“Take it, get him back, and don’t leave two planes and pilots up there,” he said.
I took the thick bundle of dollars, thinking that here was a lot of cash, and hoping that the money was all that le commissionaire would want. At least money could always be negotiated, and Andre could supply that.
“Okay, I’m on my way. I’ll try to get back by tonight.”
I pushed through the office door and almost ran over Dupree who, standing silently in the dim outer office, must have taken in all that had passed between Andre and me.
“Good luck.” He smiled, but only his mouth moved. His expressionless eyes remained on me as though they were smearing me with something. For an instant, I felt a wave of menace sweep over me and I hesitated, but the moment passed.
“Thanks,” I said, turning to check my wate
