Upside Down Read Free Page B

in a high place. Think of me as your ace in the hole. Think of me as the guy who will save your ass if you ever get arrested. But, I didn’t say I was going to take the job if it is offered to me. The president went through Bert to pave the way because, as he put it, he knew how I felt about the FBI after I put in twenty-five years of loyal service to have them turn on me, frame me, and send me to prison. Bert then went through Lizzie, and they arranged this meeting. So, what I want to know from all of you is this. Do you want me to take the job, so you’ll have someone on the inside, or do you want me to pass on it? Makes no never mind to me one way or the other. A lot of the old regime is still there, so it’s not going to be a day at the beach for me, but I’m willing to do it for the cause . Your call, guys. In the interest of full disclosure, I feel I should tell you that back in September, I had a personal visit in Vegas from a VIP, and Bert can back me up because he sat in on the meeting. Scotland Yard sent an emissary to ask me if I would be interested in heading up the Yard. Both Bert and I were dumbfounded, so I told them I would give them my answer by the first of the year. I’m thinking the president got downwind of that offer, so he made his offer.
    â€œBefore you can ask, I am Scottish. My mother was from Glasgow. My father was from Edinburgh, and my grandparents lived in Dundee. We moved to the States when I was ten years old. Other than that, I have no clue why they would pick me of all people. I was up front and told them about being framed and being in a federal prison. They said they already knew that.”
    Jack felt like he should look to see if his jaw was on the floor and needed to be picked up. “Man, that’s about the last thing I was expecting to hear.”
    Harry asked, “How do we know we can trust you?”
    â€œBecause I said so. I also said it’s your call. I can step outside if you all want to talk about this. Or I can just leave now and promise you that whatever was discussed here in this room will never pass my lips.” Sparrow waited, his gaze expectant.
    Jack looked around at the others. “I’m okay with everything he said. Raise your hands if you agree.”
    All hands shot upward.
    â€œThere’s your answer, Sparrow. As you said, in the interest of full disclosure, check this out,” Jack said, pointing to a minicam on top of the window treatment.
    Sparrow laughed. “I spotted that the moment I walked into this room. Why else do you think I picked this chair. It sure wasn’t because I’m photogenic. I wanted you all to know you have nothing to fear from me. Hell, I gave you a bundle of money. You have me dead to rights.”
    Harry leaned forward. “Or we could just kill you right now.”
    â€œThat won’t be necessary. I’m on your side. Look, I have to leave. As you all know, Lizzie does not like to be kept waiting. So, we’re good?”
    To everyone’s surprise, Harry spoke first. “We’re good. I think I speak for all of us.” The others nodded.
    The webcam came to life. “Good decision, guys. Gotta go; some high rollers just blew in. Have to get the red carpet ready to roll out. Time is money. See ya!”
    A round of hand-shaking followed, and then Sparrow was gone. The conference room stayed quiet for a few minutes. Dennis broke the silence. “I like that guy.”
    Jack pushed his chair over to the window, reached up, and removed the disk in the camera. “This goes in the safe. I’m sure we’ll never have to use it, but, like they say, never say never.”
    â€œThen how about we secure it in the safe at the Post ?” Ted said. “Under seal.”
    Jack looked to the others, who were nodding. “That works,” Jack said. He handed the disk to Ted, who secured it in his backpack.
    â€œOkay, boys, let’s get down to