Zero History

“No. Just got off a call with Big End.” He looked tired.
“How was that?”
“He’s had the call. Gracie. They wanted Milgrim tonight.”
“You aren’t ready, are you?”
“No, but I knew I wouldn’t be. I’d rehearsed it with him. Milgrim’s done a runner, he
told them, but it’s fortunately now been sorted. Going to collect him. Careful not to say
where, exactly, but still in the U.K. In case Gracie has a way of checking U.S. passport
movement. I think it went well, but your Big End …” He shook his head.
“What?”
“There’s something he wants. Needs. But that’s not it, exactly … It feels to me like he’s
been winning, forever, and now, suddenly, there’s a chance he might lose, really lose. If
he can’t get Chombo back, in working condition. And that makes Big End really very
dangerous.” He looked at her.
“What do you think he might do?”
“Anything. Literally. To get Chombo back. I’ve never done this before.”
“Done what?”
“Exploit on behalf of a client. Concerned I’ve drawn the client from hell.”
She sat on the edge of the bed, put her hand on the leg that was like they both had
been, before Dubai.
“The old man says he’s got a very peculiar smell about him now, Big End. Says it’s
different, recently, stronger. Can’t get a handle on it.”
“Reg says the same. He’s been hearing it from his wife, who’s in public relations here.
Says it’s like dogs before an earthquake. They don’t know what it is, but it’s him,
somehow. But I’m worried about you. You look exhausted.” He did, now. The lines
deeper in his cheeks. “Those five neurosurgeons didn’t expect you to be doing this, did
they?”
He pointed at the sweating black wrap. “Frank’s chilling. You should too.”
“I’d say I wish I hadn’t called you, but it would be a lie. But I’m worried about you.
Not just Frank.” She touched his face. “Sorry I left like that.”
He kissed her hand. Smiled. “I was glad you did. Didn’t like the way Pep was looking
at you.”
“Neither did I. Didn’t like Pep.”
“Did me a good one in the Barrio Gótico once, Pep. Saved my bacon. Didn’t have to.”
“Pep is good, then.”
“I wouldn’t go that far. But if it has wheels and locked doors, he can open it faster than
the owner ever did, and close and lock it as quickly. How’s my grocery van?”
“Upscale vegan. Shiny new.”
“Rental through a specialist agency in Shepperton, vehicles for film and television.
Slow Foods haven’t taken delivery yet. Happy to let it for an art shoot, for a very
handsome hourly fee.”