Chapter 47
Trenchard looked over the file on his current assignment. Another small businessman named William Greenfinder. He owned a chain of hair stylist outlets. The kind that did hair, nails, makeup, the works.
After three successful jobs, his confidence was high. With practiced care, he started researching the Greenfinder residence. It was on a half-acre of land on the outskirts of the suburbs. Recently built with 2 stories, a garage that had its own bathroom and stove, and a guest house to boot, it was clear that this was a successful entrepreneur who enjoyed the fruits of victory.
After researching the almost impossible task of Leon Pace’s house in the hood, Sam was grateful to look over a more isolated target. He wondered about the newly rich class of bureaucrats and businessmen. Most of them favored high rise penthouses and estates in the country, never seeming to realize that these were tempting targets for B&E experts. With success comes feelings of invulnerability, Trenchard thought. It was a natural human failing that he intended to use to his advantage.
The security system was new, but Sam expected the usual out of the box features. Nothing he hadn’t seen before and probably not much customization. He hoped the safe came with the security system in a package deal. If so, it would be a standardized model. If not, he would cross that bridge when he came to it. After all, you find a shabby floor safe like the one in Sparkles only so often.
Trenchard notified Simon of his plans and received the go ahead to proceed when possible. He settled down to analyze Greenfinder’s comings and goings to find an open window of time for his approach.
***
Across town, one of his previous targets had his own meeting with Simon.
“I’m surprised to see you,” said Ken Brownling.
“I understand. Given the recent unfortunate demise of Arthur, we are making the rounds to reassure our employees that operations will continue.”
“Does that include the robbery at my house?” Brownling’s response was tinged with sarcasm.
“Be advised that Vandenburg’s activities in this regard were off the reservation and not approved.”
“Does that mean you will return my goods?”
“Unfortunately, Arthur disposed of your cash and property before his demise. However, I can assure you that the organization will direct business opportunities your way that will make up for your losses in a short period of time.”
“They better be solid gold contracts.”