Ensemble [Book 1: SEKTOR V Trilogy]

Chapter 29: Stalling Cranston

Chapter 29: Stalling Cranston

"Hello, Jack, how are you doing?" Maddy asked pleasantly over her video phone.

"Good timing, Madam Director," Cranston, somewhat stiffly replied. "I was planning on calling you later this week but now that I have you on the line I'd like to see if we can set up some training sessions that we talked about during our last conversation.  I think your people could help get my men up to speed on the latest surveillance and sense-and-avoid technologies."

Direct and immediately to the point...not surprising in the least, she thought. Fine, she could do this. "Absolutely Jack, where do you want me to send our people? We want this to be as seamless for you as possible."

"No, Madam," Cranston countered. "Why don't you let us come to you? In fact, I really must insist. We don't want to inconvenience your people in any way. You have everything at your central facility and we can meet there, at a time of your choosing."

Cat and mouse it is, she thought. "Jack, you know what, you're right," she said with a smile. "As our most trusted partner and loyal customer, we want what you want, so let's do this. Let me put you in touch with Steve Arroyo, who I think you already know rather well. Steve will be more than happy to set up all the details. I have close ties with our Institute Director and I'm sure this can be facilitated to meet your needs."

Jack stared blankly back at her, saying nothing for several seconds. She could tell that he wasn't expecting that reply.  She held back a smile. Finally...she would still get what she wanted out of all this...more time.

"Well, Madam Director, this all sounds very good. If amenable on your end, we would like to begin the training as soon as possible."

"Absolutely. The scheduling details will come from our Institute Director but I'm confident that we can get moving in earnest within three to four months, perhaps a bit sooner."

Cranston's blank stare returned. She continued before he could interject or complain. "The incoming freshmen will be finishing up the spring semester which should work out perfectly for our staff."

Cranston exhaled and leaned back in his chair. He knew he'd just been played. That woman had no intention of ever telling or showing him a damn thing. Smart, he thought. Smug, but smart. No matter. This setback meant nothing. Plan B was ready and waiting. His people's access to Underground agents was plentiful. Surely one of them would know the location of their precious "Institute". There was no question that this was where the majority of the Underground's technology and high horsepower human capital currently resided. Revealing it will help us secure future resources and goodwill from these Ministry fools.

While Madeleine Wilheim's game-playing would temporarily stall his efforts, Cranston knew that, eventually, he'd get what he was after. His Organization was built for exercises like this. Strong-arm interrogative tactics had long been a trade specialty. For him, the best part was that these arrogant pricks wouldn't see a thing coming. Even so, the timing would be key. He knew that once he pulled the pin on this, their Organizations would instantly become adversaries. He was fine with that eventuality since he didn't enjoy being used by these elitist assholes. But for now, he had to wait.

"That sounds fine, Madam Director, thank you. I'll make sure Mr. Arroyo gets the particulars of our request shortly."

"Outstanding Jack, I look forward to working closely with you on this over the coming months."