39
Braden exited into the courtyard, dialing Seamus through the VOIP application, and Seamus answered with a flustered tone.
“Hey, it’s Braden. You sound like you’re in the gym working out.”
“I’m on the M7 fighting through the Muppet tourists. Frog called today. Our black friend is in town and wants to meet.”
“Now? It’s a week early.”
“Yeah, I know. This shit has been one short circuit after another. Nothing I can do about it. I’m on my way to Dublin. What’s up with you?”
“Got the Snapchat. They’re tucked in tight. It’ll look good.”
“You sure you got the geolocation feature on?”
“Yeah, yeah. It’s there. I tested it on Google Maps before I took the video. It spotted me right where I was supposed to be.”
“And it’s on Wi-Fi? Not the cell network?”
Braden let a little aggravation come through. “Yes, just like you told me. How about a little trust?”
“Sorry. We have to give them just a taste. Make them work for it. Make them feel smart. We can’t be obvious.”
“Well, I did what Kevin said to do. I can’t tell you how smart it is.”
“It’ll be good enough. Where are the captures?”
“In the apartment.”
“They under control?”
“Yeah, but that Marine recognized the explosives. He knows this won’t end well.”
“Is that going to be a problem?”
“No. Not as long as I keep people there. We had to smack him around a bit, but they’ll do what’s necessary to survive.”
“Do they know what’s planned?”
“Of course not. But they suspect. Even a chicken suspects when you show it the axe.”
“Keep them under control. We’re close. The diversion goes, the Serbs get their jewels, the Americans spin around in confusion trying to figure out how we set a trap, we kill a hostage, and then the money will flow. I promise, the money will flow.”
“When do I send the Snapchat? I have to let Ratko know. He has to be ready.”
“I don’t know just yet. Let me figure out what the fucking Somali has in mind. Probably tomorrow. Are the Serbs in town yet?”
“No, damn it. I told them I would give them a warning. They aren’t here and won’t execute tomorrow.”
“Okay, fine. Calm down. Give them two days.”
“I will, but you’d better be ready to execute. They’re not of a mind to give us favors.”