Chapter 15
There were three speakers. They sat near each other and talked in quiet voices, but gave no indication that they were having an important conversation. They were all old hands at this and knew exactly what to do.
"Well? Where is he? I thought he was supposed to be the best."
"I don't know. He said he was on his way this morning, but I don't know where he was at when he called."
"This is unacceptable."
"I've tried getting a hold of him, but he's not picking up. He was your idea, not mine."
"Are you trying to pass the buck?"
"No. It's a good idea, keeps them off our trail, but don't try to blame me because he's a bit slow. The hospital is under heavy surveillance. It always has been. It could be that he's already inside and waiting for his chance. We didn't give him a deadline, you know. He's not in this out of loyalty or patriotism. He's a mercenary, and he wants to be alive to spend his money."
"What if he decided it's too big a risk and just nipped off?"
"I'll take care of it."
"Really?"
"We'll give him another thirty-six hours. If there's no movement or contact, we'll assume he's out of the picture."
"Plans?"
"I don't know yet. There are a couple of new wrenches in the works."
The third voice chimed in, speaking for the first time. "They shouldn't be any trouble..."
"Quiet! You don't know anything about them. I do. I set up the intel on this whole operation. Besides, I know about what happened earlier."
"That was just luck."
The first voice took over. "So?"
"So, I'll set up contingency plans and I'll let you know."
"Good. I'm not paying you for your good looks."
"I know."
Silence and the second speaker was left alone. He shook his head as he headed back to his place. It was amazing how quickly the best plans could go awry.