Page 11 of Mann Hunt
“I did, but there’s a problem. It requires someone’s fingerprint to access it.”
“Oh?”
“Do you know anyone, other than your husband, who might have a fingerprint registered on this computer?”
“No. It would only be Palvinder’s.”
She paused for a moment. “But not to worry. I will deal with it.”
Declan asked, “How?”
But it was too late. She had already disconnected.
What the hell is she going to do?
* * * *
Saanvi Attwal waited by the phone. She prided herself on being a strong, take-control person. She reviewed the facts. One—under no circumstances would her husband divulge one of his client’s secrets to another. She knew he would never turn over the computer to them. Two—she knew that without him, the computer could not be opened. Three—she knew she could not bear to see anything happen to that silly old fool. Four—she could do nothing to hurt him.
The phone rang. The display saidUnknown number.
“Hello.”
“Well? Do you have the computer files?”
“I…I am working on it. I must speak to my husband. He’s the only one who can make this happen. Please. Just for a minute.”
There was a long pause. She heard a scraping sound, like something being dragged. Then—
“Saanvi? Is that you?”
“Yes, my silly old man. I have no time. The computer—it requires your fingerprint to open it.”
“My dear wife, you have been so strong through this whole ordeal. I will take care of everything. Give the children my love.”
The call was disconnected.
* * **
A large man yanked the phone away from Palvinder Attwal. “Is she going to give us the computer?” he asked.
“No. She is far too smart for that. We both know that if you get it, there is no guarantee that I will see the end of the day—your competitors will see to that.” Mr Attwal paused. “Look, I understand—this is all about business. And you are wise enough to know that business goes both ways. You need certain files so you can continue to function, and I need other files to stay alive.” Mr Attawl chose his next words carefully. “If you let me go, I will return with all of your files and we can agree that our business relationship is at an end. No harm, no foul as they say.”
“They say that, do they? I say you don’t leave here until I get what my employer wants.” The large man shoved him into a tiny room and began to close the door.
“Wait. There is another solution to this problem,” the accountant said, then proceeded to explain what could be done.
His screams echoed off the walls as they took him up on his offer, and took a little something extra for their troubles.
Chapter Six
Charlie told himself that he was ready for his interview. He had showered and shaved, dressed nicely, tamed his unruly hair as best he could and managed to find parking. He checked one more time to ensure that all of his support material was still inside the portfolio case that was securely tucked under his arm as he approached the address…one hour early. Luckily there was a street-level café in the building that housed Hunt’s office. He would wait there. It would give him time to calm down and collect his thoughts.
He entered the café—Les Trois Magots. A little bell announced his arrival, not that the woman behind the counter would have had any difficulty noticing him. It was a small establishment.
“Good morning,” she chirped as Charlie closed the door behind him. The woman was small in stature, had curly ash-blonde hair and soft grey-blue eyes. She had a warm smile and creased face that saidI love you, now sit down and eat.Her name badge identified her as Gwen. Charlie liked her immediately.
“Hi,” Charlie said, as he smiled and headed over to the counter. “A large latte and…” He surveyed the array of baked goods. “One of those…please,” he added, pointing to a flaky pastry that showed hints of chocolate concealed inside.
