Casting Stones 1 | Page 23

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“ Remote,” Eddie said and began to explain what he wanted to do first and why. Frank listened.“ I think it’ s a great solution to a number of problems. Security being first and prying eyes second. The concrete block can be started tomorrow.”
" The smoke stacks and cosmetics to the outside, other than the cinder blocks, will be done in September. Until then this project is a secret,” Frank noted.“ Why all the secrecy?”“ Because as soon as they see what they missed, each and every one of those seated around that table will recognize the position they lost. It will be too late for them try to steal the deal, which is why I offered them the opportunity first and why Rodney will be watching your back.”
“ The place is filthy.”“ The inside is being pressure washed as we speak,” Rodney said.“ I assume you plan to recreate the four scenes you already had. Any other ideas you have come up with and would like to share?” Frank asked.“ A gallows with four bodies.”“ What is scary about that?” Frank asked.“ Nothing, until the hangman pulls the lever that drops the hooded figures and the platform on which the observers stand drops an inch or two.”“ Eddie, you are warped,” Frank said, with a big grin.“ Simple hydraulics raises and lowers the observation deck.”“ Anything else to share?”
I picture“ A long low tunnel, three feet tall, four feet wide, twenty feet long that victims crawl through, the top and sides are well padded. Pieces of string hang from the top. Red light illuminates the tunnel from a three foot by a twelve-foot bulletproof glass in the floor. The area below contains hundreds of rodents.”“ Knowing I’ ve hired the right person for this job is very reassuring. Personalize your office. I think you are going to be here for as long as you wish,” Frank said, rising and leaving the office. He was smiling and shaking his head as he exited.
The door closed with an audible thunk.“ Top right-hand drawer you will find a solid gold business card case. Frank’ s way of saying, Welcome. A box of your business cards are there also,” Rodney said.“ Nice,” Eddie said, opening the drawer and removing the slim heavy case. Rodney noticed the puzzled look on his face.“ Frank has the ways and means to make things happen quickly. It’ s how he does business. He doesn’ t make people jump often, but when he asks, they usually do,” Rodney smirked.
Both office side walls were lined with built-in bookshelves atop raised cabinets that matched the desk.“ I need to thank you also. I don’ t ever have to drive out to that spooky ass property in the middle of the night again. It’ s your baby now,” he said, getting up and pulling a gold box from one of the cabinets and setting it on the desk in front of Eddie. The beautifully wrapped present contained a Bose wave radio.“ Gotta have tunes in your office or you go crazy. The couch is a great place to catch a few winks on a hectic day,” he said, pointing at the couch that adorned the wall with the door.“ I’ ve taken a few naps on it myself. It’ s very comfortable.”“ This was your office?”“ Spent five years in this room.”“ Thanks for everything, Rodney.”“ Not a problem. Any ideas about how to fill all the acting positions?” Rodney asked, taking a seat again.“ Haven’ t thought that far ahead. Any suggestions?”“ I was thinking, college bulletin boards. The theater crowd is always into this kind of thing. It’ s funny how those girls seem to attract the jocks. College kids are always looking for part-time work. None of them want to start a career yet.”
“ Interested in hanging out and showing me the ropes?”“ Thought you’ d never ask,” the big man laughed.“ Tanya asked me why you left in such a hurry the other night.”“ What did you say?”“ Private bible study. Assistant pastor. Very dedicated.”