Chasing the Night - Iris Johansen [98]
Joe had no problem with any of those things. He did have issue with the arrogance. “I’m sure you’ve had opportunities the rest of us peasants weren’t privy to. That’s why we’ve come to you to help us out.”
“I’m happy you appreciate how valuable we can be. We’ve got you on the schedule for two. We’ve tapped Ms. Ling’s phone, and we’ll be ready. Is there anything else? I’m very busy.”
Yes, he wished the prick wasn’t so damn egotistical. He’d dealt with too many bureaucrats not to recognize the signs in this NSA controller. “No, as long as we understand each other, and you’re aware how important it is that you cooperate with us.”
“Cooperate?” Helder said in disbelief. “We’re doing you a favor, Mr. Quinn. Do you know how much of a favor that is? Corporations pay us millions for just a few minutes of our time. You’d be wise not to demand more than we choose to give you.”
Don’t pop his balloon, Joe told himself. Save the big guns if it became necessary later. “If there are any problems, call and let me know. I’ll straighten them out.”
And straighten him out.
It would be a pleasure.
1:50 P.M.
Danilovsky Market
The market was just as crowded and noisy as Catherine had hoped it would be. Located outside the Garden Ring and off the Tulskaya Metro Station, the Danilovsky was one of the most popular open-air markets in the city, and she’d used it before for a meeting place with her contacts. The crowded booths and vendors hawking their wares, the scent of fresh vegetables and exotic cheeses were all very familiar to her.
“This is stupid,” Kelsov said roughly as he parked the car at the curb next to the market. “Anyone could sidle up to you in this crowd and slip a stiletto between your ribs. You need someone to watch your back. I’m going with you.”
“You are not,” Catherine said as she got out of the car. “You’re out of this, Kelsov. The only reason I had you bring me here instead of driving myself was that I wanted to be sure that you still had a car at the house. I didn’t want to leave Eve and Kelly without wheels.”
“I’m out of this?” His voice was harsh. “No way, Catherine. We’ve worked together for years trying to find a way to kill that bastard. You’re not going to shut me out.”
“Killing Rakovac was always second on my agenda.”
“Well, he’s first on mine.”
“I know,” she said quietly. “And that’s why you’re not going with me. I’ve been fighting everyone to get my chance to save my son, and I won’t have you ruining that chance.”
He got out of the car. “You won’t have any chance at all if you get your throat cut.”
“He’s not going to kill me. Not here. Whatever else he plans, it won’t be murder. He’s not through toying with me yet. He’ll call me and tell me how to take the next step in his game plan.” She checked her watch. “And I don’t have time to argue with you. I’ve got to move around that market and make myself seen. It’s 1:55. I get the call from Rakovac at two. I don’t want anyone reporting to him that I didn’t show up.” She started toward the booths. “Take off, Kelsov. I don’t want you seen. Get that car back to Eve and Kelly.”
He didn’t move.
She glanced back over her shoulder. “I mean it,” she said softly. “If you blow this for me, you’ll wish you’d never been born. You’re always telling me how miserable that work camp in Siberia was, how they beat you and froze you and made you feel like half a man. I guarantee you’ll think of it as a balmy day camp after I get through with you.”
He believed her. He was aware of all her lethal capabilities though they had never been aimed at him. “Bitch.”
She nodded. “I take it our relationship is at an end. I’m sorry, Kelsov. I hoped we might both get what we wanted. It just didn’t work out. One more thing. You take good care of Eve and Kelly, or I’ll track you down and amputate your nuts.” She