“It’s about fucking Corbat, isn’t it?”
“When did you last see him?” Aydenpursued.
“Two days ago, when I let him go. I had to,because of that waste of a brother of his. Couldn’t have him aroundanymore. If the press got hold he worked here, it would’ve been badfor business. You understand.”
“Quite frankly, no I don’t. He’s notresponsible for what his brother did.” Ayden reprimanded.
“Fuck you. I can fire whoever I want.”
Ayden moved fast, closing the distancebetween them
“Well, asshole,” Ayden spat, as he leanedover him with a look of intimidation, that made the owner swallownervously, “you pushed him over the edge … enough so, he kidnappeda woman, and it’s more than likely he’s got her held up here.”
“Christ. I don’t need this shit. Not now. I’msupposed to open soon.”
“Well, you are fucked, unless youcooperate.”
The owner thought briefly and sent him aquestioning look before answering.
“Yah, just how do you figure that?”
Bryan stepped in and answered for Ayden.
“Look. He knows your closed for businessobviously. It’s our assumption he doesn’t have her in an area whereyour workers are, where sightseers would normally venture. He’sworked these caves long enough; he knows them better than anyone.There’s got to be chambers, once discovered and not open to thepublic. Do you have any idea where they might be?”
The owner nodded and then leaned to his rightand slid the bottom drawer open of his desk. He pulled out a largefolded paper that resembled a map and spread it open across hisdesk.
“There’s two chambers I’m aware of. Here andhere,” he pointed. “They’re pretty accessible, if your dressed forit. “He looked up at them both and waved his hand, “not like thatthough. You need to come back in jeans, sweatshirt or sweatermaybe, and work boots. Floors are jagged and dangerous downthere.”
“Is this map clear enough for someone like usto follow.”
“Yah. I had no trouble. This point beginsright off the elevator,” he indicated the spot on the map. “Onlyone way down, I know of. He may have an exit point from outside Idon’t know about too. He was a sneaky bastard. Like you said, he’sbeen here long enough. Could be another chamber too, and not one ofthese? There’s nearly two miles of cave below ground.”
“I’ll take that, if you don’t mind?” Aydendirected.
The owner rolled up the map and handed it tohim. He pulled a set of keys from the top drawer and handed thoseover as well.
“These will open the front door. Workers willbe out of here by five. In the front office is a cabinet, whereyou’ll find headlamps, lanterns and flashlights. Use what youneed.”
Bryan replied. “We’ll wait until dark. Thanksfor your cooperation, and please, not a word to anyone.”
The owner stared at him for a moment longerthan needed.
“Hey, ain’t you that Senator, whose been onthe news so much?”
Bryan acknowledged with a nod.
“So, what’s your interest in all this?” Theowner pressed.
“The woman he kidnapped, is a member of mystaff.”
TWENTY-TWO
The waitress, who looked like she’d beenridden hard, shuffled to their table like it pained her to move.She set two cups of steaming, hot coffee down on the table witharthritic hands.
Sy waved her off, when she politely asked, ifthey wanted to order something to eat. His brusqueness certainlydid not bother her any as she remarked, “Suit yourself, sonny.Makes no never mind to me.”
His coffee companion chortled at the woman’sresponse and blew at the hot liquid to cool it down, before takinga sip.
