Knight on the Rocks

by Brin Donovan

FLAG is a relatively new organization, and word is beginning to get out about the work they do. They've been asked to investigate something odd in the world of mining. Michael has been sent to Colorado to find out what's going on. And maybe he can even get in some rock climbing while he's there. Meanwhile, Kitt is still learning much about his driver – and partner – Michael Knight.

1. Prologue

Devon was in his office with a guest when he heard a knock. Looking up, he saw Michael at the door. "Ah, Michael, there you are. Do come in. Mr. Harlow, this is Michael Knight. Michael, Archibald Harlow." The two men shook hands. "Mr. Harlow, if you could share your story with Michael."

"Sure, no problem. Or maybe there is a problem. I'm still not sure."

"Start at the beginning?" suggested Michael. "Usually works best."

"Right. Well, I am the owner of Harlow Mining. We're a small family operation with a handful of shafts, all located in Colorado."

"You don't –"

"Look like either a muscle-bound miner or a fat-cat mine operator?" Harlow laughed. "I take after my mother's family: tall and lanky. Even played basketball in high school. I took over Harlow Mining from my father, who is retired and enjoying himself. Anyway, like I was telling Mr. Miles before you got here, I'm not 100 percent sure there is a problem . . ."

Michael prompted, "But . . ."

Harlow grabbed a piece of paper and quickly sketched something, then handed the paper to Michael and Devon. "The X at the top, that's Harlow Mining's shaft. The two Xs at the bottom, those are mines belonging to two other companies. The shading on the left and right, those are state parks. The land in the middle is private land, belonging to the Summers."

"Not a mining family, I take it?" asked Devon.

"Not really. The land was originally owned by the Brinleys. Nice couple. Outdoors folks: into camping, hiking, that sort of thing. Died in a car accident a couple of years ago. Mrs. Summers was Mrs. Brinley's sister, and she and her husband inherited the land." Harlow ran his hand through his hair. "Recently, Andringa Mining started selling molybdenum. It's a mineral used in steel alloys. Tenth most common ore mined in the US, as a matter of fact."

"Let me guess: the mines in this area are molybdenum mines."

"It's a common mineral in Colorado: there's molybdenum under the state land, too." Harlow sighed and ran his hand through his hair again. "Now, maybe nothing's going on. Maybe Andringa Mining found a new vein or cut a deal with a smaller operator to work their vein."

"Or?"

"Or they've taken advantage of the Summerses. Could even be mining on state land."

"Why are you asking the Foundation for Law and Government to get involved, Mr. Harlow?" asked Devon.

"I attended a presentation you gave to a small business group I belong to. Five, maybe six weeks ago. You talked about the Foundation, its mission, the help it could give. This whole situation . . . well, something just doesn't set right about it. But I really don't have enough to go to the police. When I found myself here on vacation, I thought I would stop by and talk to you."

"You thought this was something we could look into," said Michael.

"More or less."

"Mr. Harlow, the Foundation –"

Michael interrupted Devon. "If we look into this, we go where the evidence takes us."

"That's why I thought of you. Maybe nothing's going on, maybe just some unsavory business tactics, maybe even illegal activities. Honestly, I just want to know."

Devon glanced at Michael, who nodded once. "The Foundation will investigate this and get back to you. With whatever we find.