Chapter 3

Early the following week, Matt Stevens arrived to deliver the goods. A 30-minute drive took him to the ritzy part of town where money was inherited, not earned. He rang the bell with the package in hand. The butler smoothly ushered him into the sitting room and offered him a drink while he waited. Long experience with wealth taught him that the rich were never on time. He understood that it was his place to be patient.

“Let’s see it,” said the entering man without preamble. Without a word, Stevens held out the package. After a few seconds of examination, his patron found the items and sat down with a satisfied air.

Arthur Vandenburg radiated quiet assurance and authority, the kind that came with a lifetime of wealth. With the basic needs of life met, he could meet every occurrence with practiced calm. His lectures were always planned, never with the rage or fear that the lowborn showed.

Stevens nursed his drink and waited for Arthur to begin. He had learned that praise would not be forthcoming. He had done his job in a satisfactory fashion, and that was it. Now, it was on to the next step.

The wealthy man shifted in his chair. “Has the robbery been reported?”

“Yes,” replied Stevens.

Vandenburg reached into a folder and passed glossy photos over. “Good. Release these pictures through the usual channels. That should get the process moving.”

“Anything else?”

“Not for now. Let the press coverage marinate for a bit.”

“Understood. Do you have another job on the schedule?”

“The next target has not been selected. Be patient.”

With that, Matt was ushered out to carry out his assigned task. As he drove home, he marveled at the efficiency of the process. Someone, a stickler for details it seemed, had everything planned out. For all his skills, Stevens understood that he was just a link in the chain. And he knew better than to ask too many questions. Like everyone else, he was expendable.