Jordan Stern slipped behind the wheel of the Taurus. Tom Martin got in on the other side and put the package between his feet. Vanessa stood next to the car with her gun barely concealed under her coat. She tried to look natural while scanning the street before getting in the back seat.
Jordan started the car and headed back toward Route 2. He worked his way into the afternoon traffic and asked, "Agent Lee, can you tell if we're being followed?"
"I don't think we are. There is too much traffic for us to be followed easily, although the traffic makes it easier for a tail to hide."
"You two are taking paranoid to new heights," Tom said.
"Two of my agents were almost blown up by a bomb intended for you," Jordan replied, "We've been tailed, and people have been searching your house. I think a little paranoia is justified here."
Jordan's phone rang and he extracted it from his coat and activated it in one fluid motion. "Stern here."
Zenya's voice came through clearly from the other end off the line, [They took the bait in a big way.]
"Oh? You were tailed?"
[We were almost shot at.]
"How can you be almost shot at?" Jordan asked.
[I didn't really give the other guy a chance,] Zenya said.
Jordan was beginning to get concerned about the body count on this little errand, "We'll see you at the chicken coop."
[Understood.]
Jordan hung up the phone.
"Things getting interesting at my house?" Tom asked.
"Things are getting messy," Jordan replied.
The phone rang again and Jordan answered, "Stern here."
[Agent Stern, I believe you have something I want,] a woman said.
"That depends on what it is and who you are."
[Let's just call it a device, and let's just say that it poses a danger to you that you do not understand.]
"I'd say that it's proven to be fairly dangerous already, and that so far we've done fairly well. I also think it's valuable and you'll need to offer something more substantial than idle threats to get me to give it up."
[I have something that might interest you. Meet me this evening at the Pizzeria Uno on Route 9 in Natic. We'll talk.]
"How will I know you?"
[I'll wear a purple skirt.]
"I'll be there at 7."
NRPG:
A short one. I think Beth and I are eating at that Pizzeria Uno this
evening. I'll let you know if I see anything strange.
Respectfully submitted,
Alton Reich
SA-4 Jordan Stern, Team Leader ZULU
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