Chapter 43

Trenchard approached the meeting place with trepidation. He didn’t see anyone following him, but you never knew. Sitting down at the table, he waited impatiently.

A figure approached out of the darkness and sat down opposite him. He was neatly dressed with a prim mustache.

“Hello, Sam. My name is Simon. I will be your new contact.”

“What’s the latest on Vandenburg?”

“He is out on bail. Let’s not get into the particulars of his case. I am here to reassure you that your arrangement with Arthur now continues with us.”

“Is that wise? There are cops and feds sniffing around all over the place.”

“Remember that all of your meetings with Vandenburg were verbal and in person. There are no electronic records of phone calls to trace your identity.”

“So you’re ready to continue as if nothing happened?”

“The world continues to turn and will not wait for Arthur. Everyone is replaceable. We have assignments ready for you, and we expect the same level of competence that you provided to him.”

“Can I also expect to be whacked out like Stevens? I’m not blind or deaf. I read the press coverage of the indictment.”

“Matt Stevens made unfortunate mistakes that led to his dismissal from the organization. Rest assured that if you meet our expectations, nothing of that sort will happen to you. Bear in mind that we are not a country club. You cannot just turn in two weeks' notice and bid us farewell.”

Sam was trapped, and he knew it. They had their claws into him, and he had no desire to disappear in the Florida swamplands.

“Ok, I’m with you. Just keep the assignments clear, and I’ll deliver the goods.”

“Understood. Here is the folder with the assignment details. Off you go.”