Free Fast and Loose by Fern Michaels Page B

here today, nor you, Charles and Fergus, if we hadn’t relied on our instincts. And my instinct is shouting loud and clear to keep an eye on Kelly.
    â€œAnd I can guarantee you that he is right now, this minute, thinking the same thing. Did you get that bit about a Mr. Needlemeyer? He didn’t just throw that name out there, and guys like Dixson Kelly do not make mistakes. There, I’ve said what I think, so the rest is up to you. I do not know exactly what it is, and if Bert is right, what we’re here to investigate probably has nothing to do with Kelly, since he has been here such a relatively short time. Still, something besides what we’re here to investigate is way, way off here.”
    Dennis was so excited, he could barely contain himself. He inched closer to Ted and whispered, “This is going to get hairy, isn’t it?”
    â€œCount on it,” Ted whispered back.
    â€œWe’ll be able to keep an eye on him for the next few days and report anything strange or out of the ordinary,” Maggie said.
    A soft knock on the door sounded. Espinosa opened it to admit Avery Snowden and four of his operatives, two men and two women. Introductions were made, and card readers were turned over to their various suites.
    â€œAll present and accounted for except for Abner, whom I just sent a text. He just responded and said he’s four hours out and is making good time,” Jack said.
    â€œAll right then, we’re right on schedule,” Charles said. “I’m going to call Bert now and ask him how he wants us to proceed, now that we’re all settled in. Get your questions ready, if you have any. This call is going through on the special phones, so we have no fear of anyone listening in. But before I do that, Jack, which phone did you use to contact Abner?”
    Jack held up the special encrypted phone Snowden had gotten for all of them.
    Charles locked his gaze on Snowden and said, “Is there even a remote chance that Mr. Kelly, with his CIA background, and who, I am sure, still has some friends in high places, could somehow . . .”
    Snowden grimaced. “The answer is no. These phones are prototypes. We’re using them as a test. I’m saying no, but we all know about leaks and how things like this, it seems, sometimes just fall out of the sky. I’m sticking with no for the time being.”
    Charles nodded as he pressed in the digits to Bert Navarro’s secure phone. Bert answered on the second ring. There was no small talk, no amenities.
    â€œBert, tell us how you want us to proceed. We’re all here except for Abner, who is four hours out. Right now, we’re pretty much like ducks out of water. But before we get to that, the director wants to talk to you.”
    â€œPut him on,” Bert said.
    â€œYour man Kelly, you vouch for him a hundred percent?”
    â€œOne hundred and ten percent, Sparrow. Why are you asking?”
    Instead of answering the question, Sparrow asked another one. “Who is Mr. Needlemeyer?”
    â€œOh, crap! Look, that’s just Dix being paranoid, which is sometimes a good thing.” He went on to explain about Dixson Kelly’s migraine and the casual meeting with Philonias Needlemeyer in the Tiki Bar. “Google the guy, Sparrow. He’s right up there with Mother Teresa. Look, they don’t come any better than Dixson Kelly.
    â€œHe’d still be the CIA’s number one, but his cover got blown, and it was either take a job pushing paper, be an instructor at Langley, or get out. Dix elected to get out, but he is still on, if you know what I mean. Just like you and me. Cut him some slack, but if you run into a problem, let me know. I need to warn you about one thing where he’s concerned. Dix loves the ladies, and they love him right back. Just so you know.”
    â€œSo where do you want us to start, Bert?” Charles asked.
    â€œWhat I think you all should do is hit the