The Mississippi Company

by Mark Kertzman

Chapter 23

conclusion

The phonelink buzzed, startling Jon. He snapped his attention back from his daydreams, and stared at the slim screen at the corner of his desk. The phonescreen indicated an internal call. Jon hit a key, and the screen opened.

“I heard you were back.”

Jon couldn’t help smiling. “Afternoon, Doug. Yeah, I’m back.”

“So, did you take the money?”

Jon laughed. “You must have heard the recording of my little chat with Ravi.”

Doug shook his head. “Nothing of the sort. Ravi sang like a canary to the prosecutor at The Hague. He tried to embroil you in a bribery charge.”

“Did the prosecutor believe him?” Jon asked calmly.

“No way. She listened to your recording.”

Jon just nodded. After a few moments, Doug spoke again. “You didn’t answer my question.”

Jon snickered again. “What do you think?”

Doug looked at Jon for a few seconds, then shook his head. “Nah. You’re too honest.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Jon asked defensively.

“Nothing. The world needs more people like you.”

“Thanks.”

Neither of them said anything for a while.

“It’s getting late, Jon,” Doug finally said, “Let’s pack up and head out. We’ll grab a few beers, meet some nice ladies. What do you say?”

“Oh, no. Not after the last time I had a few beers.” Jon was shaking his head emphatically.

“You’re unbelievable. You can chase a fugitive halfway across the world, out to Moon orbit, get shot at, and come back looking like the dog pooped on you, but you can’t go out for a beer with your buddy.”

Jon laughed again, chagrined. “Okay, okay. I’ll go out for one beer and no more. And you’re buying.”

Doug nodded. “Deal.”

To Challenge 441...