Southern Bound - A Paranormal-Mystery (Max Porter Mysteries Book 1) by Stuart Jaffe Page B

always.
    "... Moravian government proved quite interesting," Modesto went on. "In fact, you've helped us fill in a few blanks we ..."
    Even if Modesto went to the bathroom, could Max do it? He stared at that briefcase, trying to hold down the nerves bucking to get out, trying to keep his mind focused. If he got caught, if Modesto returned early — but no, he couldn't think in those terms. In order to rifle through that briefcase, Max forced himself to ignore all other concerns — one languishing moment of fear would stop him from doing what he now believed to be imperative.
    "Excuse me a moment," Modesto said and left for the restrooms.
    Just like that, Max's opportunity landed. He made no motions at first, caught unprepared. How long had he sat at that table while Modesto prattled away for them to reach this point in the meal? If not for the clicking of forks on plates, Max would have remained frozen until Modesto returned; however, he did hear that sound and it brought to mind a ticking clock.
    Swallowing any guilt, Max slid the briefcase toward his chair (it was heavier than it appeared) and pulled a handful of papers out. The top ones carried the Hull corporation header and had been addressed to Modesto. A cursory glance showed they were daily orders with reference to "reports" made by his assistant. No surprises there.
    The next was a letter dated the day before and read:
     
Mr. Modesto — 
Your recent account of Max Porter's activities, particularly his unforeseen visit to Dr. Connor, requires an acceleration of our timetable. While it would have been preferable to wait for Mr. Porter to conclude on his own that the location of Old Salem was most profitable to our interests, we can no longer afford such patience. Therefore, we ask that you steer him toward that locale.
     
    Max re-read the letter, all the time feeling as if a hidden psychopath stalked his every move. He wanted to rush home and search for bugs, wire-taps, or whatever high-tech surveillance equipment he could find — not that he had a clue how to look for such things, but he could not idle on the idea that he was being watched. He considered reading the letter a third time but instead he pushed the papers back into the briefcase. Modesto would be returning any second. As Max attempted to get the papers to look untouched, the name Drummond flashed from one page, and Max turned his head to read it clearer. Laughter from another table brought him to his senses, yet even as he used his foot to slide the briefcase back into position, he caught the words Broughton and Kirksbride Plan.
    "That's really all we have to discuss today," Modesto said as he stepped toward the table. Max put on his best attitude of nonchalance as Modesto lifted his briefcase onto the table and began looking through it. The paper with Drummond's name on it stuck a little higher than the others, and Max felt sure Modesto had seen it. However, the man did nothing but take out a hundred dollar bill and hand it to the waitress.
    "I'll be leaving, now," Modesto said. Then, as if just recalling a little, unimportant thought, he added, "By the way, our employer feels you have proven yourself well. Your historical research was adequate and the initial land deals researched was fine. You have enough background to start seeking out the properties we may wish to acquire."
    "Okay, great."
    "Articulate as ever, I see. Regardless, you'll find it easiest to begin in the historic areas as they have some of the oldest land which I know to be of high value."
    "The historic areas," Max said, hoping the sourness he heard in his voice could not be detected by Modesto. "Any suggestions?"
    "If I knew the best way to handle this, your services would not be required, would they? But, if I must hazard my opinion on the matter, then I'd suggest considering Old Salem. It's the closest in the area. There are others as well, but I suppose that's a good place to start."
    "Old Salem? I'll be sure to look into