“Did you see that video he made? That was obscene! It makes us no better than they are.”
“If you believe that, you’re too stupid to be in this business, Clyde. We were much better. That was our side with the knife in the video. I’m not debating this with you. I thought you had promise. I’m beginning to think you’re more of a liability than an asset. I hope you keep your mouth shut, Clyde, and do everything Paul tells you to without hesitation or comment. Otherwise, I don’t like your chances of staying in government service.”
Nick stood. He reached out and shook hands with MacEachern. “Pleasure meeting you, Robyn. Anytime we need a hand here in the Northwest, I’ll give you a call. Thanks for the Lodge setting. It’s beautiful.”
She held out a card, and Nick took it. “That’s my private number. You call, and I’ll help in any way you need, on the books or off.”
“I appreciate that.”
“No problem. Thanks for freeing me from the book tour deal. It’s not exactly my line of work. I feel the same way as you do about this ridiculous ‘War on Terror’ they claim we’re fighting. If you need an extra hand in my neighborhood, don’t hesitate to call. Bye Nick, bye Clyde.” MacEachern walked to the door.
Bacall gave her a wave, but stayed silent.
“Bye Robyn,” Nick said. “You and I have nothing further to say to one another, Clyde. If we need you, I’ll call. Don’t forget to keep your mouth shut about all of this. Let the story play out. With what they found in that lab, there will be plenty of cover for us all.”
Bacall stood, pushing his chair back with his rage on a short leash. Nick grinned. “Don’t say anything that I have to cut your Adam’s apple out for, Clyde. Get out, and have yourself a good day, alive and well.”
Bacall left without another word. When Nick heard the door slam shut, he slipped his stiletto inside his front jeans pocket again. He sat down, enjoying his still warm Irish coffee. Nick called Paul Gilbrech.
“I didn’t expect to hear from you this early. I just had a short call from your protégé, Clyde though,” Gilbrech joked with Nick.
“Good one. You may have been right about Clyde. I’m trying to keep him alive, but he’s not helping. How’s everything looking from your viewpoint in DC?”
“Fabulous for the Republic, but not so good for the ‘Terrorists just need jobs’ crowd. They were a bit shocked by the video you cartoons filmed. It went viral in an hour. YouTube knocked it off, but it was pirated with our help to hundreds of outlets worldwide. The Middle East is on fire with indignation and outrage. In America, they want to give the Unholy Trio a tickertape parade. People are sick to death of watching our people get butchered, and genocide done without a single response other than crocodile tears.”
“It was a large body count, and you’ve seen the armory they had underground there. These suckers were training for a huge hit somewhere. They were delayed by our strikes on the East Coast. I was hoping you’d get some indication as to who or what they’re planning to hit out here when the briefcase with Malik Handal’s laptop and flash-drives arrive in DC. Although I’m certain Aman and Handal didn’t know a specific target, they don’t have the other puzzle pieces you do in DC.”
“They’re on the way by special courier. I believe you’re right, and the strike will be in the West somewhere, but I’m hoping for something more specific once we plug in the data from Handal. It may be you goofball cartoons delayed another major attack with the hit this morning. Once they dissect the info from Handal’s briefcase I’ll let you know if a targeted area becomes clearer.”
“Goofball cartoons? I think I resent that. Just wait until the ‘Unholy Trio’ flush out the ‘Seattle Ripper’. Have my unfortunate US Marshal friends contacted you after their Sadun ordeal? They knew than to call me even on a secure line.”
“Yep. They’re fine, but now involved in a manhunt for Sadun, whom they already know is beyond anyone’s reach here on earth. I put in a word at the DOJ their consultant will need them in Seattle soon to work on the Ripper case.”
“Good. I need them to run interference for me with the ‘Criminal Minds’ FBI serial killer wing. Grace is caustic, but she has talent as a liaison with the federal and local people and their sometimes comical task forces.”
“I’m a little concerned with you consulting officially on a case where El Muerto takes part on the physical end.”
“I know, Paul. I’m getting the same static from Payaso. He’s become the Unholy Trio’s official wet blanket. El Muerto has reduced him in rank from sidekick to minion.”
Nick grinned and swallowed the last of his Irish coffee while listening to Gilbrech’s enjoyment of Payaso’s punishment.
“Call me… if you need me… Muerto.” Gilbrech disconnected.
Chapter Twelve
Ripper