The Millionaires

82

“We’re all clear at Pecos Bill,” a voice with a Southern accent squawked through Joey’s radio as she weaved her way through the Frontierland crowd.

“Same at Country Bear,” another voice crackled back.

Hidden among the tourists in the street, Joey watched as two clean-cut men in matching blue shirts stepped out onto the porch of the Pecos Bill Cafe. Another two appeared from the Country Bear Jamboree. Their walks were the same: strong and purposeful, but never too fast. Just enough to stay inconspicuous. That was all part of the training, Joey realized. Never panic the guests.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a man and woman moving through the crowd. They weren’t wearing matching shirts, but Joey saw it in their walk – more Security. Within seconds, all three groups headed in different directions, checking the surrounding restaurants, storefronts, and attractions.

“We’ll take Pirates,” a female voice said through the radio as the man and woman team headed around the corner toward Pirates of the Caribbean.

At the center of the crowd, Joey didn’t follow. Charlie and Oliver were smarter than that. It’s one thing to lose yourself in the herd of people; it’s quite another to purposely run into a potential dead end like a restaurant or a nearby attraction. Squinting as she turned her head from left to right, Joey carefully scrutinized the rest of the area. Packed souvenir shops… equally popular impulse-buy kiosks… and a neverending stream of buzzing tourists. The only calming moment in the whole hurricane was up ahead, where a swinging wooden gate blocked part of the street. Watching it carefully, Joey couldn’t take her eyes off it. The Disney cops were preoccupied with protecting paying guests, but if Charlie and Oliver were still running, they couldn’t afford to be out in the open – they’d need someplace quiet and tucked away. Joey took another look at the swinging gate. Just beyond it was a sign with the words “Cast Members Only” on it.

“Quiet and tucked away,” she whispered to herself.

“You got something?” Noreen asked through the earpiece.

“Maybe,” Joey said, heading for the gate and leaving the Disney cops behind. “I’ll tell you in a minute…”