Page 23 of In Too Deep

“Every two or three days. Unless it gets full quicker than that. Then the boss calls someone. Gets them to come an extra time.”

“When’s the next collection?”

“Tomorrow, I think. Why? Want me to check?”

“No need. I’m just curious.”

—

Vidic kept hiseyes on Paris’s hands. If she clasped them low down behind her back, that was the emergency signal. It would mean Fletcher was onto them. That the meeting was a trap. It would be Vidic’s cue to charge in, guns blazing, and rescue Paris. He was ready to jump back into his Jeep if she gave the sign. That was for sure. Only he wouldn’t drive toward the danger. He would drive the opposite way.

Vidic watched for five minutes. He saw Fletcher approach Paris.Saw them talk. Saw plenty of arm waving on both sides. Something major was being discussed. That was clear. But Paris’s hands stayed far apart. And they stayed in front of her body. So when Vidic was sure he was safe he drove around the heaps of ancient spoil and parked next to her Defender.

Fletcher waited for Vidic to jump down then turned and started toward the cave entrance. “Come on,” he said, over his shoulder. “We have things to talk about.”

—

Reacher left thediner and strolled back to his room. He locked the door behind him, stripped off his shirt and pants, placed them under the mattress so that they would get pressed while he slept, then went to the bathroom. He brushed his teeth and thought about taking a shower. It was late but his body was sore. His right shoulder hurt. So did his arm. His rib cage. All probably as a result of the accident, earlier in the day. And his head was aching. He figured a little warmth and some steam might help. But before he could decide, the room phone started to ring. Normally he ignored calls late at night. They were usually bad news. He knew. He had made plenty of them himself over the years. But this time it could be Wallwork calling. Or Vidic. He could be checking that Reacher was still there. Or giving word that it was time for the next step in the plan. So to be on the safe side, Reacher picked up.

“Mr. Austin?” It was a woman’s voice. Mary, from the motel office.

Reacher said, “Yes.”

“Mr. Austin, I thought you should know, a couple of detectives were just here looking for you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. A minute ago.”

“Were they wearing suits? Or undercover clothes?”

“Undercover, I guess.”

“Which division were they from?”

Mary paused. “I’m not sure. They just said they were detectives. They showed me their badges and everything.”

“What did they want?”

“They were asking all about you. Where you were? If you were in your room? Like that.”

“What did you tell them?”

“I said I didn’t know.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“I thought you’d want to know. I would, if the police were looking for me in the middle of the night.”

“Mary, is someone there with you?”

“No.”

“Did someone get you to make this call?”

Mary was silent.

“Mary?”

---