Page 16 of (Mostly) Human Resources

Nic and Zach exchanged a look.

“Great, so, Elliot, the Hollow Walker … Can you share with me what you told my colleague?”

“Yes, it really is interesting. At least,Ithink so, since it isn’t my usual case.”

“So you’ve seen it?” Nic could barely contain his excitement.

“Well, not exactly.”

Nic frowned.

Elliot rambled on, “The locals have been talking about it, and my contact showed me vegetative abnormalities on his property he believes are signs that it’s been hanging around.” Elliot paused to take a bite of something. He chewed and swallowed before continuing. “Sam says he’s never seen mushrooms like the ones he’s got growing in his yard, not in his forty-seven years of living there.”

One of the few records in the Archives indicated there was an unusual mycelial network that sprung up in the wake of the Hollow Walker. It had never been definitively proven of course, but if there were mushrooms present that weren’t indigenous to the area, then it was compelling enough for Nic.

“Was there anything else?” Nic tried not to sound too eager. “Did he mention anything else, specifically vegetative?”

“Yeah, he did—a moss of some sort, said it didn’t belong. It struck me as odd given there’s so much moss in these parts. But he was adamant that thisparticularmoss wasn’t normal.”

Nic couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He beamed at Zach, who gave him an I-told-you-so grin. The kid actually had a lead.

Nic finally had a lead.

“Elliot,” Nic interrupted. “I need you to type up everything you’ve learned, even the stuff you’ve already mentioned, and send it to me in an email. I’d like to look into your findings.”

“Oh man, Iknewthere was something going on out here,” he exclaimed. “I’ll send everything I have over today, and then I’ll head up to—”

“Yes, yes, that’s excellent,” Nic cut him off. “Just send it as quickly as you can.”

“Sure thing, but what have you heard about Mer—”

“Uh-huh, sure.” Nic wasn’t listening anymore, his mind was already racing. Zach handed him back Alexys Keane’s folder, and he accepted it greedily. “So, yeah, it’s Nic dot Dyre, with a Y, thanks, Elliot. Speak again soon.”

CHAPTER 9

“We believe in providing constructive feedback that promotes growth, not just performance. Embrace challenges, encourage collaboration, and always strive for excellence.”

Entity Employee Handbook: HR Edition

“I’m guessing coffee is on me this morning?” Alexys perched on Natalie’s desk, grinning down at her. Natalie suppressed a yawn.

“You better believe it,” Natalie quipped. “You and your nightmares, I swear.”

Alexys shrugged apologetically and said, “It’s not like I have them on purpose.”

Natalie waved away her apology and rose from her desk.

“Come on, let’s go. I’ve earned a quick break.” They headed down to the cafeteria where dozens of Entity employees milled around, indulging in a late buffet breakfast or else holding their team meetings at the round tables.

Once they’d ordered, Alexys gave Natalie a light nudge. “I really am sorry for waking you. I feel silly now, if it’s any consolation.”

Natalie gave her a look. “Don’t worry about it. I’d rather you call me than sit in the dark and cry.”

“I didn’t cry,” Alexys grumbled. She had screamed, sure, but she hadn’t cried. She had abitof bravery in her—she liked to think. “And I certainly didn’t sit in the dark.”

“I know, you’re an all-lights-on kind of girl.” Natalie chuckled.

“Not funny, and yes, you would be too.”