Free Walleye Junction by Karin Salvalaggio

grid.”
    â€œThey never make my job easy.”
    â€œI imagine not.”
    Macy checked her notes. “How long have you worked at Flathead Valley Security?”
    â€œSince I finished university, so going on nine years now. I mostly deal with their computer systems. Because most of the properties are so isolated we have remote monitoring in place twenty-four seven. There’s always some bug that needs fixing. We also do private security for events, banks, that sort of thing. You should see the size of some of the guys we employ. They make me look like a boy scout.”
    â€œHave you ever had any dealings with a company called Mountain Security?”
    â€œThey’re our main competition in the valley.”
    â€œDo you share information?” asked Macy.
    â€œNot if we want to keep our jobs. As far as my boss is concerned Mountain Security is the enemy.” Kyle rolled his eyes. “There’s a lot of testosterone floating around over there at the office—ex military, ex cops. They all seem to think this is Mogadishu or something. Our crime rates are lower than the national average, but you wouldn’t know it from how they’re always going on.”
    â€œEven New York’s crime rate is dropping.”
    â€œIf this keeps up we’ll all be put out of business.”
    â€œI somehow doubt it will come to that.”
    Kyle checked his watch. “I sure hope not. I need this job. I’m still paying off my student loans.”
    Macy started gathering her things.
    â€œI’d like you to keep what I’ve told you about Lloyd and Carla’s involvement to yourself for the time being.”
    â€œThat won’t be a problem,” said Kyle. “I’m in no hurry for this to become public. It’s been difficult explaining my family in the past. I can only imagine what people will say this time.”
    *   *   *
    Aiden picked Macy up at her hotel room at half past nine. She was so tired she’d nearly canceled, but something told her she’d better make the effort.
    â€œI’ve only just got back from doing interviews. I haven’t even had a chance to take a shower.”
    Aiden put his arms around her. “You are kind of smelly.”
    She pressed her cheek into his freshly washed T-shirt. “And you smell annoyingly clean. Laundry detergent is such a turn on.”
    â€œI’ll remember that for next time,” he said, taking her bag and leading her to a pickup truck she didn’t recognize.
    â€œYou’ve bought a new truck.”
    â€œNot so new. It’s got over twenty thousand miles on it. Picked it up at a dealership in Collier.”
    â€œI know the one,” said Macy. “Does Toby Larson still own it?”
    â€œYeah, I got his whole song and dance. He’s quite the salesman. Gave me a good deal though.”
    â€œThat’s not surprising. He likes to keep law enforcement happy.”
    â€œThat’s why I went there.” Aiden opened Macy’s door and placed her bag in the backseat. “Are you still hungry?”
    â€œThey ordered in pizza at the office, but I resisted.”
    â€œGood girl.”
    Macy checked her messages as she settled into her seat. Ryan had sent her an e-mail. He agreed that Carla and Lloyd’s bodies had probably been moved but wanted to run some more tests to be sure. She watched Aiden as he scanned the screen of his own phone. His eyes lit up and he burst out laughing.
    â€œWhat’s so funny?” she said.
    He shrugged. “It’s nothing. Just something the guys at work said. Not fit for female consumption.”
    Macy noticed that his forehead was flushed red. She pressed her finger to it and the skin went white. “Looks like you caught some sun.”
    â€œThat’s pretty much all I caught.”
    â€œNo fish.”
    â€œNothing worth keeping. I picked up a couple of steaks.” He switched on the radio.