by R E Swirsky
***
Less than an hour had passed when Jack received an update from Lucas. “You ready for this?”
“I am ready for anything after what just happened back there.”
“We followed Kaito back to his hotel. He went inside, but his security didn’t. They left.”
“They left?” he frowned. “You mean he’s all alone now?”
“He is. We waited just to be sure, but it’s been nearly an hour and his security hasn’t returned.”
“Maybe he slipped out the back.”
“We covered that on the way in. Myles had me drop him off so he could cover the back. Kaito’s still inside.”
“So now what?”
“I went up to the front desk a few minutes ago and it seems Kaito’s checking out tonight. Front desk confirmed his room will be available tomorrow.”
“So he’s leaving, just like that?” Jack was puzzled. He really expected Kaito to do more. Why would he go this far and then do nothing?
“I don’t know, and I really don’t care. If it’s over between these two, then we need to move on, and soon. I tried reaching Nate, but he’s not picking up.”
“I’ve tried him as well. Do we carry on as planned, picking up Kaito, or do wait to bring Nathaniel up to date like we’ve been doing all along?”
Myles laughed. “C’mon Jack. Kaito’s just made this far too easy for us. We’ve been all over him the past two days. He knows we’re watching and he thinks now that he’s not touched Harvey and let go of his security that this is over and we’ll leave too.”
“Yes. I suppose.”
“We still need to contain this and then we’ll say our goodbyes after that. He’s made this too easy.”
“Yeah. But so did Nate, don’t you think?” Jack suggested.
“I was going to ask you about that earlier. It almost seemed like Nate made himself unavailable on purpose tonight. You know what I mean, to let you and me take over? Geordie’s had him leading this operation from the start. To back away now.…”
“Ha,” Jack chortled. “The way Geordie’s been pushing him, I’m not surprised he’s trying to pull back. He said he was tired.”
“Either way, he has given us the go ahead to act without him and finish this,” Lucas said. “I’d like to get it all over with tonight. He’s given us this window and I’d like to use it. Are you good to carry on right now until it’s clean?”
“I know Antonio’s itching to end this. You tell Myles, and I’ll speak with Antonio.”
“And Randal. He’s waiting for our answer about the boy.”
“Right.” He looked at the time. “I’ll call him and tell him when and where to drop him off.”