The right handle snapped toward the ceiling. The warped frame followed its familiar bias, rolling the wheelbarrow hard to the left. The tray pivoted over the single wheel, and one steel support leg tore across the concrete with a shriek that filled the workshop. Wet mortar heaved over the lip and struck the floor in a heavy gray sheet.
The kick had not moved two hundred pounds. It had lifted one handle past the wheelbarrow’s bad balance point. The mortar and gravity had done the rest.
Despite his training, the leader dropped his eyes toward the motion.
Kate threw her weight sideways.
She tipped with the chair. Its rear leg struck the leader across his shin, forcing him to Continue Reading “DEAD LOAD (A Nick Stello Action Thriller) Chapter Three: The Rough Ashlar”
DEAD LOAD (A Nick Stello Action Thriller) Chapter Five: The Weak Point
“Boston is a large city,” Nick said.
“Not from where I’m sitting.”
Unlike the men at the workshop, Julian wasn’t merely an operative. Nick still had to test him.
“If you have Noah, put him on.”
“I didn’t say I had him.”
“Then you don’t.”
“Not yet.”
“You’ve always been a big talker.”
“Let’s see…” Julian paused as if reviewing notes. “He left the residence hall eight minutes ago. Westbound on Newbury, on foot. He’s approaching Mass Ave.” Another pause. “He’s probably headed for MIT. He meets his PRIMES mentor Thursday mornings.”
Nick looked at Kate. She nodded.
Kate gripped her First Communion cross. Someone was watching her son in real time. Still, Continue Reading “DEAD LOAD (A Nick Stello Action Thriller) Chapter Five: The Weak Point”