Harvest Moon (The Stargazers Trilogy Book 2) Read online

  “Bravo, Solomon! Bravo! On your first day of employ, you managed to scare off someone we’ve been trying to catch!”

  Solomon gave him a confused look.

  Ingram turned to the others and said, “Everybody, please listen! Our hero and I have some very important things to discuss in private! Save the cake for lunch and please return to work. Thank you, everyone! I’m sure he more than appreciates the homage! Thank you!”

  Ingram grabbed Solomon’s arm and rushed him to the same office that he surprised the new employee in on the previous day. It was Solomon’s office now.

  Ingram closed the office door behind him and closed the blinds on the window. He then turned to Solomon with a huge grin. “You have no idea how long we’ve been trying to catch that person. We didn’t even know that it was a man until you chased him. Bravo, again! That little deed of yours would surely be frowned upon, because of the inherent risk to life and limb. I, however, appreciate that kind of intestinal fortitude in my employees.”

  Solomon smiled and nodded. He didn’t think he did anything special but refrained from mentioning that until he found out more about the intruder. Obviously, Ingram knew more about him than he was letting on.

  “Tank you, Jeremy,” Solomon returned humbly. “I believe the police were the real heroes last night. It was their sirens dat chased the scoundrel away.”

  “Nonsense!” Ingram replied with a smirk. “You had everything to do with us getting one step closer to the saboteur.”

  “Saboteur?” Solomon asked, wanting to know more.

  Ingram peeked through the closed blinds and sighed a breath of relief. “Good. Very few people know about what’s been going on recently. Since you were directly involved, I can confide in you. Can’t I, Solomon?”

  Solomon nodded. “Of course, Jeremy. You can trust me, totally.”

  There was a strong knock on the office door, which didn’t seem to surprise Ingram. He opened it to reveal Colonel Andrea Sanderson standing almost at attention with somewhat of a grin. “Hello, Solomon,” she said, sticking her hand out and firmly shaking his. “Glad you’re on board. This project needs more people like you.”

  Solomon could tell that she was sizing him up with her eyes, to see if he was worthy to be working with her. “Tank you…” He glanced at Ingram and shrugged as if to ask him why the woman was important.

  “Do you need something, Andrea?” asked Ingram.

  “I have a question for Mr. Solomon.”

  “Ask on,” said Ingram.

  “You are the moon expert, aren’t you, Solomon?” she asked.

  “Some say that I am,” said Solomon.

  “Tell me, is there a correlation between a Harvest Moon and the moon’s location in orbit?”

  “Good question,” said Ingram. “What do you say?”

  “Well, yes,” Solomon said. “As we view the moon from earth, the moon appears to go through a complete set of phases, because of its motion around the Earth.”

  She said, “That makes sense.”

  “You might think the Harvest Moon is bigger or brighter depending on where it is in comparison as to where you are.” He chuckled. “That’s because the Harvest Moon has such a powerful mystique.”

  “That helps me understand.”

  “Your name is Andrea Sanderson,” he asked. “Right?”

  “Yes. It is nice meeting you.”

  “You too.”

  Ingram laughed and gently placed a hand on Solomon’s shoulder. “I am so sorry, Solomon. I really am. I just assumed that Colonel Andrea Sanderson’s reputation preceded her. Anyway, I guess you are to consider yourselves as just being introduced to each other.”

  She said, “I know all about you, my friend.”

  Solomon smiled. “Forgive me, Colonel Sanderson. I meant no disrespect. I don’t keep up with the news. Dat’s my mother’s job.”

  She acted like she felt more at ease with his response. “I think I’m going to like working with this one, Jeremy.”

  Sanderson sat down in one of the leather chairs in front of the desk. Ingram pointed to the other one for Solomon to sit down in and he sat in Solomon’s chair behind the desk once again.

  Solomon wasn’t sure if it was a power play to let him know who was in charge, or if it was just his way of doing things.

