Chapter 28

Sam listened carefully as Vandenburg outlined the new project. His eyes widened with the details of the planned fire to produce an insurance payout.

“Look, I’m a B&E guy. Arson is not my area of expertise.”

“We are aware of that. Resources will be assigned to coordinate your robbery with the arson activities.”

“Our agreement was that I work alone on assignments from you. This changes the ballgame, man.”

“I understand your concerns, but this project is critical to my colleagues' plans. Please remember that you are new to this organization, and your performance is still under review.”

Sam tried one more tactic.

“Loose lips sink ships. Do you really want to widen the number of people involved?”

“Yes. This is not open for discussion. I will connect you with the resources. Once the plan is ready, give it to me promptly for review.”

“Got it.”

Trenchard hid his frustration until he got to the car. Once inside, he swore violently. What had he got himself into?

It seemed like a good idea at first. He had cased too many jobs by himself that didn’t pay off. Working for Arthur seemed like a great way to get a line on bigger scores and profits. Plus the support of an organization.

But now, Sam saw the downside. He was not an independent contractor. Vandenburg and his colleagues viewed him as just another employee. And like any crappy corporation, he had to work with whatever screwups they assigned to him.

He took a deep breath and calmed down. From just a few meetings with Arthur, he understood the danger. He was locked in; there was no walking away from this. There was nothing to do but grit his teeth and make the best of it. For now.