“That sounded interesting, partner,” Gus remarked. “Your agent’s unknowingly covering our terrorist play, huh?”
“She even threw in an added stop in Seattle,” Nick replied. “It’s Karma, brother. I believe the serial killer’s luck has hit the deadline Karma train track leading only one place. He will board, unaware he’s traveling with the Unholy Trio, accompanied by possibly OG, the herald of doom.”
“I like just ‘Geezer’ better,” Dan said. “The only thing I am is a herald of my own doom playing around with you bunch. I’m in all the way for this by the way.”
“We can use you, OG,” Nick replied. “I’m glad you’re coming along. I can’t say you’re the conscience for our group, because the ‘Unholy Trio’ doesn’t have much of a conscience anyway. Your input is welcome though no matter what. Neil hasn’t called. I’m wondering if his imagination is running away with him about our antics in ending the mugging gang. I hope he doesn’t start making life miserable around our Pacific Grove base. I wish there were some way to adopt him into the fold, but it’s just too damn risky.”
“Did you hear that, John,” Gus asked. “El Muerto is finally worrying a bit about the local police force putting two and two together in spite of his crappy e-mailed conclusions as the Pacific Grove police force ‘Castle’.”
“Yes, I am impressed by his reticence to put us all behind bars.”
Nick began a smartass retort, only to be interrupted by yet another call, this one from his boss in name only, CIA Director Paul Gilbrech. “Paul, old buddy, how’s it hangin’?”
“It’s a go, Nick,” Paul stated with no preamble. “The powers that be want the serial killer terrorizing Seattle and the Isis compound near Olympia. You have a get out of jail free card no matter what you do to end either threat. I’m putting it into writing to you with my signature.”
Nick stayed silent for a moment, absorbing what such a guarantee would entail. “Damn, Paul, you’ve bludgeoned any response I have into sand. How exactly does such a thing happen in your reality, pal?”
“More and more big name people are seated at the table since all these Isis executions with public outrage have surfaced in the media. I want it all stopped, Nick. Do it with your comic book identities, or anything else you envision. I’m writing off on it. Screw these whack jobs, and their politically correct nonsense! I know one thing: if I back you, at least I know whatever the hell you do will be for America.”
“You have chosen wisely,” Nick replied. “We are on it right now as we speak. Your attitude is a game changer, my friend. I will do everything in my power to make sure it comes out in our favor.”
“I know you will. Talk to you soon… I hope.”
Nick heard the disconnect with a grin. “Well… alright then. That call was a little over the top from what I’m used to. We have cover never before experienced. God only knows how real it is, but Paul’s signing on personally. About the only thing that guarantees though is we get to sit in the interrogation room with the CIA Director.”
“Meaning we don’t know how many people Paul read in on this mission, right?”
“That about covers it, Gus. Whatever we do, we’ll be looking to get screwed like always. If we’re really getting blown angel kisses then whoopee. I want to hear from our US Marshal contingent. They don’t lie, because they know I can smell it on them. Cassie told me two weeks before this that my publisher can have an emergency first numbered edition of ‘Assassin’s Folly’ delivered on site for a signing. If things keep progressing in our favor, we’ll go North early, and recon our hunting grounds.
“I heard you mention the name of the new novel might be ‘Dark Interlude’,” Dan said. “I think a better title might be ‘Dolt’s Delight’ or ‘Washout in Washington’ or-”
“That’s enough out of you fossil.”
Chapter Three
Home Adjustments
Nick walked his crew to the door after they said goodbye to Rachel and Jean. “I’ll call you guys with an update the moment Neil calls me with his horrible discovery of dead thugs. That was a good session with mapping moves on paper. We’ll be ready when I get the word from Cassie. This may be really good, timing wise. I’m thinking maybe we can take care of the Seattle Slasher, or whatever the idiots in the media are calling him.”