Chapter 6

He drummedhis fingers on the desk.

How long does it take to read a message?

His impatience had nothing to do with the delay, and everything to do with the roasting he was about to deliver.

I expected better.

At last the call came through on WhatsApp, and he took a moment to collect his thoughts. He clicked Answer and waited, knowing his silence would send a message all on its own.

A nervous cough at the other end told him the message had been received, loud and clear.

"It's done. Tanner is out of the picture."

He waited.

"Sir? Did you hear me?"

"I heard. And that… other matter?"

"Also taken care of."

He couldn't miss the quiet note of pride. Apparently, the lesson about what comes after pride had been missed.

"I take it you were behind the bomb in Roswell?"

"Yes, sir."

"So you've eliminated Dr. Malone?"

"Didn't I just say that?"

Silence.

"I'm sorry, sir. I forgot myself for a second there."

He peered at his monitor. "Have you seen the list of fatalities issued by the Roswell Police Department?"

"No, sir." A pause. "I don't read about my jobs in the press. It's a habit I got into years ago."

"It makes for interesting reading. Twelve dead so far."

Another pause. "You're not bothered about them, are you?"

He snorted. "No, I'm not. What I am bothered about is the one name I expected to see on that list, but which is conspicuous by its absence."

He didn't miss the hitch in the breathing at the other end.

"He was there. I watched him go inside. He'd have been right next to the blast."

"Then something went wrong."

Another pause. "Maybe his injuries mean he'll?—"

"I already checked with the hospital. He isn't there."

Ragged breathing filled his ear. "I'll see to it."

"You'd better." He smiled. "Or do I need to remind you of what happens if you fail me?"

Silence.

"I thought not. Call me when it's done." He ended the call.

Incompetence had its own reward.

A terminal one.