The World Beneath

Chapter 40

Ozan watched the commuters rush in through the Lexington Avenue entrance. They left wet footprints on the stone floor. A slipping hazard, an easy way to disguise an accidental death. Not that he needed one right now, but he was always on alert to add to his repertoire.

He sipped his hot black coffee. He was due to meet Rash Connelly at nine sharp by the clock in the concourse. They were going down to Tesla’s lair to see if they could find another way that Tesla could have gotten out of his house. Ozan bet that Tesla had a back door. He was too smart not to.

He took a long sip of his strong coffee. He felt better today than he had in a long time — stronger, more clear-headed. A good night’s sleep on Erol’s floor was all he’d needed.

His cell phone rang.

“Saddiq.” He smiled at a blonde ordering a ridiculously complicated coffee that seemed to consist more of things being left out than added.

“Verifying that you have not located the papers.”

“I have not.” It was Dubois. Ozan recognized his voice and his impatient air. “But we’re closing in on Tesla, and I understand that it is imperative that he not speak to the police.”

“I doubt that he knows anything. But the orders stand.” A familiar clattering in the background gave Ozan pause.

“Are you on a train?” Ozan asked.

“Yes. I have an important meeting in the city today.”

“When do you arrive?”

“How is that relevant?” Dr. Dubois’s voice sharpened with suspicion.

“If Tesla knows something, he might come after you.”

“Ridiculous!”

“Probably.” Ozan smiled at the blonde, and she gave him an insulted look. He faced away from her. “What would it hurt if I were to meet your train and escort you safely to your destination?”

He’d have to call Connelly and reschedule their meeting.

“How would Tesla know where I am?” Dubois sounded impatient.

“I don’t know,” Ozan admitted. “He’s smart. I don’t think we should underestimate him.”

Dr. Dubois didn’t say anything. Ozan listened to the sounds of the train.

“He’s a software engineer,” Dubois said finally. “Not an assassin.”

Ozan did not tell him that the software engineer had bested him, a sought-after assassin, at every encounter so far.

“Stick with your original duties.” Dubois hung up.

Ozan dropped the empty cup in the garbage can and joined the throng heading toward the trains. He checked the arrivals board for Dubois’s train. The board said that the train was due in at 9:07 on Platform 112.

He’d meet it. If Tesla didn’t show up, no harm was done. If he did, Ozan would be ready for him. Today was a good day, and he would not fail.