. “Can you get here today?” he said, eventually. “We’ve got a busy weekend coming up. Everything needs to be perfect before then.” 
    “You got it. We can be there in a couple of hours.”
    “Ask for me when you get here. I’ll get security to let you