Nick could’ve killed for a Starbucks, but the chances of getting even a cheap cup of synthene was going to be out of the question. Still, he needed to bring his A game.

A quick thought popped his melatonin levels, balanced his serotonin, and threw in a touch of adrenaline for good measure. Not like the real stuff, but it would have to do… the joy of implants.

The car decelerated hard taking the exit to Houston’s port. There was no missing where they were heading. The crime scene spread out before them like an ocean of police, emergency vehicles, reporters and countless onlookers. News drones circled overhead like a pack of hungry vultures. The whole thing, lit up like some jacked up Christmas tree.

Well isn’t this going to be a circus, Nick thought as the car pulled up to the barricades. Several officers stepped up to the car, it beamed his credentials to them. One moved the barrier, motioned him through.

“Stahl’s waiting for you at the scene,” he said.

Stahl? Nick though, f’n great.