“A house on Eagle Lake. It’s a place a friend of mine has. He always said I could use it whenever. I guess this is whenever.”
“You think it’s safe being that close?”
“I need to stay around here. I’ve got a lot of people I can call on if we need ’em. Besides, there’s nothing out here but trees and water.”
“Give me directions.”
Hank told him how to get there.
“I know where that is.”
“That’s good. It looks like it’s just you and me.”
He stared at the wall clock across the dining room. “I’ll be there in a little while.”
“See you then.”
“You want anything to eat?”
“Hell no, my stomach’s in knots.”
“Mine, too. Are you on a landline?”
“Absolutely. This house has one.”
“No more cell calls. These guys are not the cops. They don’t have access to all the cell towers for any triangulation or tracing. But we still need to hedge our bets. Turn your cell phone off and throw it in the lake. I’ll see you shortly.”
He hung up and sat back in the booth.
Outside, thunder cracked closer. It would soon be raining hard.
He remembered the memorial service scheduled to begin at one. For appearances’ sake he’d originally planned to attend. Hamilton Lee would certainly be there, probably leaving for it about now. Time to see if he could place the brakes on whatever Lee was planning. Slow things down. It was worth a try. So he dialed the mainnumber for the mill, asking the switchboard to transfer his call to the CEO’s office.
“Is Hamilton Lee still there?”
“He’s on the way out to the memorial service.”
“This is Brent Walker in the general counsel’s office. Tell him I need to talk to him.”
“Mr. Lee is running late.”
“It’s urgent. I’m sure he’ll make time. He’ll know what it’s about.”
“Hold on.”
A minute later Lee came on the line. “Yes, Brent. What can I do for you?”
“Back off. We can work this out.”
“I am still at a loss as to what you are referring to.”
“Okay, be cautious. After all, I could be calling from the nearest FBI office with a recorder going. But I’m not. Back off, or the next callwillbe from there.”
“Should I take that as a threat?”
“Take it any way you please.”
And he ended the call.
