Payback

122

Dean had gone over to a nearby diner for dinner and was just getting back to the cottage when his cell phone began to ring. He knew that it had to be the NSA; they were the only ones he had given the number to.

“Dean,” he said, flipping it open.

“Charlie, we need you to go to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,” said Chris Farlekas. “To the state police headquarters there.”

“How are you, Chris?”

“Very busy at the moment. How long will it take you?”

“I don’t know. It’s pretty far away. If I left now. . six or seven hours by car maybe.” He glanced up and saw a bat dart overhead, grabbing flies in mid-air.

“You won’t go by car.” Farlekas was silent for moment, apparently consulting with someone. “Can you get to a city called New Milford, Pennsylvania?”

“It’s more like a village. Yeah, it would take about a half hour.”

“Leave now, please. A helicopter will meet you outside the city, at the police barracks. We’re making the arrangements right now.”

“What’s going on?”

“The item you were looking for in Peru may be on its way to Philadelphia. I’d prefer not to discuss it on this line. If you would kindly change, we’ll be able to use our usual method while you’re on your way.”