Chapter Twelve
Veiled Evil
The two businessmen sipped at their tea, as they sat in an amicable silence in the elegant sitting room. One of the men finally broke the silence, “I see no need to continue a manhunt that may arouse the suspicions of various officials not to mention the world at large. If they get through no one will believe them. The facility is completely destroyed, along with all those that could have squealed on us. I say stop risking the future for one mishap in the past.”
The other man just shook his head at his companion, “You have much to learn Alex. For starters we provide a service that we charge rather handsomely for. If our clients were to find out about our incompetency in this matter we would lose all of our business. Not only that, but our rates would be severed in half, in order to make up for lost business, and to instill faith once again. No they must be tracked down and destroyed!”
The other man sighed and took another sip of his tea, “I suppose you’re right Kent. This man you brought in, Chatta, is he any good?”
“The man’s part wolf on a scent, when the money’s right. Winter is coming fast to Siberia as it always does this time of year. If the winter isn’t enough to bring them down, then Chatta will.”
Alex nodded taking another sip of his tea.
Kent spoke up, “How is the new facility coming along?”
Alex smiled, “Already up and running. We received our first two patrons yesterday.”
Kent smiled in return and raised his tea cup in a mock toast, “Here’s to making their stay with us a memorable one.”
Both men laughed at their jest.
The mahogany panel doors slid open and a little girl peered inside.
“Aye Natasha come in my dear!” Alex said.
The little red haired girl stepped into the room and quickly made her way across it to her father. In a precocious two year old’s voice she said, “Mama said not to disturb you, if you were busy.”
Alex laughed, “Oh it’s nothing dear, your uncle and I were just discussing a little business, but that’s all settled now. Tell me what do you want of me?”
“Ice cream!” The girl answered back without reserve.
Both men laughed at her request.
“Ice cream it is then. To the kitchens with us, where you shall have all the ice cream you can hold.” Alex said good-naturedly.
In a conspiratorial tone the little girl whispered, “Mommy can’t know about this or she’ll be mad!”
Alex leaned down to his daughter, after first winking at Kent, “Leave it to us Natasha. We’re good at keeping secrets. No one will ever know.”