The Memorist

Chapter 32

Monday, April 28^th-12:54 p.m.

At Global’s temporary offices on the second floor of Vienna’s main concert hall, Bill Vine watched a red circle slowly moving across a section of Moravia, Czech Republic, on one of six computer screens. On a second screen, there was another red circle holding on the western tip of Serbia. On a third, the dot was stalled in central Slovakia.

“No, we don’t have any info yet on what kind of explosives were purchased in any of these transactions. I should have that information for you later this afternoon,” Vine said, reporting to Tom Paxton, who reacted impatiently.

“But we’re seeing all the purchasers?”

“Yes. And following them, without any problem.”

“What do you make of the fact that there’s been no activity for six days and suddenly three transactions occurred almost simultaneously?” Paxton asked.

“It suggests a shipment came in as much as anything else. Or it could just be a coincidence.”

“I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“Neither do I,” said Vine. “Except when they are coincidences.”

“How soon will you be able to get people in the field to start following these bad boys on the ground too?”

“They’re on their way and we should have everyone covered within two hours, three at the latest.”

“Too long.”

Vine didn’t react to the criticism. “We don’t get the addresses of the drops, Tom.”

“For what they’re getting paid, all these suppliers should be giving us that too.”

“Requires too much communication with us. Don’t underestimate the coup you’ve pulled off here. Bribing the enemy’s no small feat. Even if we don’t know yet if any of these purchases are headed our way, it’s one helluva insurance policy.”

“You’re sure there won’t be more than a three-hour wait? I want people on their tails, not just machines.”

“I’m sure.”

“Is there anything else we need to worry about before we move on?” Paxton asked.

“Nope, nothing,” Vine said, without any indication that he’d heard the question a thousand times before.