  “Solomon,” Ingram began, in a more serious tone. “Andrea is the only other person who knows about the attempts at terrorizing the project. There are factions who would love to see us fail in our endeavors. They are exceptionally clever at hiding from all kinds of surveillance and seem to have a learned knowledge of where every camera in this building is. I don’t want to think that someone internal is working both sides, but I may not have a choice. Each applicant and employee has been carefully screened through agencies that work closely with us.” Ingram looked concerned for the first time since Solomon had known him.

  “Solomon,” Ingram continued. “Since what happened last night… happened, I would like you and Andrea to work together on resolving this.”

  Solomon looked puzzled. He glanced at Sanderson and then Ingram, confused. “I’m sorry? I don’t understand. I have no experience in dese kinds of tings. I certainly have no experience in detective work of any kind.”

  ***

  “The greater thickness of atmosphere in the direction of a horizon scattered blue light most effectively, but it did allow red light to pass through to your eyes. Thus, a moon near the horizon takes on a rustic hue,” said Solomon. “And looks like autumn trees.”

  “I did not know that,” Ingram replied. “You have done masterful detective work on your research into the Harvest Moons. I would even have to say, groundbreaking. You’re the perfect person to team up with Andrea. She has extensive experience with chemicals and all things science, which is why she’s my right-hand gal on the project.”

  Sanderson smiled, smugly.

  Ingram stared into Solomon’s eyes with an almost crazed look. “Besides, this is right up your alley. We only have attacks on the complex during a full moon. In case you didn’t realize it, last night’s moon was also a Harvest Moon. Coincidentally, that was the closest the saboteurs ever came to causing real damage. I don’t believe in coincidence. By the way. I… we believe that this group or faction is timing their attacks with the cycles of the moon. We need you to find out if that means something.”

  Solomon’s eyes widened. Ingram was right. That was right up his field of expertise. “I don’t get it. I must not have been paying attention to the moon last night because it really doesn’t make sense.” He thought about why it was different. “The orange color of a moon near the horizon has a true physical effect on the earth. That fact is rooted in how the horizon shows a greater thickness when the moon is full. Earth’s atmosphere is more effected than when the moon is directly overhead.”

  “What doesn’t make sense?” Sanderson asked. “I don’t understand.”

  Solomon walked over to the window and opened the blinds. He said, “The atmosphere has scattered blue light—that’s why the sky looks blue. Isn’t it beautiful?” He paused. “If there is supposed to be a Harvest Moon tonight, we should see some evidence.”

  “It was not expected last night, but it came anyhow. Something is definitely changing.” He said that any other year, the Harvest Moon would be celebrated for featuring the year’s grandest procession of moonlit nights. This just caused fear.

  “The moon tonight will be special, so we should enjoy it. The Harvest Moon gives an extra dose of lighting for farmers during harvest time. That is how the Harvest Moon gets its name. My concern is that this time, the full moon will behave oppositely. This could cause an extra length of time between the moon rising from one evening to the next.”

  Sanderson said, “This moon is worth observing.”

  “Exactly,” said Solomon. “Although this Harvest Moon may not be bigger or brighter or more colorful than other full moons, we must honor it.” He then bowed and excused himself from the me
eting. He walked out the door humming “Amazing Grace.”

  Chapter Five

  After Solomon asked to be excused from the rest of the private meeting, he was in his office researching all of his notes on the possibility of having back-to-back Harvest Moons, and if it would cause harm. Sanderson and Ingram left him alone to do his work.

  No matter how hard he sought the answer, after nearly an hour and a half, he found that there wasn’t one. Not one he wanted to know, anyway.

  A knock on the door broke his concentration. “Yes, please come in.”

  Ingram opened the door and entered, followed by Sanderson. She looked impatient. “I am here to be your partner,” she said.

