Pool_2

upstairs utility room as one could see from the pipes. Tile. This was not the best place for drilling microphones into the floor above. An attic, depending on how it was finished, would probably be better than this. But there was a computer here in the downstairs office. Maybe there's something in there. Wouldn't hurt to check it out. Marcus was breathing through a face mask which he quickly assembled from his two socks. He was, once again practicing, practicing, repetitiously practicing. This he stopped, along with his heart, as a creaking noise and light clearly indicated that the attic trap door was being opened. There was a loud metallic clack of the unfolding ladder slapping into position. Upward bound stepping sounds were terminated by a loud dull thump and a "Damn!" Mick struck his head on the center beam of the low roof. "Can't see shit," feeling the attic floor. "Hmmm. Beautiful, just insulation. Steve! Forget the basement. The attic's perfect! " Marcus thought, yeah, perfect. Steve called back, "Hey Mick!" "What?" "Basement sucks, but there's a computer down here, I'm going to check it out. OK?" this voice was getting louder as it neared. "Yeah. Good idea. Bring up the kit in five minutes. I'll get the spaces cleared." He was measuring. The sounds of a steel tape measure being extended and reeled in was alternated with humming. The tune was not one he knew if it was a tune at all. Insulation was being pushed aside. More metallic tape noises followed and more insulation was set aside. "Lemee see." Marcus could hear Steve ascending the ladder for his own look. Thump. "Shit! Low. Damn, watch the nails! You know, Mick, it would be easy to place charges up here. We