The Blonde

1:56 a.m.

Little Pete’s

Kowalski’s cell rang. Someone dictated a number to him, and he scribbled the number on a Little Pete’s napkin. Added his PN, used his prepaid calling card, hit a pay phone, reached his handler. She spoke fast and furious. Things were moving.

So much for chitchat.

Anyway: Based on preliminary evidence from Professor Man-chette’s head—CI-6 thought it was best to have someone closer expedite the removal, the handler explained; like Kowalski fucking minded?—it was top priority to locate Kelly White and take her into custody.

“I’m on it.”

He’d planned ahead for this. He had the license plate sequence of the cab she’d taken from Philly International; he knew the cab company. A quick call, a bit of “Homeland Security” strong-arm stuff, and he’d have their drop-off location. That wasn’t a worry. What worried Kowalski was the bag between his feet.

“Hey—what about the, um, other head?”

“Store it somewhere safe for now.”

He wanted to ask his handler, Like where? Ask Little Pete if I can stick it in his deep freezer for a while? Right next to the hamburger patties and pork chops? Kowalski knew he was better off taking it with him. His experience with the tree house in Somerton had spooked him. The bag seemed to be in too much demand. The only risk was a cop stopping him, asking to see what was in the bag. But if it came to that, and Kowalski was unable to incapacitate the cop, he knew he had a safety net out there. It might mean some jail time, but not forever. Homeland Security had an infinite number of Get Out of Jail Free cards.

“Where’s your guy? The one who’s supposed to pick it up?”

“He’s unavailable.”

“Mad scientists usually busy at two in the morning?”

A pause.

“Discretion would serve you well.”

“Oh, I’m discreet. How could I not be? I don’t know a thing. Except that I’m the guy who’s stuck holding the bag. And I meant that literally as well as metaphorically.”

Another pause.

“Is that all?”

“I guess so. Unless you’re want to wish me luck.”

“Good-bye.”

“Bye …” he said, then silently mouthed her name. He felt dirty saying it.