Necessary Retribution Read Free Page B

buck.”
    The Legionnaire gave a quizzical look.
    “Sorry, anything that makes a dollar, a franc, a pound…we're in business to make money.”
    The Legionnaire nodded. He leaned back in his chair and looked at Robin long and hard.
    “Do I have to leave France?”
    “We prefer you relocate to the Middle East.”
    “I have no desire to leave here.”
    Robin shrugged. “Your base salary will be two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year plus commissions.”
    The Legionnaire's eyes grew wide as he leaned forward.
    “That should be enough for you to visit here regularly.”
    “How do I get started?”
    Robin reached into his coat pocket and handed the Legionnaire an envelope containing an open round trip ticket on the Concord from Paris to New York with a connection to Seattle, accompanied by ten thousand dollars. The Legionnaire reviewed the tickets and thumbed the money without expression. He looked at Robin.
    “I will expect you in Seattle, Washington on the twenty-fifth of next month. That should be enough to get you there and back comfortably. Call me when you get to New York. We'll show you the company and our operations. Is that acceptable?”
    “Yes.” The Legionnaire allowed his voice to show he was impressed. “Will you join me in a bottle of wine?”
    “Shall we include our friends?”
    “By all means.”
    Robin signaled to Burke as the Legionnaire called the cafe owner over to the table. “Henri, four bottles of your best Medoc and six glasses, please.”
    The six men drank wine and enjoyed the conversation of men who have lived lives filled with danger. Robin ordered lunch. Jonathan Marchaux, the Legionnaire, was the last of this stage of country contact recruitments.

    Robin came out of the bathroom of the room at the Les Tourelles where he and Karen were staying and saw Karen looking out the window. She wore a light dress with bare shoulders and arms. The late afternoon sun shone through the dress and outlined her figure. He walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist.
    “Do you know how beautiful you are?”
    “I just know I love it when you tell me I'm beautiful.”
    “You're beautiful.” Robin nuzzled her neck and his hands moved to her breasts.
    “Oh my, are you getting fresh with me?”
    “I have a proposal.”
    “What might that be?”
    “Let's have dessert before dinner.”
    Karen turned to face him and kissed him deeply. “I think that's a wonderful idea. I can get used to this globetrotting lifestyle, Mr. Marlette.”
    “Hopefully, we can bring Laurie and Eddie on some trips next summer.”
    Karen gave Robin a concerned look. “How long do you think it will be before Bill starts giving the team missions?”
    Robin took a deep breath. “It could happen anytime now. The CIA has invested a lot of training and money getting the team set-up and ready, not to mention keeping us all out of prison for going into Mexico and raiding Rodriquez's compound. They'll be wanting a return on their investment soon.”
    Karen held Robin tightly. “I'm scared, Rob. I know this is going to be more dangerous than police work. I'm worried the CIA will start to rely on you and the team to solve a lot of serious problems.”
    Robin started to say something, but Karen put her fingers on his lips.
    “Don't try to bullshit me, Rob. I feel the same worry in you and I see it your eyes.”
    Robin deflated. “You're right. I am worried. All I can say is the team is ready. We've had the best training from the best units in the business and we have the best equipment I know of. We'll have to take it one day and one mission at a time.”
    Karen kissed Robin and ran her hand through his hair. “Thank you for being honest with me. Keep it that way. Trying to protect me from knowing the bad things just makes it worse.”
    “Okay, kiddo, I'll you give the straight scoop all of the time. Just remember this conversation.”
    “All right, I've said my piece. I'm ready for dessert.”

    Robin looked over