Chains of Fire Read Free Page A

front of Wagner. “I need you to transfer control of the Gypsy Travel Agency accounts to this address.”
    Wagner didn’t bother to glance down. “Without the necessary legal documents, I’m afraid that’s impossible.”
    Which was exactly what Samuel expected him to say. So he removed the formidable set of papers from his manila envelope and placed them beside the slip with the address for Wagner’s perusal. “The originals of the documents we sent ahead.”
    “Without the signatures of at least three of the Gypsy Travel Agency board members, I’m afraid this is impossible.”
    “As you know, the whole board is deceased. As a former board member and former CEO, Irving Shea—”
    “Has been declared incompetent and is therefore not a legal signer.”
    Crap . Wagner knew it all.
    They were getting nowhere.
    So Samuel used his mind to take control of Wagner’s thoughts.
    To his surprise, his intention skidded off as if Wagner’s mind were Teflon protected.
    Crap.
    What’s wrong? Dina asked.
    I can’t reach him. In a reasonable tone of voice, Samuel said, “But surely you’re not saying you intend to keep these not-inconsiderable accounts in your bank forever?” He reached out again, this time with more force.
    Wagner appeared to be oblivious. “Perhaps you’re not aware, but we have hundreds of unclaimed accounts which will never be opened because the owners have lost their minds, forgotten their passwords, or died. There are fortunes that haven’t been touched for over a hundred years.”
    Samuel took a breath, looked straight into Wagner’s eyes, and concentrated.
    Wagner stared at him. “Will there be anything else?”
    Samuel couldn’t believe it. This had never happened before. He had never failed.
    Dina snapped, What is this? Mind-control dysfunction?
    Is he one of you? Samuel snapped back.
    Sarcastically: I don’t know. I’m not personally acquainted with every miscreant in the organization.
    He knew it. He knew Dina would betray them.
    But I don’t think so. Samuel could almost hear her tapping her fingers on the table. He could be an undiscovered talent, hired for exactly this capacity.
    “Mr. Faa?” Wagner stood. “I believe we’ve concluded our business.”
    Samuel sent another shot at Wagner’s mind.
    The mind was locked tight as a vacuum cylinder.
    Wagner said, “In fact, I believe the Swiss police are waiting for you in the lobby below. They want to question you about your knowledge of and intentions for these particular accounts.”
    A cold sweat trickled down Samuel’s spine.
    Urgently, Dina said, I can distract him. Touch him. Touch him!
    Samuel stood, extended his hand, and when his flesh touched Wagner’s, he heard Dina’s voice say, Look out!
    Somehow the contact of their hands opened Wagner’s brain to Dina, and Wagner heard her voice, too.
    His surprise gave Samuel his chance.
    Samuel slammed a command into Wagner’s head. Do what I tell you.
    Wagner blinked at him. “I apologize. I thought I heard a woman’s voice.”
    “A woman?” Samuel raised his eyebrows as if amazed.
    “A woman’s deep voice, hoarse, a smoker’s voice . . .”
    “You’ve been working too hard,” Samuel said sympathetically.
    “Yes. A temporary distraction.” Wagner blinked again, his defenses broken, his mind bending to Samuel’s will. “What was it you wanted?”
    Samuel instructed him without words. Transfer control of the Gypsy Travel Agency funds to the account on that paper.
    “I remember. You wanted me to transfer the Gypsy Travel Agency funds to this account.” Wagner indicated the yellow paper and sat down at his desk.
    Samuel stood, barely breathing, as Wagner typed on his computer, checked the numbers on the paper, then pushed SEND.
    Wagner looked up. “That’s that. Is there anything else you require?”
    “Call off the police downstairs.”
    Samuel heard Dina say, It is done .
    Control of the funds had been transferred into the control of John Powell, the