Chapter Three Thieves and lawyers

To leave, or not to leave. That was the question of the day. James did have a Watcher. Big surprise, him being a headhunter and all. On the plus side, he'd had no idea who Michael was. On the negative side, he'd managed to phone in a preliminary report on James' death before Michael got to him. They would be able to figure out what'd happened, no doubt about that.

Four years since he became Michael Sedgewick. He'd planned on using this identity for at least another eight, maybe as many as fourteen years. Leaving it now would be a waste of the nearly eighteen years of careful observation and preparations required to make all the traces of a normal life, including people who'd honestly swear they were childhood friends; fourteen if you counted the four years he'd used it. And on top of that, his next long-term identity was at least four years away from being usable, it only being thirteen at the moment.

Sure, he had short-term id's ready. But none of those were anything more than papers. Not a single one of those would stand up against a halfway decent background search. They'd never been intended for more than escape, anyway.

No, he would have to be Michael Sedgewick for a while longer. Maybe firm up a couple of the short-terms a bit, but he'd have to be careful about that. The Watchers had contacts in all the agencies he could use for that, and they knew what to look for. Not to mention that the agencies in question also would like to have a chat with anyone making fake id's.

However, seeing as the area might very well be swarming with Watchers in a few days time, getting out of Chicago would appear to be a good idea. Unfortunately just leaving was not possible. House, job and friends all tied him to this area. Or, they tied Michael Sedgewick to the area. Just leaving would be a sure fire way of getting the Watchers attention.

Vacation would've solved the problem, if only he hadn't taken those three weeks in Washington two months ago. No vacation time saved up. Of course, there were other ways. Especially if you had a substantial, undeclared fortune scattered around in two dozen nations.

"Look Mike, I'm sorry, but this is a big contract, and that means they get what they want. And since they want my best man, they get you. For two months, or however long it takes you to set up a security system they are satisfied with." Matt looked over the table at Michael and sighed. "Yes, I know you have just finished moving into your new place, but this is a big contract. In fact, it is big enough that if you accept, I can offer you not only a 10% raise, but also a 25% increase on the completion bonus."

"And what am I supposed to do with the two systems I'm supposed to have done by the end of the month? Not to mention the new cameras I'm testing?" Michael carefully hedged. Had to appear reluctant about this, but not so much as to change Matt's mind and have him send Patrick or Jean.

"I'm sure Pat and Jean can finish those two, and I see no reason why you can't continue the camera tests while you set this up." Matt cocked his head to the side and waited for Michael to make up his mind.

"All right. I'll handle this, but I think we'll say 30% on the completion bonus, this being such a large job and all." Sorting out the remaining details were done in minutes, and Matt then wasted no time in sending Michael off to update Patrick and Jean on what he'd managed so far on the jobs they were to split between them.

Matt leaned back in his chair and sighed happily. This new contract could very well be the ticket they needed into a whole new clientele. Wealthy collectors. Extremely wealthy collectors. Famous and extremely wealthy collectors. And three of the best people in the business working for him. Yes, life was good. Of course, now it all hinged on how secure Michael could make that mansion. No need to worry. That place would make the Raven run for the hills when Michael was done with it.

"Look Amanda, all I'm asking is how you managed to bypass the controls for the ComSec pressure plates. And you know I'm not planning on using it for anything immoral or anything."

"I may have turned a new leaf and gone on the straight and narrow, Michael, but what makes you think I'll just hand over the fruits of my labour like that? And besides, what makes you think I even know how to bypass them?"

"I'm asking because I really don't think anyone else than you could have managed the Parker-estate. And I happen to have the blueprints for the new Sarejev IR mini-cameras, complete with installation manuals and the results of my own tests on them."

"Blueprints, manuals and your tests on them? Oh Michael, don't let anyone ever say you don't know the way to a lady's heart." You could practically hear the Cheshire cat grin over the phone.

"And here I was aiming for that devious mind of yours. I must be slipping in my old age. So, do we have a deal?"

"Of course we have a deal, darling. You just send me what you have, and I'll send you everything you need to know about pressure plates."

"Good, but I'd prefer it if you could fax or email it today, or early tomorrow." Michael let his voice take on a slightly worried tone. "I ran into some trouble here, and have to leave town for a couple months, leaving a couple of projects for Pat and Jean to finish. And you know Pat just loves pressure plates."

Amanda smirked. "Oh yeah. I almost thought he'd set up Parker's security, except for it not being nearly enough plates for his tastes." Her voice took on a decidedly sympathetic tone as she replied to the other matter. "You running from headhunters again, Michael? You do know that sooner or later you will end up in a situation you can't run from? For god's sake, why not just start practising with a sword. I can have Duncan train you. You have the reflexes to be great, and then you wouldn't have to do all this running whenever."

Michael interrupted her before she could launch fully into her speech. "Amanda, please. Let me deal with the Game my own way. I can take care of myself. My ways have worked fine for ages, and I have no intention of losing my head in a swordfight."

"Ages he says. As if three hundred is all that much. And my offer stands. Just give the word, and the best swordsman around will train you to competent levels, at least." Her concern touched Michael, but nowhere near enough for him to even consider sparring with another immortal. Too easy for one side to take advantage of the situation, and then take a head.

Realising that she was wasting her time, Amanda moved to finish the conversation. "I'll scan and then email you the diagrams I made when researching the plates, it won't take me more than an hour. And can you let me know where you're running to this time?"

"Thanks. And I had my law firm give my boss a big contract in Los Angeles. He probably thinks it'll give the firm a foot in with the rich and famous. I probably won't stay there long, but if you need to reach me, they can get me a message. Just have them send it to Samuel McDowell."

"Samuel McDowell, right. And the firm is?"

"Wolfram and Hart. Old firm, very competent. I have to go update my colleagues now, so we'll have to talk later. Bye."