THIRTY
NIGEL WAS in his suite, flicking through Nincotte's file but he couldn't read a word. He was about to call Pang, when his hotel phone rang.
"Aren't you taking my calls now?" Stan asked,
"I've been calling your mobile." "I switched it off."
"I need another hundred thousand." "Where's the other hundred thousand?"
"He took it as a down payment. He wants another hundred."
"Greedy bastard! You see this is what I'm talking about. You know that he's going to do this again until someone has the balls to stop him."
"I know and I agree with you and respect Mike for what he did, but his mum wants him home."
"So if you pay a hundred more, Michael's out?"
"He gave his word."
"….As if that means anything."
"We have to try…Will you bring the money?"
"Of course I will. You only had to ask."
"When? Harvey's waiting."
"I'll go now." Nigel hung up.
He returned the papers to their folder, picked up his wallet and key card and left the suite.
He was walking to the elevator when he noticed a maid he hadn't seen before. Her uniform looked tight and her hair seemed tatty. He smiled as he passed - she didn't smile back.
He took a taxi and arrived at the hospital with a jiffy bag of cash. "So where's Harvey?"
"He'll be back soon."
Nigel pulled up a chair and smiled.
"You're in a better mood."
"I've had a little time to think things over."
"And where did you arrive with your thoughts?"
"That perhaps you were right."
"Thanks and don't worry about the money. I'll settle everything when we get home."
"Did I ever mention the money?"
"No but I know it all adds up."
Stan handed Nigel a company credit card.
"At least this can cover the hotel and your driver with this. The pin is 1969."
Nigel slid the card into his wallet. "Well Stan, I have some papers to shred."
"What papers?"
"It doesn't matter. You were right, this isn't our place."
Stan looked affectionately at his father. "Thanks for everything you've done, Dad."
"You can thank me down the pub.”