“No, sir.”
Nelson rose, tossed back the last of his drink, then gently placed the crystal glass on the table beside him.
One of August’s men escorted him out and would see that Nelson arrived safely back to his home.
August pondered Nelson’s words.
He made another call. “It’s not too late to stop this.”
Casimir Bednarek growled, “I could say the same to you. This is not what we agreed upon. August, this isn’t who you are.”
“This isexactlywho I am. I think you forget that because I’ve always had a soft spot for you. I respect your intelligence, your dedication. But you forget why we’re here. The goal has always been a systematic collapse, Casimir.”
“To make the world better. But you’re listening to the wrong people. We are not here to enhance the current oligarchy. To line our own pockets. This is wrong.Youare wrong.”
August didn’t tolerate dissention. Not when he’d made up his mind. “You are sure this is the direction you’re going to follow?”
“No. But I’ll give you the war you want. Don’t say I didn’t try to warn you.” Casimir disconnected.
August stared at the phone, knowing there was no going back. He’d lost a vital part of his army, the brains behind much of their decisions.
But August never relied on only one piece.
He left his office and called to his nearest man. “Find Bishop for me.”
The man nodded and raced away.
Moments later, Bishop exited the hallway leading from the war room. “You called, August?”
He studied his new number one, a man with the body of an enforcer and the mind of a grandmaster. So many saw Bishop’s granite exterior and underestimated his intelligence. To their peril.
August smiled. “He finally made his move.”
“Then it’s time we countered,” Bishop replied, his voice even, low, determined. “It’s going to be ugly, sir.”
“Whatever it takes. We have the go-ahead.”
Bishop nodded. “I’ll take care of it.”
“I know you will.”
Chapter 33
Jane metChristian at the animal shelter the next morning. Lassie lived up to her namesake, a friendly and beautifully groomed collie without a scratch on her.
Christian appeared fine, mussed as usual, wearing cutoff shorts and an old Supersonics tee-shirt. Jane gave him a twenty for his help.
His eyes lit up, and he smiled. “Sure thing, boss. Just let me know if you need anything else.”
“I need you to be careful. Try to steer clear of him, okay? You see him, go the other way. I mean it, Christian.”
He saluted her then raced out the door.
Jane sighed.
The woman behind the counter laughed. “Kids.”
Just as Jane got back in her car, she received the call she’d been expecting.
