Page 10 of The Debt

“Yes Boss.”

As soon as he hung up the phone, Vasco finished his drink and stumped out the cigar in the ashtray. He left the study a moment later and bounded up the stairs. Within moments he was in bed and fast asleep. The last thing he thought about as he fell asleep was the orphanage he grew up in and the way he had to fight for his survival. It was the same thought that put him to sleep every night.

* * *

Vasco awoke to the ringing of the phone on the nightstand. He stretched and yawned, reaching for the cordless receiver while pressing the answer button. With his mind still foggy with sleep, he murmured into the phone.

“Vasco, can you send a car for me?”

Mira’s voice brought him wide awake. “Did you get the information?”

“No Vasco.”

“Then what the fuck were you doing all night with the guy?’

“I wasn’t with him all night,” she replied. “I wasn’t feeling well so I got a room since you sent the driver home.”

“You’re full of excuses now?” he sneered. “You get that information or kiss any chances goodbye of ever seeing your father again.”

“You can’t do that!”

“Then do as I ask and …”

“But Vasco, Archer doesn’t drink alcohol.”

“What?”

“How do I get him drunk if he doesn’t take alcohol?” she asked. “That was what you asked me to do.”

Vasco was becoming impatient with Mira’s naivety. “Just think of something. You’re a woman, it shouldn’t be too hard for you.”

He hung up the phone and tossed it on the nightstand, closing his eyes. It was at that moment he realized the implications of his suggestion. What if she slept with the man? Vasco sat up and ran his hand across his face. He needed the deal closed, that was for sure. Sacrificing Mira in the process was a small price to pay. If she did her job well, the deal would be over within hours and they could quickly forget about Archer Dunbar.

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