Andy: "I hear you've been out of town."
Chris: "Yes."
Andy: "I didn't realize we had negotiated vacation time into your contract."
Chris: "Vacation? No, it was purely a business trip."

Andy: "Business? For a month?"
Chris: "Yes, I was away doing research."
Andy: "And what were you researching?"
Chris: "I was researching the target, of course."

Andy: "You do realize that my people have already completed a thorough background investigation of Marion McMally, don't you? Frankly, the woman is about as dull as a spoon."
Chris: "Of course. But I have reason to believe they didn't uncover all of her dirty little secrets."
Andy: "Oh really?"

Chris: "Sure. The girl is obviously a bit cracked, even before I got involved."
Andy: "And what, pray tell, did you find?"
Chris: "Well…"

Chris: "She used to be fat!"
Andy: "She used to be fat? That's it?"
Chris: "I met up with one of her old college chums. They used to be roommates - she had pictures."

Andy: "I see. So you've spent a month's worth of your time, time I pay you very well for, to find out that she used to be fat? And you want to do what with this information, make heifer jokes until she cries?"
Chris: "No, sir. It was strictly unpaid time."

Andy was silent for what seemed like an eternity. Truth be told, Chris just wanted to get the hell out of Deception Pass, especially after his confrontation with James. It took him a few nights to fully heal, and then he had simply started driving. It wasn't until he saw the sign for Northern California College of Art and Design that he remembered what he'd read in the file Stone's people had put together. Mary had attended college here.

By then, his nerves had calmed enough and common sense told him Stone would find him, no matter where he went. He decided to find out as much about Mary McMally as he could. The job was getting more and more difficult, even without the added interference of James Selwyn. He could use every last bit of information he could find. Besides, he loved a good mystery.

Although he hadn't found anything definite, he was starting to put the pieces together. It was purely speculative at this point, and he decided not to mention anything further about his finding to Stone. Just yet. Maybe once he got something a little more solid.

Andy: "I'm glad to hear it. However, let's not waste any more time. The job is nearly over. I want you make an appearance at my Christmas party tonight."
Chris: "What time?"
Andy: "I'll call to let you know as soon the right moment comes along."