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Again, Steve spoke the truth. Much of what he did for both jobs was a
tedious gathering of information. A comment here, a veiled remark there,
taken alone oftentimes meant nothing, but when the information was
compiled and assimilated with data gleaned from other agents, sometimes
an amazingly accurate pattern became apparent.
Steve had been warned when he'd been recruited in school that the job was
far from the glamorous picture painted in movies and novels, but what he
was being asked to do could prove to be a valuable source of information for
the government.
Because of his contacts he'd also been on top of breaking stories. He never
released any information without prior approval from Max. He wouldn't
jeopardize the security of the country in order to be first with a story.
Steve grinned at the thought. Max would string him up if he ever attempted
to do so. There were several stories he'd investigated that hopefully would
never reach the public.
"When are we going back to Sydney?"
"I understand Mr. Johanson has placed his car at our disposal."
"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm ready to get out of here."
"Oh, really? And here I thought you were secretly hoping that we'd have to
share that bed for another night at the very least."
She smiled sweetly at him. "Dream on, big brother, dream on." She laughed
when her comment made Steve frown.
* * *
By the time they were dropped off at her hotel later that afternoon, Jessica
could find no fault with anything in her little world. Their guide was much
more forthcoming with his comments on the return trip, patiently answering
all of her questions about the countryside.
Steve spent the time reviewing what he had learned about Eric Johanson.
He'd glossed over what had happened to them, but he was far from treating it
lightly. As soon as he could get to a phone he considered safe, he was going
to call Max and report what had happened. The first thing they needed to do
was to run a check on Mr. Johanson and see what the international
intelligence community could tell them about him.
Perhaps he was an eccentric millionaire who liked to keep tabs on the press
that came in and out of the country. Then again, he might have some
knowledge regarding the disappearance of Trevor Randall.
Obviously he hadn't been concerned over the possibility of receiving unkind
press as a result of his actions. Perhaps he was used to the clout he could
wield and assumed that Steve understood his power.
Steve certainly intended to find out a great deal more about Mr. Johanson
and his peculiar way of greeting tourists.
Steve followed Jessica into the hotel. Luckily they were still holding her
reservation.
"Are you still going to your hotel?" she asked, after she'd been given the key
to her room.
"Yes. Why?"
She wasn't sure. She shrugged. "I just wondered."
"Are you afraid of staying here alone?"
"Of course not!"
"By the time you make contact with the people in the tourism business and
get acquainted, you'll feel like a native."
"Of course."
They stood in front of the elevators looking at each other. Steve reached over
and pushed the button and the elevator doors silently slid open.
"Your luggage has already gone to your room."
"Yes."
"So take care of yourself and have a good time."
"I will. You do the same."
"I will."
They continued to look at each other. The elevator doors slowly slid closed.
Steve shook his head as though trying to clear it. "I, uh, if you want to, we
might get together some night for dinner before you leave."
"I'd like that."
"All right. Then I'll give you a call in a day or two, just to see what your
schedule is like. Maybe we'll set up something then."
She smiled. "I'll look forward to it."
He touched her cheek with his hand. "I'm glad to have had the chance to get
to know you a little better, princess. I guess I have to agree with the
twins sissy can be a lot of fun to be around."
Jessica could feel her face flushing. ' 'Except early in the morning when I'm
awakened unexpectedly."
"Yeah, they forgot to warn me about that."
"Thanks for everything, Steve. Take care." She turned and pushed the button
for the elevator again. This time when the doors opened she stepped inside,
gave a little wave, and pressed the button for her floor.
He watched until she disappeared from view, then turned and strode out to
the street.
He had too much to do to be wasting time watching elevators. The first thing
he had to do was to get in touch with Max and try to solve what was going on
with Johanson before he mapped out his strategy to search for the missing
Trevor Randall.
The place Steve found to stay was a small, out of the way apartment
building, leasing fully furnished places on a weekly, as well as monthly
basis. The austerity of the two rooms suited his needs as well as his mood.
A phone was provided but he chose a public one to make his initial contact.
A scrambler device could be installed in his phone in the apartment if Max
wanted him to continue with their original plan.
As he guessed Max did not accept Eric Johanson's sudden interest in Steve
with mild good humor.
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