  “Solomon,” Ingram stated. “I know it must be frustrating to have an occurrence such as back-to-back Harvest Moons to cause havoc in your research, but maybe Andrea can help. You would be absolutely surprised what her areas of expertise are. It constantly astounds me.”

  “I know that the Harvest Moon is no ordinary full moon. It is going to behave kinda like a sunset for the next couple of days, which is a good thing for farmers.”

  “But bad for your project. Right?”

  Without waiting for an answer, Ingram left the office, closing the door behind him to leave an awkward silence between Sanderson and Solomon.

  Solomon sighed and leaned back in his chair with his fingers intertwined behind his head. He spun around a few times and let off steam by moaning.

  Sanderson walked behind the desk and looked at the open computer. “I hope I’m not stepping on your male ego, but if I’m going to help, I need to see what you’re doing. Jeremy’s right. I have a lot of experience in many things, while others have a lot of experience in one or two things.”

  She talked down to him and it was evident that she didn’t want to be there.

  “If you have pressing matters te attend te, I really don’t mind figuring dis out myself,” he replied, with some aggravation at her attitude.

  “Is it because I’m a woman? Is that it?” she bellowed. “I’ll have you know that nobody gave me anything! I worked hard and for less pay than most men who didn’t know half of what I do! You should be thankful that I even agreed to team up with you in any capacity! If I had the right frame of mind, I’d…”

  “But you didn’t! Did you? And you’re not going to,” he snapped back at her. His patience had reached its limit. He didn’t like allowing himself to be pushed that far, but he had to dissolve the situation before it became even more volatile.

  “I know what you think of me.” He stood up and faced her. “I wasn’t sure if you didn’t like me because I was new, but I believe dat you hate everyone, equally! I have been given a job te do! As far as I can tell, you are not te one who hired me! You are notin’ but a major annoyance, because it doesn’t seem dat you can work witout bellyaching about something dat happened in the past! I was actually looking forward to working with and learning from you, but I’m afraid dat te only ting I could learn from you is how te be bitter at the world for something dat just might be your fault! My mama taught me a long time ago te take responsibility for my own actions and not try te blame others when I fail! I don’t mean no disrespect te your parents, but somebody should have taken a switch te you several times in your youth!”

  He walked over to the door, opened it, and held it open while he glared at her. He lowered his voice. “I ask dat my God help me say dis as nicely as possible, because I don’t want te lower myself to yelling any more than I have te. Please, get out of my office and don’t come back until you can be a civil, positive influence on te outcome of dis research. Tank you and have a good day.”

  Sanderson stood for several seconds with her mouth hanging open in shock. She couldn’t remember when she had ever been talked to like that, but for all intents and purposes, it seemed to work. She gave Solomon a puzzled look as he tried hard not to make eye contact with her. She slowly walked out the door.

  As soon as she had exited his office, she stayed in one position by the door, as if to try to comprehend what had just happened to her.

  As much as he wanted to, Solomon did not slam the door behind her. He closed it gently, then leaned up against it in relief while shaking his head.

  He looked up. “Dear God? I know I will be tested, but it is a constant ting. I’m trying te have patience and strength to deal wit others. Please, be patient wit me.”

  As he looked at his office, he wished that he had Sybil or Eric helping him. He missed his friends and hoped that they were with God. His heart was heavy as his eyes teared up. God rest their souls.

  A knock on the door startled him as he wiped the tears from his eyes. He turned and opened the door after composing himself.

  Ingram stood there with a blank expression. “May I come in?”

  “Come in.” Solomon nodded, as Ingram entered. Solomon closed the door. He walked past his boss and took his seat behind the desk before Ingram could budge.

  Ingram smiled. “Good. You’re taking charge of your position and that pleases me. I can’t stand weakness and besides me, you are the only one who has ever been able to put Andrea in her place. She has a way of intimidating those around her, to the point of tolerating her childish outbursts.”

  Solomon had a sick feeling, as he realized what was going on. “You tink dis is a game? People’s lives are in jeopardy if the double Harvest Moon is what I tink it is.”

