Net Force - Tom Clancy [104]
Truly outstanding work, Jay. Thank you.
Well, Boss, it is my job. But, uh, if you remember this when you do performance reviews and raises next time, I wouldnt mind.
Both men laughed.
I should get back to it, Jay said. Ive dumped this into your folder, and Ill check in when I get something new.
Thanks again.
After Jay left, Michaels called up the material and scanned it again, ordering it in his mind. When he was comfortable with it, he reached for his com to put in a call to Walt Carver. The Director was not going unarmed to his meeting with the President this morning. It might even be enough so Michaels would get to keep his job for a little while longer. His sense of relief was a surprise. It was a lot stronger than he would have thought. Maybe he wasnt quite as ready to chuck it all as hed rationalized.
Director Carvers office.
Hey, June, its Alex Michaels. He in yet?
Since six, Commander. Hold on a moment, Ill put you through.
As he waited for Carver, Michaels looked up and saw Toni pass by his window. He nodded at her, but she didnt make eye contact as she headed for her office. Well. Probably she was tired-theyd all been working without a break for too long. Hed call her in and let her know what Jay had found, as soon as he was done telling the Director. Shed be happy to hear the news.
Good morning, Alex. You have good news for me?
Yes, sir, I believe so. Very good news.
32
Wednesday, October 6th, 9:11 cum. Long Island
The Selkie stood on the doorstep, holding a small box wrapped in expensive paper. She wore crisp, dark blue cotton slacks, a matching long-sleeved shirt and a baseball cap the same color. A few wisps of the blond wig peeped from under the cap, and she had on just enough makeup to look five years older than she was. The wrapped package was the size of a box a diamond necklace might fit into. The van parked behind her on the street was a rental, plain, white, with stolen tags in place. She looked the part of a delivery woman in the upscale neighborhood.
She rang the bell.
A minute passed. The Selkie rang the bell again.
What? came a sleepy voice from the intercom.
I have a delivery from Steinbergs Jewelers for a Miz Brigette Olsen?
A delivery?
Jesus, honey, which part of that didnt you understand?
The Selkie glanced at the clipboard she held. From a Mr. Genaloni?
Hold on a sec.
The woman inside opened the door only as far as the chain latch would allow. From what the Selkie could see through the gap, Brigette was young, blond, busty, what the Irish called a fine strapping girl. She wore black silk pajamas and a faded blue bathrobe. And if the phone call that the Selkie had listened in on last night was correct, Brigette would receive a visit sometime today from Ray Genaloni. The Selkie was ready. Brigette extended one hand for the package. Give it to me.
Ill need you to sign for it, maam, the Selkie said. She waved the clipboard. She glanced at her watch, as if she had places to go, things to do.
Brigette hesitated.
The Selkie could probably boot the door and pop the safety chain loose. Those things were nearly always tacked on with short and useless screws, but she didnt really want to take the risk of somebody seeing her-kicking in the front door of a gangsters mistress in broad daylight was not the smart way to go. Or she could pull the small.22 pistol she had tucked into the inside-the-waistband holster, under her shirt, behind her right hip and threaten the woman-Open up, honey, or get drilled. But that was risky. And she definitely didnt want the woman dead.
One more bit of business and neither way would be necessary. Oh, sorry, I almost forgot, theres a note Im supposed to read. She unfolded a piece of paper from the clipboard. Says here, Ray says wear this and nothing else for me this evening.
The Selkie stared at the ground, as if embarrassed.
Brigette laughed and undid the safety chain.