The Collectors

Chapter 10

Holly's run in with the Russians hadn't been forgotten by Malcom and as time passed he worried that they may be gearing up for another run at him. In preparation he gathered Ted, Ross, and a reluctant Nick in his office. Nick had never even been on this floor before and was awe struck with the décor, the huge open space and the number of people. Windows that looked out on a world he never saw from behind his reception desk. His attention wandered and he paid little notice to what was being said. Ross was still resentful over his earlier treatment and tried to show it; he wanted to bring up Connie's preferred treatment but no one paid attention; the focus was on keeping fortress, DeWhitt and Winter impenetrable. With Hardy in hospital they would have to call Connie back in and press one or two of the office interns into service.

"I don't think having civilians doing security work is a very good idea, sir." Ross submitted. His attitude one of condescension.

"Did I ask for your opinion, Hutzmeir?"

"Nossir."

"Then shut it. Ted will be in charge and you will all follow his instructions as if they came from me... because they will. Got it?" They all nodded, Nick, wearing a silly grin, offered a salute. "Right. Take up your positions and I'll call Connie back in." The one bright result for Ross's ego.

"I'm supposed to be on reception," Nick complained after they left and he learned what had taken place.

"You heard, Mister DeWhitt," Ted said pompously. "Just do as I say and things will go smoothly." Nick hadn't heard so he shut up.

"Don't use that wing nut that delivers the mail, Palliser," Ross warned.

"I'll use whomever I deem appropriate, Hutzmeir."

"That's what I was afraid of." The group rode the elevator to the lobby and split up to cover all street entrances.

"Keep those radios on!" Ted called after them. "We need full time communication." He frowned as Ross's arm came up. He could have sworn he saw a finger extended.

Malcom used his cell phone to call the number he'd hastily scribbled on his desk blotter when he'd been... interviewing Connie. She was only supposed to have the rest of that day off and he had been lax in monitoring her attendance. It rang several times and he was about to hang up when she answered.

"Malcom?"

She must have call recognition, he noticed and he hesitated over the first name usage. "Uh, Miss Devers, we are having another bit of an emergency and I need you to report back to work immediately."

"Now? I'm just having my hair done."

"Miss Devers, I am your employer and I am ordering you to get back to work right away. This is not the time to debate your schedule. Am I clear?"

"If you insist... sir." Cold. Cold. Cold.

"Uhh- Connie... come to my office when you get here will you, I'll explain everything." He heard a soft mew and accepted that as her concession then hung up.



"Not again." Holly broke off her hug with Jacob and they stood by the desk as Nikoli advanced through the shop door.

"You cause me big trouble." The voice rattled the china displays around the store.

"So what, you're here to complain?" Jacob had found and returned Holly's gun and she had it out of her purse and ready. She held it by her side behind her skirt.

"I here to get statue."

"It's called a sculpture and I already told you, I don't have it. I never did."