  Ingram forced a smile. “Isn’t life a game? It has challenges and competition throughout. You have to stay one step ahead of… well, everyone… if you want to succeed. Trust is not as easy to come by as it was decades ago. People are more self-serving and there are many things that help to promote that ideal. As a species, we claim we want the fairy tale ending and yet, we relish in the pain of others. We love to see our competition fall. Even those who we do not know must suffer so that we can feel better about our own pathetic lives. I would call you ignorant if you believed that there is anything outside of what we see is worth believing anymore.”

  Solomon stood proudly. “I believe in my Lord and Savior. My God in Heaven has strengthened me against the cruelty of dis world. I have faith in tings I cannot see with my physical eyes, but what I can see wit my spiritual ones. I judge no one for how they see life and what they believe in. I am just proud to hang on to my beliefs no matter what happens to my flesh.”

  Ingram smiled again. “I wish I had your passion, Solomon. You passed again.”

  “Another test?” Solomon grunted. “I have to tell you, sir. Ever since my first assignment, not only has it been very crazy and fast-paced around here, but I have been tested. Should not te tests have been before you decided to hire me? I know dis is te way you do tings, but I honestly don’t know how much more I can take.”

  “Fair enough,” Ingram responded, without thinking about what he would say. “I promise you, now the tests are finished. Despite my university tenure, I have been involved in various business matters from time to time. I’m afraid I’ve developed a tough hide to go along with my distrust in the human race for the most part. I created these tests to put those I have already hired through the ringer, if you will. I feel that most people have their guards down once they have been hired, which makes it easier to test their true natures.”

  “I am today as I was yesterday. I cannot change dat quickly and I wouldn’t want te anyway. If we can get past all of dis, I would like to hear more about dis saboteur.”

  ***

  Solomon sat at his desk, staring at his stapler and wondering how he ever got so overwhelmed. It took Ingram a while to explain about the alleged corporate terrorism. He was surprised that Ingram didn’t have any more information as to who was involved. Solomon actually supplied them with more information than they had before when he talked about the moon. He said, “A Harvest Moon qualifies as a super moon—the moon’s closest point to earth for the month. The unusual size of the moon seen near the horizon seems to be something entirely new. The thing that made this a
supermoon this year was that the moon turned full about one hour after reaching the lunar stage.”

  Ingram said he found that to be fascinating, and assured Solomon that he didn’t have to work on his special task force anymore with Sanderson. He gave him the choice of working on it by himself or just washing his hands of it altogether.

  Solomon didn’t want to take anything away from the experience that Sanderson brought to the table, but he figured he could do more to find things out by himself since he was going to approach it differently. Ingram set things in motion to remove Sanderson from finding out who was attacking the project as well.

  Solomon knew that would score even less points with her, but he really believed he could find out more and convinced his boss of it, too. After talking more with Ingram, he saw that even though he was close with Sanderson, his boss didn’t care too much for the way she operated or her attitude. If he didn’t need her expertise, he wouldn’t have even considered her.

  Solomon wasn’t afraid to do something that Sanderson frowned upon. He was going to play a hunch.

  Since he figured out that the intruder made himself known on full moons and attacked during the Harvest Moon, he might actually be able to catch him that night. He had to believe that for the first time ever, a Harvest Moon would appear in back-to-back nights, even though it was more feasible that he could have been wrong about his information.

  He would soon find out.

  ***

  Ingram made sure that a younger and stronger guard was going to be working that night when Solomon approached him with his plan. Ingram was excited at the possibility that they might catch the saboteur on Solomon’s second night of work.

  Solomon wanted Ingram to understand that everything had to look normal. As professional as that intruder was, he might have known if something or someone was out of place. Solomon was banking on a notion that the intruder might believe that the project wouldn’t dream of being attacked for a second night in a row.

  That’s what made it so perfect.