Page 77 of Burning Caine
“Yeah, that red flag doesn’t belong. Click here…and here…”
“What’s—” Lucy protested when I stopped her from entering the Pit. We were looking for Mike, but Hailey’s voice caught my attention.
“Aren’t they supposed to be approved by Cliff?” asked Mike.
“Only when they’re valid,” said Hailey.
“If you say so.” Mike’s voice was uncertain.
They stopped, so Lucy and I entered the space.
“Hey you two.” I kept my eyes on Hailey. “What are you doing?”
“She was showing me how to clear red flags. Did you know we could do that?”
“No. Common practice?”
She shrugged with a smile. “Want me to show you?”
“No, I prefer to play by the rules.” I narrowed my eyes at her, but she snorted.
“Software lets me do it, so it’s by the rules.”
“Did you ever think it was a system bug you should be reporting to IT?”
“And not be able to do it anymore? Not likely!” They were getting too used to my attitude. It wasn’t working on them anymore. Either way, I’d tell Kevin about it.
“Mike, I need a favor.”
“Sure, Princess. What do you need?”
Hailey stifled a laugh. Apparently, both of them had seen the paper.
“So jealous.” Hailey waved before heading out. “If I didn’t know you better, I’d ask for details.”
I rolled my eyes and turned my focus back to Mike. “Can you ask your contact at AmLife and find out if the Scotts had any coverage over there, other than life insurance. If so, any claims since 2014 or 2015, particularly break-ins or theft.”
“Why?” He spun his chair around to look at us.
“Just a little extra digging.”
“I don’t think so. That’s not normal digging, Sam. Something’s up?”
“Can you do it for me? Message me anything you get back.”
He sat there, unwavering, arms crossed.
“Otherwise, I’ll stop taking Lucy out with me, and I’ll encourage her to tell you about every single YouTube cat video she’s ever watched.” I crossed my arms right back at him and gave him an eyebrow raise for good measure.
“That’s cruel and unusual punishment.” He unfolded his arms and turned back to his laptop.
“Hey!” said Lucy indignantly.
“I’ll call him later this morning.”
I patted him on the back. “Thanks, big man, I knew I could count on you.”
Once the truck’s engine was roaring, my phone rang. The audio system announced Antonio’s name, and my heart fluttered. Lucy’s face lit up. Prepare for humiliation.