Innocent as Sin

14

Phoenix

Friday

Impatiently Bertone tapped his fingers against his polished desk. Joao Fouquette might demand that everyone jump through hoops for him, but he took forever to answer his private satellite phone. Knowing the Brazilian’s lifestyle, he was probably enjoying a long, leisurely meal with his mistress and was reluctant to focus on business.

Finally Fouquette answered, his voice rough, almost breathless. “Speak.”

“The account has been set up at our Aruban bank.”

“It took long enough.”

“It went more quickly than you had any right to expect, and you know it,” Bertone said.

In the background Bertone heard a woman’s voice say, “Joao, my soul, you promised me no business. It is my name day.”

“I’ve sent all the information to your coded e-mail,” Bertone said over the sound of Fouquette soothing his mistress.

“Expect the transfers within forty-eight hours,” Fouquette said almost absently.

“But of course,” Bertone said. “I’ve alerted the men to begin gathering the cargo at the Ukrainian warehouse. When the full payment is transferred, the cargo will be flown immediately to Camgeria.”

“Joao,” said a pouting voice. “I am cold without you.”

Fouquette broke the satellite connection.

Bertone set the unit aside, picked up a scrambled cell phone, and punched speed dial. Gabriel answered immediately.

“All is well?” Bertone asked.

“Ver’ quiet. She visit a taqueria and now drives back to her little ranch. Such a hot woman need a man.”

“Business first.”

Gabriel sighed. “Sí. It is a long time I wait.”

“Death is a lot longer. Keep it in your pants until I give you the signal.”

“And if she goes sideways on you?”

“Bring her to me immediately.”

“Alive?”

“If possible. If not, stupidity is a capital crime.”