The Death Dealers Read Free Page B

be an attempt to knock off Teish El Abin. He has no heirs as yet although he’s engaged to some young girl named Vey Locca. If he gets killed control will pass into the hands of Sarim Shey and the stuff will hit the fan. He’ll walk off with U.S. loot and practically pass it into the hands of the Soviets. If he makes a deal with our government to experiment with the oil processing, the Reds can simply sit back until it’s done, then walk in with a political coup and take it away. We think Teish will be more inclined to go along with our side. He’s seen some of the Commie infiltration and knows if they get in, his power goes out. He doesn’t like that angle a bit. Trouble is, the Commies can’t hit him without causing one hell of a disturbance over there because Teish is as much a religious leader as he is political. Whatever happens has to appear to be an overt move on the part of the U.S. so the Soviets can step into the protector role.”
    “Same old bit.”
    “And you’re elected watchdog.”
    “What happens to Teddy?”
    “Pete Moore has been recalled and is going in on the search.” Lennie reached in his pocket for a cigarette and lit it. “In case you’re wondering why you’re staying on this end ...”
    “That’s just what I’m doing,” I interrupted.
    “You’ve heard of Malcolm Turos?”
    “Number one Commie agent in the Far East?”
    “The same, but he’s gained in stature the past year. He heads the Gaspar Project, a subdivision of KBD that works only primary targets. He’s been assigned to this one personally. You may not know it, but you ran into him once in Brazil when he used the name Arturo Pensa.”
    “Hell, I shot that bastard.”
    “Right in the neck. You ruined his beautiful operatic voice.”
    “Tough.”
    “He used to sing with one of the Russian companies.”
    “Now he can do bird calls,” I said. “I thought I killed him.”
    Lennie grinned at me. “He wants you, buddy. Word is out he took this job to get over here. He knew about Skyline and figured you’d be in on it.”
    “I’d enjoy that. This time he’ll stay here.”
    “Martin Grady says for you to play this one tight. You’re working against their finest. We’re getting heat from all directions and can’t afford any mistakes. One move in the wrong direction and Washington will have an excuse for an all-out push against us. Some of the heavy stuff we’ve had over important heads has been nullified by removal of parties involved. Even our pressure groups are finding too much resistance. The eggheads don’t like our interference and are fighting to do it their way even if we lose the cold war.”
    “I know the picture.”
    “Then it’s up to you now. I’ll stand by for instructions, the usual channels are cleared and I have the cash ready if you have to lay it out for anything at all. There’s a reception for Teish El Abin at noon the day he arrives at the Stacy Ballroom, then the parade, key to the city crap, then the next day a trip to Washington. You can make your contacts at your own discretion.”
    I nodded, pulled myself out of the chair and stood up. “Okay, Lennie. I’ll file my reports through you. If you have anything new from Central I’m at the Barnes House. I may shift around, but Newark Control will always know where I am.”
    “Right.” He got that gleam back in his eyes and added, “If there’s any action ...”
    “I know,” I said, “I’ll call you.”
    “Thanks, Tiger.” He dropped his grin for a moment and looked at me seriously. “Tell me something, how did you get that name?”
    “My old man gave it to me. He thought it was a big joke. I had to fight my way around it since I was three years old.”
    “Ever lose?”
    “Once. A girl four years old kicked the crap out of me.”
    “Oh?”
    “When I was twenty-five I met her again.” I grinned at him. “I really got even,” I said.
    I went out, closed the door and stood there in the corridor a moment. There was