Page 6 of King

Fogerty motions to the space.“This is where we do our work, watching the Siderov and Andropov families.We have eyes and ears everywhere near them, and we keep track of where they’re going and what they’re doing.We have people inside and people on the outside.It’s just a matter of time, but we gotta catch them in the act, and that’s where you come in.”

I follow him into an office in the corner of the building.He closes the door behind me and motions to a chair in front of his desk.I sit down and heave a heavy sigh, waiting for my instructions.

“So, what’s the plan, boss?”I lean back in my chair and watch Fogerty as he opens his laptop and gets started.

“The plan is to get you inside and get you set up to approve the transport of some weapons.Given your military background, I’m sure you know a lot of former military and mercenaries.You gotta have connections we can use.Connections that make you look legit and trustworthy.”

I shake my head, angry that the FBI would ask me to betray my fellow brothers in arms.Sure, if some of them are crooked, I would feel good about bringing them down, but I hate the deception.

“I’m at your disposal,” I say.“I really have no choice.”

“Why wouldn’t you work with us?The FBI?Better that than working with the mafia, right?”

I nod and lean back in my chair.He’s right.Better working with the FBI than with the mafia, and since getting free of the mafia is my goal, I have to just shut up and cooperate.I take in a deep breath and then lean forward.

“What do you want me to do?”

“What I want to do,” Fogerty says and grabs some papers off his desk and shoves them into a file.“What I want to do is to go to O’Connor Enterprises and be introduced to everybody so they know who I am, and you’re gonna give me a desk so I can work there.”

I can’t help but react with a snort.“You’re going to come to O’Connor Enterprises and work there?“

“That’s right,” Fogerty says and smiles.“I’m gonna be a new CTO for you.I’m gonna have access to all your technology, and I’m gonna monitor everybody’s cell phones and computers.I’m gonna be a big help to O’Connor Enterprises.I’m gonna bring you into the 21st-century.”

“I think my existing CTO might be upset at that,” I say, trying to keep the acid out of my tone but failing.

Fogerty stands up.He grabs his briefcase and shoves a file inside.“Well, he’s just gonna have to get used to me being there.You’re gonna explain to him how I’m there to help you guys with your technology needs.You can send him on an extended vacation if you don’t want him around while I’m doing stuff that’s necessary.You could send him to a conference somewhere far away and ask that he look into new tech for the office.That’ll please him.Give him a big expense account.Let him stay at a great hotel.I’m sure there must be some technology conference going on in Europe right now.”

I sigh again.“If you think so.”I stand and follow him to the door.“You’re the boss.”

“No,” he says.“You’re the boss.I’m the shadow boss.You make no decisions for O’Connor Enterprises without my input and approval.Once we get this operation finished, I’m no longer involved.If you can take it legit, all the better.But maybe you’d better think that O’Connor Enterprises is gonna have to be dissolved.It’s too tainted.The entire building trade in Manhattan is poisoned by the mafia.Go to some other business that’s clean.”

I follow him down the hallway and to the elevator.“That’s easy for you to say.It’s not your family’s business.It’s been in our family for a century.”

“Start something new.You’re a smart boy.”

We go back to the parking garage and get his vehicle, then drive to O’Connor Enterprises at the docks.The guard at the gate admits us once he sees I’m in the passenger seat.We drive to my parking spot near the entrance and get out.When we go inside, I introduce Fogerty to Bill, the security guard at the front desk.

“This is my new CTO.He’ll need a parking spot at the front.”

“What’s happening to Ed?He never said anything to me about leaving.”

Bill looks startled at the news I give him.I don’t blame him.There would’ve been no gossip about the reorg among the staff, so the idea that Ed is leaving would be a shock.

“Ed’s not leaving,” I say firmly.“He’s just going on an extended trip doing some research.He’ll be back.”

Bill nods and seems pleased that Ed isn’t being fired.“I’ll get that parking spot for Mr.Fogerty ASAP.”

“Thanks, Bill,” I say with a smile.“I appreciate it.”

We go up to the third floor of the warehouse and to the office space.I introduce Fogerty to my admin, Diane, and tell her that he’ll need some office space near mine.

Then I take Fogerty to my office, and once he’s seated, I close the door.Before we can get to any business, there’s a knock at the door.

“Come in.”

The door opens, and there stand Ryan and Tommy, who must have heard that I brought someone in who will be acting CTO for a few weeks while Ed is away.

“What’s up?”Ryan asks and steps inside.Tommy follows.“We heard we got a new guy in technology.How come we never heard about this?”