Nick left everything in place, including the laptop. He turned on his com unit. “Security chief Alvarez reporting in.”
“How’d it go, Nick? Not a peep or an alarm down here except the security details scurrying around trying to find out what happened to their system. You still have seven minutes.”
“I’m on my way down, shedding my disguise as I go. It all went smooth and I received a nice bonus. You get a ten percent cut, as does our very nice boss. Omar made an educational video tape for me outlining his relationship to Princess Di so I’ll have even more ammo to go after my big game trophy. I plan to leave our meeting with her figurative head mounted.”
“I texted Paul as you talked. The Homeland guys are on their way. I see you.”
The two men exited the Ritz without further interaction. When they were on their way to the hotel room where Salvatore was held, Clyde couldn’t resist asking the question.
“You said there’s a bonus. What did you mean by that? Ten percent of what. You’ve already given me some very nice bonus money.”
“Not like this, my friend. Ten percent of the take on this job is two mil each for you and Paul,” Nick replied. “And you thought wet work didn’t pay.”
Clyde nearly wrecked the government sedan they were riding in to Nick’s amusement.
*
Ken answered the door and stepped to the side. “I’ve heard your mission was successful. Paul called and told me to have Phil get ready to go. He says you meet with Cameron in one hour.”
“Great. Did Phil give you a bad time?”
“No. He was very quiet after you left. Pouty would be my description, but quiet.”
Nick smiled. “Yep. That’s my Phil. I’m glad Paul arranged the meeting so quickly. We’ll have some decent down time before my meeting tomorrow with the ambassador. I’m sure you know about our having to take care of the Algerian Ambassador. He’s become a dangerous entity to have on USA soil.”
“I’ve been briefed, Nick. Do you need me for something other than babysitting?”
“Since this meeting will be on neutral ground with only a half hour warning tomorrow morning, I could use you to drive for Clyde and I in one of those big official government vehicles with plenty of show. You can bind Phil if you want on the front passenger seat. It pays one mil.”
Ken grinned. “Very funny. Paul didn’t say you had a sense of humor other than killer comic characters. I’m fine with driving. Phil and I have an understanding.”
“The Omar job paid a big dividend, Ken. You get one mil for driving and babysitting.”
“Well damn… give me the address for the meeting. For a mil, I’ll go kill the ambassador for you.”
Nick and Clyde enjoyed Ken’s offer with much amusement. “Not necessary, Agent Carter, but I’d appreciate having a driver so Clyde would be with me without the vehicle distraction. I’m going to take a shower before my Princess Di audience. Her royal highness will be descending the throne shortly. Did Paul mention whether he would be releasing the news about Fontaine’s death before the meeting?”
“He did mention it would be in bulletin form within the hour,” Ken answered. “I’m sure she’ll be informed of his death the moment it hits the news in any form or rumor.”
“Outstanding,” Nick said. “I’ll be right out. Tell pouty to put on whatever he’s dressing up as.”
“Will do,” Ken said. “He didn’t expect the body search I did after you left. He had a hideaway phone.”
Nick sighed. “Of course he did. He’s a piece of work. I guess that’s why he’s pouting in his room, huh?”
“Affirmative.”
“I’ll be outside with the car, Nick,” Clyde said.
“Okay, Clyde.” Nick went into the bedroom where he had the suit he would be wearing to meet with the Senator. He had a spot built inside the suit coat that would hide his Beretta with silencer. It would be best if you don’t give me a reason to pull my new piece or we’re going to give the authorities another slug sample from your head, Di.
*
Inside Senator Cameron’s lavish apartment, Nick and Phil were shown to a greeting room by the house maid. A stern faced Diane Cameron sat behind a huge desk like a grade school teacher with a chip on her shoulder. She pointed at Nick.
“I know all about you, McCarty.”
“No, you really don’t,” Nick replied. “If you did, you’d be packing your things together, and hoping you’d still be alive to move them somewhere else.”
Cameron stood propping fists on the desk. “Is that a threat?”