Save Me If You Can

Save Me If You Can Chapter 14

SAVE ME IF YOU CAN

Chapter 14

By

Lacadiva

~WC~

Transcript of various FBI recorded conversations:

R.T. : "Who is this, and how (expletive deleted) did you get this number?"

NEAL CAFFREY (N.C.): "The question you should be asking is, 'what can Nick Halden do for you that Linus Hauser couldn't?' For one thing, he promised you extreme anonymity, but the mere fact that we're conversing right now demonstrates his inability to deliver."

J.J.M: So what can you do for me, Nick Halden? And why would I want you to?

N.C.: You're awaiting a back order on a few imported items particularly favored by certain, shall we say, urban rivals...

J.J.M.: Yeah...so?

N.C.: So, what if I told you I can have them to you in a week?

S.B.: You can do that?

N.C.: That's why they call me the magic man. That's why a third of Hauser's customers belong to me now. He couldn't keep them happy. I can.

S.B.: How?

N.C.: By cutting out the middleman, which cuts costs considerably for you. Your shipment doesn't sit in warehouses for weeks while palms are being greased.

R.T.: I don't believe you. Nobody's network is that good.

N.C.: If Linus Hauser were handling your situation, I'd completely agree. But Nick Halden guarantees you safe, secured delivery. No loose ends.

J.J.M: Yo, if you're really all you say you are, dog, how come nobody ever heard of you till now?

N.C.: You've never heard of me because I'm a ghost. Unless I'm doing business with you directly, I do not exist. Hauser's on five most wanted lists, including the FBI's, Interpol, and Homeland Security. I am not. He has to move in the shadows. I am the shadow.

S.B.: Okay, so, say we do this thing. How much are we looking at?

N.C.: I like to keep my prices competitive, but for you, and only you, I'll give you, say, twenty percent off. Limited time only.

R.T.: What if Hauser contacts me? What should I tell him?

N.C.: Tell him whatever you want. Tell him Nick Halden says 'hi.' But while Hauser's working on his deep tan in the Mediterranean, I'm working my butt off to get you the best deal possible on the items you need to handle your business. Now you can go with Ban de Soleil, or you can go with me.

J.J.M.: Sounds too good to me. You know what they say when things sound too good.

N.C.: You're right. There's always a risk. But what's life without taking a few risks? I could make the same offer to you competitors. There are at least 40 such, shall we say, "clubs," on the NYPD watch list to choose from. I'm sure they'd be happy to get their hands on what I've got.

J.J.M.: Yo, hold up, hold up! Don't get crazy...

R.T.: Let's say we do this...let's say I drop Hauser and go with you. How does it work? What do you need me to do?

N.C.: Nothing. You're the customer. It's my job to please you. You just sit there and let my people do the work.

R.T.: I'll need some assurances...