Slow Burn Read Online Free PDF Page A

verge of
receivership. In a mad attempt to save the operation, Mr. Del Fuego
proposed to
stage a free barbecue for the homeless. The city was, of course, only
too
willing to do its part."
    "What
politician could resist?" muttered Alomar. "Bunky?" I asked
tentatively.
    "Indeed,"
Miles said. "Mr. Del Fuego hit upon what he considered to be a novel
manner in which he could gain both publicity and vengeance at a single throw.
He engaged a meat-cutting firm whose dubious claim to fame was the possession
of a mobile slaughtering unit of such facility as to allow the beast to be led
live into one end of the unit and to then appear as packaged goods—ready for
the grill, as it were—a mere ten minutes later at the other end of the
lorry."
    "The
miracles of modern science," I said. "What stopped him?"
    "Ms.
Meyerson," Alomar said quickly.
    "Yes,"
said Sir Geoffrey. "In a particularly canny move, the Meyerson woman
rallied the forces of animal rights to her banner. I am told they came from the
width and breadth of the Midwestern section of your country to support her cause."
    "Four
thousand Four-H members alone," Alomar added.
    "As I
understand it, the truck driver refused to jeopardize either the truck or his
own well-being by forcing his way through the crowd and summarily attempted to
leave."
    "Attempted?"
    "Yes,"
said Sir Geoffrey. "In a most unfortunate move, Mr. Del Fuego then tore
the driver from his seat and attempted to flatten the crowd himself."
    "The
police intervened," Alomar explained.
    "Mr. Del
Fuego's actions provoked a veritable riot among the demonstrators. Several
businesses were set afire."
    I was agape.
"And he's going to try it again here in Seattle."
    Alomar was hiding
behind his hand again. Sir Geoffrey took the lead.
    "Mr. Del
Fuego has since changed his tactics somewhat. He has now sworn to roast the
beast whole at the opening of his Seattle operation, five days hence. At nine
o'clock this Friday evening."
    "Whole?"
    "On a
spit. In a pit," he said.
    I stiffened my
chin and stifled a grin. He went on.
    "We have
been led to believe that you enjoy a rather close relationship with city
government."
    "I'm
related to a whole bunch of people who work for the city, if that’s what you
mean."
    "We want
you to use your contacts to ascertain whether or not Mr. Del Fuego has obtained
the proper permits and such necessary for his planned debacle. Perhaps we can
crimp his plans in that manner."
    "That's
easy enough," I said.
    Alomar and Miles
now shared another glance. "We have also been given to understand that you
are able to muster a fair number of field operatives to assist you," Miles
said.
    "You seem
to have done your homework."
    "We think
it best that all parties be kept under surveillance."
    "You want
them followed?"
    "Yes, we
do. We hope that by doing so we may garner some advance warning as to their
plans."
    "that’s
going to get real expensive. I'm going to need somewhere between ten and a
dozen people to work it. At a hundred bucks a day, plus expenses, it adds up in
a big hurry."
    "Money is
no object," offered Alomar. I liked these guys better already. I decided
to level with them.
    "I should
also tell you that following people around a city of this size is not an exact
science. If s not as easy as it looks on TV. If any of these people want to
make sure they're not being followed, it's not rocket science to lose a
tail."
    Alomar took the
lead. "Perhaps we can facilitate your task somewhat," he said,
reaching into his jacket. He came out with a short stack of laminated cards. I
leaned over and took them in my hand. According to these documents, I, Leo P.
Waterman, was the official security coordinator for Le Cuisine Internationale.
Dude.
    "Not a
very good picture of me," I commented.
    Alomar gave me
a small bow. "We were forced to act in haste. But I believe they will
suffice for our purposes."
    "Which
are?"
    "We.supposed
that, in your capacity as security liaison, you would be likely to consult with
Ms.