“And what will you say?”
“I don’t know; it’s never happened before. They’re always with me.”
“You’ll say you had a problem with them, and you dealt with it. It’s just you this time.”
“Yeah, okay, man. Whatever.”
“What’s being delivered?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Mason squinted.
“I swear, I don’t know. Mr. A’s always paranoid.”
“Where do you pick up the goods?”
Michaels looked back and forth as if someone were eavesdropping. “Shelter Island Marina.”
Mason waited for more.
“Alisio’s partner in South Korea owns three commercial fishing boats. One of them goes out to sea to get the goods from the yacht.”
“That would be the oceangoing luxury yacht I mentioned, correct?”
Michaels’s tone held resentment. “Yeah, man, the Yoonsuh. Cost thirty million.”
“The best blood-money can buy. So the fishing boat comes back to Shelter Island and the goods are off-loaded?”
“Yeah, that’s how it goes down.”
“The goods are then transferred into a truck or van?”
“Usually it’s a truck, but this time we’re using a van.”
“Where’s the van?”
“It’s already in the parking lot at the marina.”
“So there are two parts to the deal. The delivery of the goods to the dock, then the exchange of the goods for payment, right?”
Michaels nodded.
“Where does the exchange go down?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Chip grabbed his head again.
“I swear! I get that info after the stuff arrives. They never use the same place twice. They give me GPS coordinates once the fishing boat arrives.”
“Who are they?”
“I don’t know ’em personally, man. South Korean mafia. That’s all I know.”
“When do you get the call?”
“Usually within the hour. I park someplace safe and wait.”
“If you’re lying to me—”
“I’m not lying; that’s how it goes down every time. The only thing that’s different tonight is what’s being delivered.”
“And you don’t know what it is?”
“No way, man. It’s none of my business. I’m just an expensive delivery boy.”
Mason didn’t believe him.
CHAPTER 24
When Nathan received Harv’s call, the only activity on his cell had been from the security guard he’d sent inside the hospital. His man confirmed making contact with Holly. Nathan had asked if she was alone, and the answer was yes. Was Holly on the phone? Again, yes. Apparently, she didn’t have time to answer his texts or return his calls. He couldn’t worry about it. If Holly didn’t think checking in with him was important right now, so be it. There wasn’t much he could do. He supposed he could go down there, but he didn’t want to force things. If Holly wanted some space, he’d give it to her. Still, the lack of communication bothered him.
They were in a situation where Mason could reappear at any minute. At least she had backup. He personally knew the guard he’d sent inside. He was a capable, intelligent, and well-trained man.
He hustled down the parking structure’s ramp and waited near the ticket-dispensing machine. There was no sense having Harv enter the garage again.
When Harv pulled into the ER’s driveway, he flashed his high beams.
Nathan dashed through the rain and got in. “How’s Karen?”
“Still in shock. I think she can handle the plan, though. She’s meeting Cindy at Lindbergh’s long-term lot like you suggested. She wanted me to thank you again for the cash.”
“Good to hear.”
“Holly?”
“She’s gone dark on me.”
“I don’t think it’s intentional. She’s got her hands full now that the FBI’s officially involved and Lansing’s calling the shots. It’s possible he told her to disengage.”
“Yeah, you could be right.”
“I’m sure she’ll check in as soon as she comes up for air.”
Nathan tensed as his phone buzzed. He checked the screen. “You must be prophetic. She just sent me a text. It says, ‘All quiet in here. Thanks for the backup. Two SAs on the way. ETA ten minutes. Lansing’s very concerned. Buried right now. Do you want your security guard to avoid contact with our SAs?’”
Nathan sent, Yes, better if he avoids contact with everyone but you.
She responded: I’ll call you later, and added a smiley face at the end.
Nathan read their exchange to Harv.
“See? You’re overthinking things.”
“If you say so.”
They arrived at First Security a few minutes later. Harv drove the perimeter, but didn’t see anyone other than the two guards they’d assigned to watch the place—both of whom were holding umbrellas. Rather than park in the lot and dash through the rain, Harv used a remote and opened a rolling door on the Batcave. They called it the Batcave because it looked a little like Bruce Wayne’s secret lair. Their high-tech garage had all the bells and whistles needed to both install and detect electronic tracking devices and bugs. Three of the six bays were currently occupied by their clients’ vehicles. Harv deactivated the security system from a keypad on the wall near the garage door.
Turning on lights, they made their way into the interior of First Security’s headquarters. Nathan hadn’t been in here since the remodel wrapped up a week ago.
“I’ve said this before, Harv, but you run a tight ship. The new decor looks great.” He added some softness to his voice. “I just love what you’ve done to the place.”
“Oh, stop it.”
They entered Harv’s second-floor office and left the door open. Harv didn’t spare any expenses. You could fit two or three pickup trucks in here. Complete with a wet bar, private bathroom, leather couches with matching chairs, several big-screen televisions, and a pink granite desk the size of a small bed, Harv’s office was obscenely comfortable. Sealing the deal, he had an awesome view of a natural canyon to the north.
