CHAPTER 35


 

IT WAS RARE that anyone called on his private phone, let alone so late at night. Bleary eyed, he grabbed at it, knocking it off the cradle.

 

"Fuck!" he grumbled, grabbing it angrily. "Stalling, and this had better be important," he growled.

 

After listening to the caller, he straightened up in bed.

 

"Are you sure about this?...Did he say anything else?...I see... No, you did the right thing. I appreciate loyalty. You'll be aptly rewarded... No, just go about you business like you normally do... Yes, we'll talk again later today. Thank you for calling, Ms. Colton."

 

Slamming the phone on the receiver, Stalling threw the sheets aside and got up.

 

"Well, well, well," he murmured, pacing back and forth. "It makes you wonder if you can trust anyone anymore."

 

*  *  *

 

Lawton fidgeted nervously. Receiving a call from Winston Stalling at three in the morning didn't bode well, especially considering he had already screwed up by letting the beta and her charge slip past him at the hotel.

 

I'm fucked! he thought, glancing at his watch. It was ten minutes after six. Stalling had requested his presence at 6:00 a.m.

 

At least the asshole could be on time if he's going to fire me!

 

At that moment the CEO's office door opened and Stalling motioned him in.

 

"Thank you for coming so early, Mr. Lawton."

 

"It's not a problem, sir," Lawton replied, wanting to loosen his collar but afraid to do so. I can't let him know I'm nervous.

 

"That's what I like to hear. I expect my people to be available 24/7 when necessary."

 

"Of course, sir. I can understand why."

 

God, I'm such a suckass!

 

Stalling nodded, liking his employee's response. "Good! I'm sure you're wondering why I called you in so early."

 

"Yes sir. Normally Mr. Finton is the one who calls."

 

"Yes, well, circumstances have changed recently. I've been reviewing your personnel file."

 

Shit! Here it comes!

 

"With the exception of that little fiasco at the hotel, you have an exemplary record. I can see you're a very loyal and dedicated company man."

 

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry about the hotel thing. I swear those two didn't slip away on my watch."

 

"I believe you, Mr. Lawton. I'm confident you'll find out what happened and put an end to the mystery... but that's not why I've called you here."

 

"Thank you for your confidence, Mr. Stalling. It means a lot," Lawton began to relax. It was obvious he hadn't been summoned to be fired.

 

Stalling nodded and continued on, ignoring Lawton's comment.

 

"I've decided I need a new chief security officer and I'm considering you."

 

Lawton was stunned.

 

"Me, sir!"

 

"Yes, but before I make up my mind, I need to know a few things."

 

"Certainly! Has something happened to Mr. Finton?"

 

"We'll discuss him in a few minutes. Right now I want to discuss you. I see you've been with us for eighteen years. Are you satisfied with your work?"

 

"Satisfied? If you're asking if I like my job, yes, I do."

 

"As my CSO, you realize you'll be involved in all aspects of the Company's security. Sometimes there are things that need done that are... well, let's just say, not very pleasant. How do you feel about that?"

 

"Over the years, I've done a few things that I didn't like, but Mr. Finton assured me it was necessary for the Company's benefit. I've never questioned his judgment. There's no reason to question yours, sir."

 

"So, if theoretically you were instructed to rid the Company of a problem, you would do it without question?"

 

"It's not my job to question orders."

 

"That's what I want to hear. I think you may be perfect for the position. That brings me to Mr.Finton. He's become a liability."

 

"I see. You want me to remove this liability."

 

"That's exactly what I want."

 

"Is there any particular way or time frame this has to be done?"

 

"As soon as possible."

 

"I'll take care of him. Is there anything else you want?"

 

"One more thing. Kari Colton is also a problem."

 

"I'll take care of her too."

 

"I like your attitude, Mr. Lawton. I'm sure we're going to get along quite well. You do understand that I won't be able to make this official until you've completed your business. No use raising red flags in Personnel, if you know what I mean."

 

"Certainly! It only makes sense. Is that all?"

 

"For now. I expect to hear from you in the next two days... oh, and make sure Finton is first if possible. He'll be suspicious if something happens to his secretary."

 

Lawton nodded his understanding and stood.

 

"I'll let you know as soon as it's done."

 

Once he was gone, Stalling rocked back in his chair and smiled smugly.

 

You thought you could just leave without me finding out? he gloated. After all this time and everything I have achieved, you should have known better. I am His Chosen! He would never let you leave me without my permission.

 

Stalling's thoughts shifted to Kari Colton.

 

Such a pity, but you know too much! I can't take the chance that you'll regret calling me and report everything to the authorities. Now just one more thing and I can put an end to this entire fiasco and get on with things.

 

Picking up the phone, he quickly dialed a number and impatiently drummed his fingers while he waited for someone to answer. Finally a gruff voice appeared on the line.

 

"Marhaban!"

 

"Marhaban, Majiib. Kayf hluk?"

 

"Ah, Mr. Stalling, na bi-khayr. For an infidel you speak my language very good. What is it you want?"

 

"I need for you to take care of a small problem for me."

 

"I am at your service... for right price, of course."

 

"Of course! It seems that my people lost a valuable package and I believe it's back in your country."

 

"So I hear. Perhaps you need my people to handle your packages."

 

"Perhaps, but not yet. What I need is for you to recover the package and take care of its owner."

 

"That is very expensive request, Mr. Stalling. How quickly you want the package returned?"

 

"Today isn't soon enough."

 

"It will be costly."

 

"I don't care how much. Name the figure and it'll be in your accounts in ten minutes, encrypted, of course. I wouldn't want to explain to the Board that I paid for a service that wasn't completed."

 

"Naturally! I expect my account balance grow by twenty mil in ten minutes. You have your package within the week. il l-liq'"

 

Hanging up the phone, Stalling smiled. Twenty million dollars to have the Sheik eliminated and his daughter back under the Company's control was nothing compared to fulfilling his purpose.