Shoot Him If He Runs

13

Teddy Fay’s cell phone vibrated against his ribcage. “Yes?”

“Mr. Elliot?”

“Yes.”

“This is Tito, the maintenance manager at Nevis Aero Services.”

“Yes, Tito?”

“We’re just about done with the annual on your airplane. You need a new set of spark plugs-I’d suggest the platinum ones-and your starboard main gear tire is pretty close to needing replacing.”

“The platinum plugs are fine, and go ahead and replace the tire. Do you have a replacement from the same manufacturer of the other two?”

“Yes, sir; they’re Goodyears, and we stock those. Will you be picking up the airplane when we’re done? It should be ready tomorrow.”

“What’s the bill going to come to?”

“A little under three thousand.”

“Charge it to the credit card number I gave you, and leave a copy of the bill on the seat. I’ve rented hangar number four, so put the airplane in there and lock it up. The combination on the lock is 4340.”

“Yes, sir; it’ll be in there by tomorrow night.”

“Thank you, Tito.”

“Let us know if you need anything else.”

“Will do.”

Teddy hung up and continued driving. Less than a minute passed before the phone vibrated again. “Yes?”

“Mr. Martin?”

“Yes?”

“This is Cornwall Shipping Agents; the shipment you told us to expect arrived this morning. It should clear customs by noon tomorrow.”

“Oh, good; what’s the tariff going to be?”

“Around eight hundred dollars.”

“All right; charge it to the credit card number I gave you.”

“Do you want it delivered?”

“How large is it?”

“Two wooden crates, one about eight feet long, the other about five feet. Not all that heavy, though.”

“I’ll pick them up tomorrow afternoon, then. Will they be ready to go?”

“Yes, sir, just back up to our loading dock and tell the man on duty you want shipment number 00028, and make sure he gives you both crates.”

“See you then.” Teddy hung up. This was all coming together very well, he thought. His purchase ostensibly included all the tools he would need, but he was going to have to buy a chain saw.

Right now, though, all Teddy needed was a drink.