by R E Swirsky
CHAPTER 50
Wednesday 15:25 Paris, France
“I’m really sorry, Diane. I have to take this call.”
She gave him a defeated look. She knew there was no chance of winning against Nathaniel’s cell phone this trip. At least she didn’t get emotional this time. She actually seemed more tolerant about it today. He turned away quickly and tucked the phone up to his ear, trying not to let Diane see it wasn’t his personal phone.
“You don’t need to try and hide it,” she said coarsely. “I’ve known about the two phones for days now. Is it your friend again?”
There was nothing to be gained by denying it or acting surprised. “It’s business,” he said. He faked a smile at her, mouthed the word ‘sorry,’ and took the call as he exited the hotel room and headed down into the lobby. “Nate here.”
“Where are we, Nate?” Geordie’s tone was firm, and Nathaniel was immediately rattled.
“It’s almost over,” he replied working hard to sound composed.
“Have you got him? Kaito?”
“Not yet, but he’s not going anywhere.”
Geordie’s fury came like a wave of heat through the phone at Nathaniel. “Damn, Nate! I told you to bag him! Is Jack or Lucas there with you?”
“Jack’s watching Metcalf and Lucas is outside Kaito’s hotel.” The question felt insulting, as if he couldn’t handle the job without their help. And he was in Paris, so of course they weren’t with him. The old man was becoming senile. “And we couldn’t bag him. He’s surrounded himself with security.”
“Oh, he has, has he?”
“We’re waiting for an opportunity. We’ll take him.”
“It’s been four damn days already! What the hell kind of an opportunity are you waiting for?”
Geordie expected results and the tone of voice made it very clear that he was disappointed. This whole event was becoming tiresome, and after his little chat with Kaito, some things weren’t sitting right. He now had his own questions for Geordie.
“Did you know the Russian was taken up that mountain before he died in the auto accident?”
“Mountain? No.” He paused a moment. “Did you get rid of that kid yet?”
Did Geordie just sidestep his question on purpose?
“I’m not done with the him yet, but I want to know if you knew what happened up on the mountain.”
“What do you mean, you’re not done with him? He’s collateral and you need to get rid of him. I know this is hard for you, Nate.” He paused. “Do you think you’re too close?” His voice suddenly calmed. “I think maybe you are. How about I call someone over there to that handle this problem for you? Then you can stay focused on our problem with Kaito. Would you like me to do that?”
Something definitely wasn’t right. It felt like he was in a dance again, and the devil was most certainly leading. For Geordie to suddenly offer more help after slamming the door on Saturday was truly out of character.
“I can handle him…” he paused on purpose to make a point, “…once I’m done with him. But I asked you about the mountain. Did you know?”
“Damn you, Nate! I asked you to get rid of that kid. If you’re not up to it, I will have someone else take care of it. Maybe Jack or Lucas. Now tell me, are you going to take care of him, or do I have to step in here and call someone?”
Geordie was purposely evading the question. He did know. Of course he did.
“I’ve moved him.”
“Who? The kid?”
No, the dead Russian, you manipulative bastard! He wanted to say it, but he didn’t. “Yes, the kid.” Even repeating Geordie’s words sounded derogatory. The kid has a name. “I’m bringing Taka back home.”
“Listen to me. I told you to make that package go away. What the hell are you up to?”
“This is my call, Geordie.” Calling Geordie by name felt awkward. It almost felt like Geordie expected a ‘your highness’ or ‘master’ when being addressed. If there was such a thing as a good time to stand up to Geordie, Nate felt this was it. There was just something wrong about the way Geordie kept pushing while running interference at the same time. In all of Nate’s years leading operations, this had never happened before.
Piss off, Geordie. I’m handling this, so butt out! is what he wanted to say, but he knew better. “No one is telling me to erase any package,” he said instead. “I’ll decide what happens to him when I’m done with him. It’s my call.”
Geordie exploded. “Your call? Your call?! None of this is your call! I’ll tell you exactly what you are going to do, and you are going to listen!”
Geordie’s rant was too much for Nathaniel, and he was struggling to keep his cool. He pulled the phone away from his ear and stared down at it as Geordie continued to rant. His hand was trembling. He slowly lifted the phone back to his ear once Geordie was done with his torrent and the speaker went silent.
“I’m sorry, Geordie, but I’m doing this my way. I’ll call you when it’s over.”
“Don’t you dare hang up on me! I’m not finished speaking to you!”
Nathaniel pressed END CALL.
A moment later, his phone buzzed. It was Geordie. He pushed IGNORE.
