Nemesis Chapter 42

Nemesis Chapter 42

Using Shannon's spacious private hospital room as their makeshift headquarters, Grant picked up the phone and telephoned the police.

"Yes, I'd like to report some suspicious activity going on in the building next door to me," Grant drawled when the officer answered the phone.  He went on to report that there were several men there whom he thought were supplying drug paraphernalia and that he'd heard that a big order was shipping out that evening.  Then, he gave the police the first address he'd uncovered in the database.

Meanwhile,  Nicholas applied the finishing touches to his mask and put it on.  Within moments, he was transformed into Kyle Garcia.  After posing for a couple of incriminating photos with Jim, he and Max set off to find the packaging supplier, while Grant and Jim headed for the Commerce building.

******

Max and Nicholas found the address they were looking for, just as a man was closing the door of a small panel truck.

"How much do you want to bet that's our shipment?"  Max guessed, his voice low.

"I'll bet you're right," his partner responded, and hastily exited the passenger side, catching the man's attention.

"Ah, Mister Garcia!"  the man greeted with a warm handshake.  "We just finished loading the order for Mister Christie and were about to send it over.  I didn't expect to see you here.  To what do I owe this honor?"

"I have business in the Commerce building, and we'll need the shipment as soon as I return," Nicholas replied smoothly, channeling Garcia's voice almost perfectly.  "I thought I'd bring one of our crew with me to drive it over.  Save you guys a trip."

The man's face fell.  "But, Mister Garcia," he protested, "this is a service we are happy to do for you."

"I know, figlio mio," Nicholas answered, patting the man's cheek affectionately.  "Your company provides great service for us.  Let us honor you just this once."

The man beamed.  "Very well, Mister Garcia," he acquiesced.  "You are very good customer.  What Mister Garcia wants, Mister Garcia gets."

He wordlessly signaled for an associate to bring the order form for Nicholas to sign.  He quickly scribbled Garcia's name and thanked the man as Max hopped into the truck and took off in the direction of the warehouse.

Nicholas got back into the sedan and pretended to head toward the Commerce building.  Once he was sure that no one was behind him, he keyed his communicator.

"Max, we're all clear."

Max, a few feet ahead, pulled the panel truck to the side of the road.  Nicholas pulled the sedan in behind him, jumped out, and the two men switched places.

"I'll try to slow Christie down," Max muttered, "and meet you back at the warehouse."

"All right," Nicholas replied.  "I'll see if Garcia can get this operation started."

Then Max headed toward Christie 's compound in the sedan, while Nicholas, still in disguise, drove the panel truck toward the warehouse.