Nathan whistled.
“What?”
“I’ll bet this tops Jerry Jones’s luxury suite at AT&T Stadium.”
“I wouldn’t take that bet.”
“All right . . . let’s get this over with.” Nathan pulled out his phone and sent his dad a text.
We’re secure in Harv’s office.
A few minutes later, Harv’s desk phone bleeped to life and Nathan jabbed the speaker button. “Hi, Dad, Harv’s with me and I have you on speaker. I hope you’ll understand the need for secrecy and why we’re doing it this way after you hear what’s going on.”
“Okay,” his dad said. “What’s the problem?”
“What can you tell us about Beaumont Specialists?”
“Quite a bit. Why do you ask?”
“BSI’s chief of security committed three murders this morning and attempted four others.”
Silence on the other end.
“Did you hear me?”
“You must be mistaken. Are you talking about Tanner Mason?”
“Yes. Tanner Mason, chief of security for one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious private military companies, is a cold-blooded murderer.”
A pause on the other end of the line. “Is this a joke?”
“Do I sound like I’m joking? As we speak, a friend of mine is in emergency surgery after being shot twice in the head.”
“Did you witness these so-called murders?”
“No, but I’ve stood over the so-called dead bodies of a Mexican, a South Korean, and a pregnant woman.”
“Please, just tell me what you know.”
&
nbsp; “How about a trade? I give you what we know and in return, you tell me what you know about Beaumont and Mason.”
“Are we negotiating here? Is that what we’re doing?”
“I’m extremely pissed off, Dad. Someone I once helped, who’s also a fellow Marine, has been betrayed, tortured, and left for dead after being shot in the head. Mason murdered his fiancée, along with their unborn baby girl. And he tried to kill Harv, Holly, and me. So excuse me if I’m not feeling especially cordial right now.”
Stone paused for a moment. “What do you mean he tried to kill you? Tell me what happened.”
“Mason tried to intercept an ambulance on its way to the hospital with the intent to kill everyone inside. We drove him off after sideswiping his car and exchanging gunfire.”
“Out in the open? On a public street?”
“Yes, Dad, on a public street. We’d like some assurance that Beaumont isn’t involved.”
“I’ve known George since before you were born. We fought side by side in Korea. If you’re implying he’s complicit with Tanner Mason’s actions tonight, you’re . . . misguided.”
“Misguided . . . Then prove me wrong. Tell me about Beaumont’s operation. His contracts. His choice of security chief.”
“I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t? Harv and I still have the highest security clearances possible.”
“It’s not that simple.”
“Well, I guess we’re finished here.”
Harv shook his head urgently and raised a hand for Nathan to wait.
“I understand you still have the necessary clearance. That’s not the issue.”
“Then what is?”
“I’d like to get George’s permission before I share sensitive and classified information about himself and his company.”
“I see . . . ”
“Of all people, you should understand that.”
“Well, if George isn’t forthcoming with his permission, I’m going to firebomb his headquarters and burn the fucking place to the ground. So if your old pal’s in there, you might want to suggest he vacate the building.”
“You’ll do no such thing.”
“Watch me.”
Another pause. “Actually, George is here in DC. He’s speaking before my committee in a few hours on an important domestic-security issue.”
“Well, now we’re getting somewhere. Is there a connection between these two events? The murder of a South Korean and a Mexican and Beaumont’s presence in DC?”
“Why would you think there’s any connection?”
“You answered a question with a question. I’ll ask again. Is there a connection between these two events? Yes? No? Maybe? I don’t know?”
“I refuse to believe that George Beaumont is complicit with Tanner Mason’s actions this morning.”
“You still haven’t answered my question.”
Stone put iron in his voice. “I don’t report to you, Son.”
“Then listen carefully while I do the reporting: One way or the other, I’m going to find out what’s going on. And right now, I’m looking forward to doing it the other way.”
“Lawless behavior is answerable, even for you.”
“So call the cops.”
“Nathan, please—”
“If Beaumont’s complicit, Harv, Holly, and I will find ourselves in the crosshairs of BSI’s chief of security and his small army of mercenaries, and I can assure you we aren’t going to settle our differences by holding hands, drinking Kool-Aid, and singing ‘Kumbaya.’ Throats will be slit.”
“They’re called military contractors, not mercenaries.”
“Whatever. I’ll kill as many as it takes to bring Mason down.”
“Good grief, Nathan, listen to yourself.”
He didn’t respond.
“You’re serious, aren’t you.” It wasn’t a question.
“Deadly serious. What part of ‘I’m extremely pissed off’ don’t you understand?”
“George Beaumont is not a party to murder.”
