| 3:10a |
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The outside elevator stopped with a
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The outside elevator stopped with a disturbing double jerk, and the quiet messenger opened a
thick steel door that required his full weight to openBourne was led into the familiar room with
the tasteful, expensive furniture, the bookcases and the single floor lamp that illuminated Santos in
his outsized armchair“You may leave, my friends,” said the large man, addressing the messengers
“Pick up your money from the faggot, and for God’s sake, tell him to give René and the American
who calls himself Ralph fifty francs apiece and get them out of hereThey’re pissing in the cornersSay the money’s from their friend from last night who forgot about them
“Oh, shit!” exploded Jason
“You did forget, didn’t you?” Santos grinned
“I’ve had other things on my mind
“Yes, sir! Yes, Santos!” The two messengers, instead of heading for the back of the room and
the elevator, opened a door in the left wall and disappearedBourne looked after them, bewildered
“There is a staircase leading to our kitchen, such as it is,” said Santos, answering Jason’s
unspoken question“The door can be opened from this side, not from the steps below except by meSit down, Monsieur SimonHow is your head?”
“The swelling’s gone down, thank you Bourne sat on the large couch, sinking into the pillows;
it was not an authoritative position, nor was it not meant to be“I understand you have peace in
your heart
“And a desire for three million francs in the avaricious section of that heart
“Then you were satisfied with your call to London?”
“No one could have programmed that man into reacting the way he didThere is a Snake Lady
and she instills extraordinary devotion and fear in high places—which means that female serpent is
not without power
“That’s what I tried to tell you
“Your word is acceptedNow, let me recapitulate your request, your demand, as it were—”
“My restrictions,” interrupted Jason
“Very well, your restrictions,” agreed Santos“You and you alone must reach the blackbird,
correct?”
“It’s an absolute |