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We drove to a local diner for lunch. While we waited for our meals, we decided to be pleased that we had a contact in BITES that might be willing to talk to us. We talked about how we could use an interview to help us understand what was going on at the BITES lab. None of it was straight forward. I knew that even if Cassie was willing to talk to me, it might not help us at all. We started working on a list of questions I would use. "It's tough to remember we can only ask about things in relation to Dr. Bellamy. We really don't know much about her."
We debated the merits of meeting Cassie in person versus just doing a phone interview. I wasn't sure if she'd even be willing to meet face-to-face, but I preferred that. I felt like I could better gauge someone's sincerity if I could see their face.
XXX
When we got back to the hotel, I called Rick to check on the cafe. As usual, it seemed to function just fine without me. If I needed to be away from home a few days longer than expected, it wouldn't be a problem.
We looked over Chance's calendar for the next several weeks, trying to find a time when he could spend several days in Wilkins' Gap. There was no good option.
"I'm sorry, Babe. When I booked all these hunts, we weren't involved in this BITES situation," Chance said. "I'd like to find someone to take over one of these trips, but I have to decide if there's anyone I'd trust to do that for me other than you."
I was pleased that Chance trusted me so much, but there was no way I was ready to lead a group of hunters into the wilderness no matter what the object of the hunt was.
We had the outline of a plan. Chance gave me a kiss for luck, and it was time to make the call.
"Hi. Is this Cassie Dickenson?"
"Yes."
"Hi, Cassie. My name is Maggie Jarvis. I'm a free-lance reporter."
"Hi, Maggie. Jared told me you might be calling. I was sorry to hear bout Dr. Bellamy's passing. We weren't close, but our work intersected from time-to-time. How can I help you?"
"Thanks for talking to me. It's really an honor. You're quite the legend in cryptid circles. I read the book about your discovery of the Thunderbirds."
"I hope you enjoyed it. Bob worked really hard on the book. It was quite an experience to discover the birds practically in our backyard."
"I contacted your husband because I'm researching an article about Dr. Bellamy's contribution to cryptid science. As I'm sure you know, there aren't a lot of women in the cryptid world."
"That’s a hot button issue for me. I was the first female BITES field agent and am always working to recruit more women into our organization."
"Perhaps we can help each other. My report may shed some additional light on the issue. I'm sure you're busy, and I have no idea where you live, but I'd like to meet with you. I know it's old-school, but I find I gain more insight if I can look a person in the eye when I talk with them."
"We travel a lot for work and stick close to the ranch when we have a few days off. Would you be able to come here? It's in south Texas."
I chuckled. "This must be fate. I'm currently in Dallas."
We set up an appointment for the day after Chance headed out on his next hunt. Cassie said she'd send directions to my email. I recapped Cassie's side of the conversation for Chance. "She seems nice, though I suppose that's not a guarantee of anything."
"We need to go over some rules of engagement for your meeting, but right now, it's time for a break to focus on us." Chance said.
"I like the sound of that. What did you have in mind?"
I expected Chance to pull me into his lap or pick me up and carry me to the bed, so I was more than a little disappointed when he pulled his laptop over. He pulled up the calendar again. "Right now, I've got an international trip scheduled in June, but nothing after that yet. You'll be able to head home for a few days before your wilderness medical training. We've got to get the museum up and running too, and I liked Tom's idea to have some kind of cryptid festival."
When I didn't say anything, he turned around to look at me. "You with me, Babe?"
"Sorry. This isn't what I expected when you said a break to focus on us."
"What did you think... Oh I see. Sorry to disappoint you, but if I can fix this, we’ll have more time for the other," he said.