Noble Intentions: Season Two (Episodes 6-10) by L.T. Ryan Read Free Book Online Page B

and squeezed tight around Feng’s.
    “Boris,” he said. His accent was thick and distinct and Russian. “Let’s get started.”
    Feng stood back as Boris returned to his seat. Then he walked to the desk and sat down. Behind him the door shut closed and locked.
    Boris smiled.
    Feng frowned.
    “It’s for both our protection. Last line of defense if you will.”
    “What about the window?” Feng said with a nod.
    Boris shrugged.
    Feng studied the man. His face held no expression. His eyes seemed dead. This was a man who had retribution on his mind, no doubt about that. Feng had been that way much of his life and only now eased up as he knew the end was near. This deal was one of the ones he counted on to help push himself into retirement. The Russians were offering a large sum of money for the documents.
    “Our talks on the phone,” Boris said. “The early negotiations. I don’t think that price was quite right.”
    “You are indeed correct, Mr. Boris. I couldn’t possibly let these go for any less than ten million.”
    Boris smiled. He leaned back in his chair and said nothing.
    The old man said nothing in return. They faced off in silence for more than five minutes.
    The old man spoke first. “I could go down to eight.”
    “The agreement was five.”
    “Times change, my friend. I have had other offers. But I discussed this with you first, so I want you to have the first right of refusal.”
    “What other offers? Who has made other offers?”
    Feng smiled and brought his hands together in front of his face.
    “I won’t reveal them for fear of retribution against them.”
    “You might face retribution from me for not disclosing the information.”
    “If you make a move like that it will be the last move you make. I am old. I am ready to die. You can take nothing from me. Understand? Nothing. I, however, can take everything from you. I know all about you and your operations, Mr. Boris. I know more than you want me to know. Let’s cut this out and complete the deal. Five million as originally agreed.”
    Boris lifted an eyebrow. His cheeks turned red and his nostrils flared a bit. He took a deep breath. Feng guessed it was an effort to hide the anger that his face already betrayed.
    “Five million,” Boris said.
    Feng smiled and leaned back in his chair.
    “Why Iowa?”
    Boris shrugged. “Why not? Last place they would look for us.”
    Boris stood and walked to the corner of the room. He slid a section of books, revealing a hidden safe. He punched in a code and opened the safe. He returned to the desk and placed several stacks of cash in front of Feng.
    “That’s not all of it. My guys are at the bank getting the rest right now.”
     

10
    Jack waited by the aluminum bleachers. The air was cool, but not cold. His brown leather jacket was unzipped. The park was full of kids and families playing and walking and enjoying themselves. He couldn’t help but feel out of place. He checked his watch. 11:45 a.m. Frank said noon, which meant he would be there within the next five minutes. Jack faced the football field but kept checking in all directions for any signs of Frank or other SIS agents.
    Less than five minutes later Frank appeared from the direction of the parking lot. Jack left the bleachers to meet him in the middle. Frank saw him, turned and waved for Jack to follow. Jack double-timed it and caught up with Frank before he reached the parking lot.
    “What’s the hurry?” Jack asked.
    “Like you, I don’t like being out in the open like that.”
    Jack looked around. “Any reason for concern?”
    “None other than constant paranoia.”
    Jack laughed. He related.
    “Come on. I want you to meet your new partner.”
    “You won’t be working with me?”
    Frank shook his head. “I’m no longer in the field, Jack.”
    “A pencil pusher. Who would have thought it?”
    Frank said nothing. He led Jack to the corner of the parking lot and opened the back passenger side door of the dark sedan.
    Jack