The Count (The End – Chapter 2 – Part 4)

The phone rings.

The phone always rings when twelve of my labours have just disappeared due to a bug and not been saved, and thirty emails from my “boss” are piling up in my inbox! But it is not him on the phone.
It is someone else. A voice I have not heard since… since the last time a cryptic phrase like this was thrown in my face.

“The Gators are high in the AP rankings this year. They have a good chance of winning the championship.

The answer comes out of my mouth without a second thought:

“Yes, but the Williams sisters are still in the lead.”

At some point, I have to stop letting him choose our code phrases.

“How are you? I haven’t heard from you in months, where have you been?”
“I’ve been… Indisposed… I’m better now. And we’re back in business.”

I grin. I am sure he can hear it on the other end of the line.

“About time! And I suppose I am the last to know, as usual?”
“Don’t be a diva, you know very well you’re the first one I call.”
“Who else is involved?”
“I’m not sure. The Taulier remained vague. But it’s clear that it won’t be just the two of us. You are expected at the B32 rendezvous point tomorrow and at HQ in two days’ time.”
“Fine. See you tomorrow then.”
“Sorry, but I’m already at HQ. The Taulier came to pick me up personally and in advance.”
“He knows that you are the only one who would dare to be late for such a meeting.”
“Er, I suspect it was more to make sure I’d be fully myself before everyone else arrived.”
“Sounds like you were seriously indisposed.”
“You could say that. See you in two days. Bye.”
“Wait a minute. Who will I meet at B32 if you’re not there?”
“There was another reason the Taulier wanted to see me before I came to HQ. He also wants to talk to you about it in a private and secure setting. See you soon.”

Beep-beep-beep.

I hang up too, turn back to my screen and look at my drawing in progress. I save it. Not sure when or if I will ever finish it. Another order lost.
I get up and take the bokken from the wall.

(to be continued)

If you missed the beginning,
click on the logo below:

Author(s)

GP

Factotum polymathe et petite main de la réclame. Ici pour écrire de la fiction de genre sans prétention à la chaîne et mâcher du chewing gum. Or je ne retrouve plus mes chewing gums.