Chapter 28
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Kovac paced his office, chewing on a nail. He hadn’t done that since his teens when he started having manicures. Where was a message from Crusher?
His phone buzzed from his assistant.
Stabbing the button, Kovac said, “I do not want to be disturbed. Were you confused the first time I told you?”
In a shaky voice, his assistant said, “Someone is calling for you on my mobile phone. Says it’s critical.”
Who would call him onherphone? Then he knew. “Bring me your phone.”
The twenty-three-year-old knock-out brunette hurried in and handed over her personal phone.
“Thank you.” He had to maintain civility. “Sorry to snap at you. I have a lot going on right now.”
“Of course.” She gave him a brainless smile and scurried out, closing the door softly behind her.
He lifted the phone. “Kovac.”
“Listen carefully,” W started.
Kovac’s skin chilled at the threat in this Ruskie’s voice. At least, W’s accent sounded Russian.
W asked, “Did you deal with stepdaughter?”
Kovac’s voice shook. “Not yet.”
“Unacceptable.”
He had to do more than wait to give a one-word answer. “I’d like to tell you what I’m doing.”
“I do not want loose threads running around. You have one chance to convince me bringing you into fold was not mistake on my part. I do not make mistakes. Speak quickly.”
“Yes, Sir.” Kovac quickly explained that he believed Hallene had someone hack his computer system even though he had exceptional layers of security. He set up a phony meeting for proof of life to draw her out of the shadows, which worked, then his man went to take care of her. He was waiting to hear back.
W said, “No confirmation from your man by now means he was terminated.”
Breathing became difficult. “I’ll do whatever you say, Sir. Everything I’ve agreed to have arranged by end of day Friday is on track. No hiccups.”
“I will send someone to deal with this stepdaughter problem and deduct cost from your funds.”
Kovac had never been so relieved to lose money. “Excellent idea.”
“Here is whatyouwill do immediately.”
