Hanging On A Limb

Senator Dodd nervously paced the study of his St. Petersburg residence. His desk was littered with papers and printouts that told him many things but not anything he could use. This problem with Shinigami was his top priority and he could not figure out how to keep himself from being killed unless he revealed some of the things he knew.

Dodd had known going into this plan that there would be risks. Still he had chosen his course and now he was busy trying to see which side offered the greatest benefits to himself.

The secure vid-phone rang, startling him out of his contemplation. He flipped it on and like always the screen on the other end was dark.

"Mr. Jei?" Dodd queried not sure who he was dealing with.

"Yes Dodd," Jei's smooth voice came over clearly. "I trust you are alone?"

"Of course," Dodd responded.

"Good," Jei continued on. "Do you have any news for me? Any updates?"

"Shinigami knows that I am involved," Dodd felt no need to hide anything from the mysterious Mr. Jei. "He said that if I was not careful he would kill me. It seems that Rochambeau is no longer trustworthy. What should I do about the Catalonia situation?"

"Keep her locked away," Jei sounded angry now. "She will ruin things should she be let out too early. If at all possible have her killed. I'm sure that you have some guards loyal to you."

"Very well," Dodd acquiesced. "I'll see what can be done. How should I handle Shinigami?"

"That is not my problem," Jei declared.

"When it comes to my own life I'll tell him everything I know," Dodd half threatened.

"And think about what you know," Jei laughed. "You don't know my identity. These calls are untraceable and you know practically nothing about my operations. Handle Shinigami how you see fit but keep him away from what needs to be done."

"I'll do my best," Dodd promised.

'So long as it doesn't get me killed,' He added silently.

For some reason he felt that Jei already knew that he would save his own skin before continuing on with the project. Dodd saw nothing wrong with that but Jei obviously did. Dodd reflected a moment longer and realized that none of the things he knew were worth the value of his life.

"Good," Jei said. "I plan on keeping Shinigami quite busy though. Just make sure that Catalonia either dies in her prison or that she stays locked away."

"You can count on that," Dodd swore.

Jei said nothing but he disconnected the call before Dodd could ask anything more of him.

The Senator sat back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his forehead. He was in a real mess now but he knew that if he did as Jei asked he would be rewarded and Jei had promised to keep Shinigami busy and out of his hair for the time being.

He picked up the secure line and dialed a number he had memorized. If anyone had searched the office or any of his homes they would not find it written down on paper anywhere. Dodd was careful about such delicate things, as careful as he could be.

"Hello?" A voice sounded in his ear.

"It's me," Dodd answered. "I need something done."

"Sure," The voice said. "What's the job?"

"Kill that Catalonia bitch," Dodd ordered. "I don't care how it's done but make sure she's dead by the end of the month."

"That's going to cost you big time man," The voice warned. "She's in a private facility. That will take some real work."

"What were you thinking on a price?" Dodd asked.

"Half a million credits," The voice sounded smug.

"Done," Dodd agreed. "And you'll get another two hundred and fifty upon a successful completion of the job."

The voice let out a low whistle, "I guess you're really eager to see this one go. Consider her already in the grave. I'll call you if there are any problems? The usual time and number?"

"The usual," Dodd confirmed.

He disconnected the call. It was in motion. Catalonia would die and he would thrive, hopefully. So many things could still go wrong but it was the best chance he had.