“Suppose you’re wrong. What do Harv and I do in the meantime? So far we don’t think Mason knows who we are. But what if we’re wrong? What if he finds out? Do we relocate Harv’s family to a safe house as a precaution? How about Angelica and my dogs in La Jolla? What about Jin and Lauren? They could also end up in Mason’s gun sights. He won’t hesitate to use them as leverage to get to us. And lest you think you’re immune, you and Mom could wake up to a home invasion one morning.”
“Please do nothing until you hear back from me. Ten minutes, that’s all I’m asking. I’m not glossing over any of your concerns, but I’m asking you, as your father, to be patient and stand down. I’ll call George’s cell as soon as we hang up. I’ll ask him to come into my office right away, then call you within ten minutes either way.”
“Are you willing to bet our lives on your friendship with Beaumont?”
“Nathan—”
“If you tell Beaumont we’re involved and he tells Mason, we’re as good as dead. Sooner or later, he’ll track us down. We can’t hide from BSI’s goons for the rest of our lives.”
“That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?”
“Tell that to families of the murder victims.”
“Nathan, you’re not listening to—”
“Here’s what I can live with. Until we track Mason down, don’t tell Beaumont anything. When you see him at your meeting later today, act like everything’s normal.”
“You’re asking me to look the man in the eyes and pretend I don’t know anything?”
Nathan wanted to say, You’re a politician, aren’t you? But he restrained himself. “If he ever finds out you knew and didn’t tell him, blame it on me. Tell him I insisted you keep all of this confidential. You know, the father-son confidence thing. He should understand that.”
His father didn’t respond for a few seconds. “How about a compromise? If you agree to temporarily stand down, I’ll insist you’re included in my conversation with George when he gets to my office.”
“What about Harv?”
“Harv too. You’ll be hearing everything in real time. You can judge for yourself if you think he’s complicit. Agreed?”
“You won’t say anything until we’re all together on the phone?”
“You have my word.”
“And if George refuses?”
“I’ll ask him if his property’s fire insurance is current.”
Nathan glanced at Harv, who nodded approval. “Okay . . . when?”
“Just as soon as he gets here.”
“It’s still not ideal. We won’t be able to look him in the eye.”
“I will.”
“Let’s hope you know him as well as you think you do.”
“I’ll call you back within ten minutes with an update.”
After Nathan hung up, Harv said, “Well, that wasn’t horrendously bad.”
“For who? Or is it whom?”
“Whom, I think.” Harv made a pinching gesture with his fingers. “You were a tad hostile.”
“Ya think?”
“I’ll give you a passing grade. A C-plus.”
“You’re being generous. I was an asshole.”
“You’re not an asshole, you’re . . . passionate. Look, your dad’s eighty-five.”
“I hear you, Harv. I’ll go easier on the next call. But his demeanor really frosts me sometimes. He’s probably not doing it on purpose, but the man gets under my skin.”
“Only if you let him.”
“Remember how much money you said the feds were spending with private military companies? Well, money can be a strong lure to corruption. That’s why I don’t trust Beaumont. I’m not willing to put your family, or mine, at risk solely on my father’s faith in the guy. No
matter what happens during Beaumont’s call, I want to double the number of armed security guards watching our homes and our headquarters.”
“Candace won’t like the loss of privacy, but she’ll deal with it.”
“It’s not the first time—” Harv’s desk phone interrupted him.
Nathan activated the speaker. “That was quick.”
“I’m taking this seriously, Nathan. I left a message for Beaumont to call me back. I suspect I’ll hear from him quickly.”
“I’m sorry about my tone earlier. I’m not mad at you, Dad, I’m just . . . I don’t know . . . venting, I guess.”
“Forget it. You feel like your lives could be at risk, and you’re understandably upset about the situation. I don’t blame you; it makes me angry too.”
“You’re too patient.”
“Nonsense. I’m your father. Hang on . . . The other line is ringing. It could be George. This won’t take long. I’m going to put you on hold. I’ll be back in less than a minute. Stay on the line, okay?”
“Sure, no problem.”
There was no sound on the other end, just stifling silence.
Nathan hit the mute button on Harv’s desk phone. They’d hear Stone when he came back, but Stone wouldn’t hear them. “Is Holly in your contacts list and vice versa?”
“Yes.”
“Do you mind calling her and putting it on speaker while the good senator keeps us on hold?”
“No problem.”
Harv walked a few steps away and made the call. Nathan noticed Harv got through to her instantly—something Nathan hadn’t been able to do. The fact that she hadn’t called him back or answered all of his texts spoke for itself. Harv told her she was on speaker, that he and Nathan were in his First Security office, and Nathan was on hold with his dad.
Holly said several special agents from San Diego’s field office were with her. Harv asked how her call with Lansing went. She said she’d left an urgent message on his cell’s voice mail. If she didn’t hear from him in the next five minutes or so, she’d have an emergency page issued.
Right after Harv hung up with Holly, Stone came back on the line. “That was George. He’s on his way. I didn’t tell him what it was about, only that it’s an urgent matter requiring a face-to-face. He’s very concerned.”
Contract to Kill Page 19
