me all over the world, as I’m sure you know. Were I to devote my full
time to you until this opportunity arose, then I would be forgoing other
work.
I’m afraid my bank account, along with my reputation, would suffer.”
Sullivan’s reply was immediate. “One hundred thousand dollars a day
until that opportunity arises, Mr. McCarty.
When you successfully complete the task, double your usual fee. I can do
nothing to preserve your reputation; however, I trust that the per them
arrangement will forestall any damage to your financial status.”
McCarty’s eyes widened just a bit and then he quickly regained his
composure.
“I think that will be adequate, Mr. Sullivan.”
“Of course you realize I am placing considerable confidence not only in’
your skills at eliminating subjects, but also in your discretion.”
McCarty hid his smile. He had been picked up in Sullivan’s plane in
Istanbul at midnight local time. The flight crew had no idea who he was.
No one had ever identified him, thus someone recognizing him was not a
concern. Sullivan Meeting him in person eliminated one thing. An
interynediary who would then have Sullivan in his control.
McuCilivrtayn, on the other hand, had no earthly reason to betray S and
every motivation not to.
Sullivan continued, “You will receive particulars as they become
available. You will assimilate yourysoeulrf tianstkomthaye Washington,
D.C., metropolitan area, although take you anywhere in the world. I will
need you to move on a moment’s notice. You will make your location known
to me at all times and will check in with me daily on secured
communication lines that I will establish. You will pay your own
expenses out of the per them. A wire transfer will be set up to funnel
the fee to an account of your choosing. My planes will be available to
you if the need arises. Understood?”
McCarty nodded, a little Put off by his client’s series or commands. But
then you didn’t get to be a billionaire without being somewhat
commanding, did you? On top of that McCarty had read about Christine
Sullivan. Who the hell could blame the old man?
Sullivan pushed a button on the armrest of his chair.
“Thomas? How long until we’re stateside?”
The voice was brisk and informed. “Five hours and fifteen minutes, Mr.
Sullivan, if we maintain present air speed and altitude.”
“Make sure that we do.”
“Yes sir.”
Sullivan pressed another button and the cabin attendant appeared and
efficiently served them the sort of dinner that McCarty had never had on
a plane before. Sullivan said nothing to McCarty until the dinner was
cleared and the younger man rose and was being directed to his sleeping
quarters by the attendant. Registering on a sweep of Suffivan’s hand,
the attendant disappeared Within the recesses of the aircraft.
“One more thing, Mr. McCarty. Have you ever failed on a mission?”
McCarty’s eyes turned to slits as he stared back at his new employer.
For the first time it was evident that the Ivy Leaguer was extremely
dangerous.
Sometimes they seem
“Once, Mr. Sullivan . The Israelis.
more than human.”
“Please don’t make it twice. Thank YOU.”
MING THE HALLS OF THE SULLIVAN SETH FRANK WAS ROA
still up outside, flutterhome. The yellow police lines were and
thickening bank of ing softly in the increasing breeze y rain. Sullivan
was dark clouds that promised more heav domestic staying at his
Watergate penthouse downtown. His r Island, staff were at their
employer’s residence on Fished Florida, catering to Meinbers of
Sullivan’s family. He had already interviewed each of them in person.
They were being flown home shortly for more detailed questioning- It was
as He took a moment to admire the surroundings.
though he were touring a museum. All that money. The place reeked of it,
from the superlative antiques to the broadbrush ings that casually hung
everywhere, with real signatures paint original.
at the bottom. Hell, everything in the house was an He wandered into the
kitchen and then into the dining room. The table resembled a bridge
spanning the pale blue rug spread over the refinished parquet flooring.
His feet seemed to be sucked into the tiiick, heavy fibers. He sat down