A PUPPET ON A STRING

Chapter 9

"Saw you pull up earlier, then take off again with that Smith fella."Tomo calls out.

You're not cheating on me are you?"

"You know I only have eyes for you Tomo."

"I bet you say that to all the barmen." Wiping a fake tear from his eye.

"But you're my favorite."

"I feel touched... Almost violated... So... What was that all about?" Tomo gestured out the window.

"Just a business meeting. Nothing exciting."

"Oh... The usual?" Tomo asks.

"You have to ask?" Pulling the envelope out from his jacket.This was one envelope he was keen to open. Still, he opened it carefully unsure what to expect. Only to find the expected. A return ticket and a hotel reservation as Smith had told him. And five hundred in cash.Checking is bank account balance on his mobile he discovers a disturbing amount had been deposited. Twenty-five thousand dollars.

"That's got to be a mistake." Thought Frank aloud.Smith must have added an extra zero on the end by accident. There was noway to get hold of him until Smith made contact with him. Tomo arrives with the bourbon in time to settle his nerves. Intuition was telling him one thing. The money was telling another. Wondering how much more money would redeposited after Flint. What was in Flint that warranted that sort of payment?Frank savored the stiff drink. A large ice cube stared back at Frank where once God had sat. Any worries of mounting bills and surviving had evaporated upon Smith's small deposit. Frank allowed himself a grin of satisfaction. Doubts still lingered in his mind as to Smith's motive. But money had changed hands.Smith had been a man of his word.Frank re-examined the tickets and hotel reservation in more detail. Staying one night and flying back the next morning.

The name on the ticket stated Max Pecks. Must be a cover name for some reason. Rationalizing he was working fora secret agency, why not have a cover name. Made sense. The money was beginning to unhinge Frank's apprehension and decided he would have another.

"What's on the lunch menu Tomo?" Feeling a meal was in order to celebrate.

"Menu is beside you... You feeling hungry?"

"Just a little... The morning jogs are burning my energy."

"Morning jogs? ... What's come over you recently? ... Talking to strangers... A new job... And now you're running? You sure you're feeling okay?"

"I'm good thanks man... How about a plate of eggs, stake and chips... Tell Andy not to hold back on the grease."

"That's my boy... Coming right up." Said Tomo knowing his culinary cuisine.Looking up at the televisions sees the continual fallout of the Senator Luxonaffair scrolling across the television above him.

Luxon was just the tip of the iceberg thought Frank. Elected officials abusing their positions. Undermining the integrity of the democratic system. That housed the mysterious branch of national security that Frank now found himself part of. Which part, he was unsure.The day arrived for Frank to travel to Flint. He had told Marilyn he was heading out of town overnight on business and he would be back late the following evening.Arriving at Seattle International felt strange. It had been years since he had last flown. Now he was in his job description. Presenting his ticket at the counter, the woman advised him of his VIP status and how the airline staff would pamper his every comfort. Frank took his seat in business class and the attendant brought him a scotch whiskey.