Teddy loaded the gun into the backpack he’d worn for that purpose. He put the bills and credentials in, too. He packed the wigs and disguises into trash bags he’d brought along in the backpack, and grabbed the makeup kit. He locked the safe, just in case he was interrupted and not able to get back, and toted everything to the car.
No neighbor came out to commiserate with him on the loss of his house, which was damn lucky, as he was dressed as Mark Weldon and had no right to be there.
Teddy locked everything in the trunk. He grabbed an empty backpack and a suitcase and hurried back to the safe. It opened easily—no sure thing when it stuck slightly once.
He’d cleaned out everything but the weapons, of which there were many. There was the sniper rifle he’d designed himself, with the silencer and the scope. It had its own case, but other things didn’t. They included a wide variety of handguns, some with silencers, and some designed to be as noisy as possible. Some were huge. Some held only two shots but could fit in the palm of your hand.
Teddy had brought towels to wrap the hardware in. He filled the suitcase and the backpack.
There were still a number of burglar tools remaining, such as crowbars and wire cutters, but nothing that related directly to crime. Teddy grabbed the case with the sniper rifle, locked the safe, and toted the weapons back to the car.
He locked his arsenal in the trunk and exhaled in relief.
And looked around.
Teddy had another bag in his trunk that would hold the burglar tools, but entering the house a third time would be pushing it. He had everything crucial. He should drive away, thanking his lucky stars. But in the back of his mind he had a vision of a fire inspector and the head of the arson squad forcing him to open the safe in their presence, and then demanding to know why he had such a massive security device just to protect a few simple tools. Far better they find nothing to discuss.
Teddy grabbed the bag and hotfooted it back to the house. The lock stuck this time, wouldn’t you know it, but he got it open and stashed the tools in his bag.
Teddy locked the safe and made a last perilous journey from the house to the car.
As he drove away from the house, waves of relief flooded over him. He had retrieved everything that had been in the safe. And now he had no reason to go back.
59
Teddy finished unloading the car into his hangar apartment and called Mike Freeman.
Mike was pleased to hear from him. “I hear your house burned down.”
“Your vast network of spies?”
“I saw it on TV.”
“I’m surprised I rated the coverage.”
“There was a hint of arson.”
“It was a pretty broad hint. At least a dozen empty gas cans were found at the scene.”
“It’s a wonder the police don’t have you in handcuffs.”
“Maybe they were stumped by my lack of motive. Burning it down while I was in it also struck them as a dumb move.”
“Do they have any other suspects?”
“I doubt it.”
“What about this Nigel Hightower the Third?”
“What about him?”
“Could he have done it?”
“In a word, no.”
“Are you sure? It would be a relief. To know he’s still alive.”
“He’s still alive, Mike. But he couldn’t burn a house down unless it was a fraternity prank and someone else brought the matches. Trust me, it wasn’t him.”
“You know who it was, don’t you?”
“I’ve got a pretty good idea.”
“Are you going to do something about it?”
“Would you want to know if I did?”
“I guess I’d better hang on to my ignorance and plausible deniability,” Mike said dryly.
“Probably better,” Teddy agreed. “Anyway, I bought a house on Mulholland Drive.”
“I heard that, too. Rather posh, I understand.”
“It’s a Hollywood house. Modern three-story split-level, with a terrace and a pool. I have no idea what security system is in there now, but it can’t possibly be adequate. I’d like Strategic Services to install your top-of-the-line equipment.”
“You haven’t seen the security system?”
“I haven’t seen the house.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Billy Barnett’s on vacation, and there’s no reason to come back. Someone just tried to kill him. I’m hoping they won’t burn down his house if he isn’t in it, but I’d still like it armed. Can you do that for me?”
“You know I can.”
“Your men will have to apply to the real estate agent to get in. I’ll let her know they’re coming.”
“Do you want cameras?”
“Exterior only. I’m counting on you to make sure no one gets in. Also, figure out where to put a floor safe and get me the best you can find, fireproof, virtually impregnable, that can’t be picked. Something in the neighborhood of six feet high and four feet wide.”
“You’re letting me design your house for you?”
“Good point. Your men may run into Marvin Kurtz, who is designing the house, and may be a little territorial. Tell them to go easy on him, but get the job done.”
“You got it.”
“Good man. Talk to you later.”
“You need anything in the way of personal armaments?”
Teddy glanced at the array of weapons he’d just lugged up from the car.
“I’ll be fine.”
60
Jake reported back to Sammy Candelosi. He’d been putting it off because he figured Sammy wouldn’t be happy.
He wasn’t. “That’s all you’ve got?”
“That’s a lot, Sammy. He’s bringing in out-of-town talent. The guy’s been delayed, but he’ll be coming. What more do you want?”
“Who’s the guy? When’s he coming? Where is he? Why is he delayed?”
“I thought you knew who the guy was.”
Sammy’s eyes widened. “You gonna argue with me?”
“Oh, no, of course not. All that would be good to confirm. But he didn’t want to tell me. What am I going to do, say you gotta tell me, Pete, Sammy wants to know? I’m doing everything I can without tipping him off.”