Harding laughed. “Have it your way. I hope the assets overseas are as dependable as you think they are.”
“That makes two of us,” Nick replied, holding the rear van door open for his crew.
“Are the two going in with Muerto at Pilot Hill primed for their part,” Gus asked as he entered the van behind Johnny, Issac and Cala.
“Believe me, Fernando and Senta have only one purpose in life – to please Cruella Deville,” John replied. “You’ll see when we get to Pain Central. It’s good to see you again, Issac. I’m glad you were able to come on mission.”
“It is good to see you too, Sir,” Issac said. “I am very excited to be a part of this. St. Lucia is experiencing an influx of Muslims. A hundred Isis recruits from the other islands have flown to Syria.”
“I heard about that. Nick told me you have a house now in Pacific Grove. How are you adjusting to the weather?”
“I am freezing my ass off, John.” Issac replied in a hushed voice, avoiding Nick’s smiling glare. “I was promised the sun and all I have been given is an icy wind.”
“Nobody promised you anything, Cheeto breath.” Nick handed Issac his large equipment bag. “You’re going to clean my helicopter when we get back, young man.”
“So, you have a Cheeto addiction, huh Issac?”
“I have a weakness for them, John,” Issac admitted. “They are so plentiful here. It is mean though to call me ‘Cheeto breath’.”
“You’ll survive. Get in the van. I’m riding in the front with John,” Nick said.
*
Carone and Bulgar sat on chairs with heads bowed near the meeting table. Nick didn’t need more than a glance to tell the two were broken. Everyone, including Sal and Chuck from Red Dragon Security, sat at the meeting table at Pain Central. Lynn’s personal assistants Dannie and Amara watched Clint Jr. and Mia in the theater room. Tonto had already sniffed out the newcomers and escorted them to the table for heartfelt greetings.
“I see what you mean about our helpers.” Nick walked next to Fernando and Senta. They immediately became attentive. “Hello there, Fernando. John tells me you and Senta are well rehearsed in what we will be saying at the compound.”
“Show Muerto how well prepared you both are, my good little helpers,” Lynn said.
The pair stood. They took stock of their movements and facial expressions before standing next to each other as if standing on the compound’s doorstep. Their absolutely perfect dialogue, delivered without tremor or wavering tone, impressed Nick so much he clapped the cringing Fernando on the back.
“Outstanding! How did the introductory call to Al-Kadi go, Fernando?”
“Al-Kadi acted supremely interested,” Fernando answered. “The Mistress of the Unimaginable made a recording, Sir.”
Lynn started the audio call in to Al-Kadi to set a time for their visit. Nick listened intently, hearing the relief in Al-Kadi’s voice. Fernando discussed the need and reason for his moving the Tempest to a new anchorage. Al-Kadi agreed with all of Fernando’s suggestions about keeping the ship’s position and radio silence for the time being until it became safe to reposition the Tempest.
“You are incredible, Lynn,” Nick said. “I may be able to do a lot of damage inside. If this works the way I hope, I will kill the guards with Al-Kadi, pick a spot for an ambush within the room I meet him in, and have Saran-wrap scream for help. The number of guards answering his distress call may reduce the number of soldiers inside significantly.”
“Damn good, Dead boy,” Lucas said, getting nods of agreement around the table. “We could move then on the perimeter in full force. Clint can spearhead the house entry with Tonto when we clear it.”
“What happens when Nick tells you to get down, my darlings,” Lynn asked Senta.
“We drop to our faces on the floor with fingers locked behind our heads, Mistress,” Senta answered without hesitation. “We do not move until ordered to.”
“Very good, Senta. I believe we’re as ready for this as we can be, Muerto.”
“Yep. They’ve activated too many lone wolf attacks, probably orchestrated right out of a cell training center like Pilot Hill. It’s payback time for the lives lost while our leaders busily tried to strip us of the weapons to defend ourselves.”
“Thanks for a part in this,” Sal said. “Chuck and I have been going nuts watching these chicken shit attacks.”
“What are you using in the big house for weaponry, Nick?”
Nick hesitated a moment which furrowed Lucas’s brow. “I’ll show you, Chuck. I read the reports on when Senta was with Al-Kadi. She was required to wear a burka at all times. Isn’t that true, Senta?”