Clint Buchanan

Viki slept well, finally. She must have really needed the sleep, too. Her eyes were matted, from the tears she’d shed during her sleep. She tried to put the impossible out of her mind. Clint was going to get well and things would be right. They would be going home and back to their children. [...]

Clint was on the ground. Not moving. Viki panicked, ran out of the limo and straight to him. She touched his face, saw that it was bleeding and already bruised. His eyes were closed and he was so still.”No, this can’t be happening!” she screamed to herself.”Larry, Larry, come quickly!”She didn’t need to have called [...]

“Your wife?” asked Viki, full of surprise, “who’s your wife?”

“All in due time, folks. I have even more surprises up my sleeve. All in the best interest of keeping you entertained and off-guard. Regardless, we should be leaving for the States tomorrow. We will all stay together in suites at the Waldorf-Astoria. Be ready to depart as soon as Mr. Buchanan has made the arrangements.”

“But, the Waldorf is in New York City! I thought we were going to Philadelphia!”

Clint was visibly upset over this turn of events.

“Ah, well, that’s another tiny alteration that I am making to the plan. I have made the determination that I cannot trust any of you. You haven’t demonstrated any loyalty for this endeavor. So I must protect the project by eliminating any possibility forunfortunate mistakes. Mr. Buchanan, I expect to hear from you as soon as the arrangements are made.”

After spending most of the day in the suite, planning strategies and making calls, Viki and Larry took a late afternoon break. Ivan had left them alone, sending lunch through room service and only one message: “Dinner tonight at eight. My place.” “Oh, no, not again. Larry, I can’t stand to be around the man! [...]