“There’s something in the air,” then added silently to himself: And it has nothing to do with meteorology.
At ten to one o’clock, the couple entered United States postal zone 10001, the Empire State Building’s directory informing them that their destination was on its forty-third floor. Taking the elevator up, they found a small office with its door marked
“Mission Impossible Security Consultants” and went right in, a buzzer sounding as they entered.
There was a receptionist’s desk but no receptionist. After a moment, a bald man with glasses emerged from an office wiping his nose. “Heddo,” he said. “Cad I he’p jew?”
Elliot suppressed an immediate desire to walk right out again, instead replying, “We’re responding to your classified in Sunday’s Times.”
“Jew bus hab de wrog opus. I dode hab edy ebplobet opedigs.”
Alongside Night
167
“What?”
“Hode od a bobet.”
He took a decongestant from a jacket pocket, tilted his head back, and sprayed both nostrils. “Ah, that’s better. I said you must have the wrong office. I didn’t advertise for any personnel.”
“But you did advertise your firm’s services.Testing security systems? Money-back guarantee if you can’t break them?”
“That’s our ad, all right. But we deal with commercial and industrial systems. Are you sure you’re coming to the right place?”
“I’m not sure at all,” said Elliot. “Do you usually do business in your reception area?”
A surprised expression appeared on the man’s face. “Not at all.” He motioned the two into his office, directing them into plush chairs facing his desk; photographs of security devices decorated the wall. “I’m Benton Durand,” he continued, taking his chair. “I apologize but today’s been impossible—just impossible. First, this cold. Second, my secretary didn’t make it in today—I think she caught my cold. And third, my phones have been out all morning.” He wiped his nose again. “Can I get you anything? Tea, coffee? The coffee will have to be instant; I don’t know how the machine works.”
Elliot hoped this was not an indication of the man’s technical competence. Moreover, he was not about to risk drinking anything within a hundred yards of Durand. He and Lorimer both declined.
“Mr. Durand,” began Elliot, “my problem is rather touchy—
legally. You advertise confidentiality. Will it remain confidential if you deem what I ask illegal, or we do not do business?”
“It will remain confidential, Mr…. Mr….”
“Rabinowitz,” said Elliot.
“…Mr. Rabinowitz, but if you want me to help you steal or destroy property—”
168
Alongside Night
“Nothing like that,” Elliot interrupted, waving it away.
“Then if I’m worried, I’ll talk to my lawyer. Go on.”
“You’re sure this office isn’t bugged?”
“I know my business. This is private.”
Elliot nodded. “Two members of my family are confined incommunicado in a federal maximum-security prison in Massachusetts. They have been arrested without due process, charges, or trial. If you can bypass that prison’s security, I am willing to pay handsomely—in gold.”
Durand blew his nose, shaking his head. “Impossible.”
“Moral objections?” asked Lorimer. “Or is it the risk?”
“Neither one. Mr. Rabinowitz, I fully sympathize with you. But I can’t help. I don’t know anyone in the business who could.”
“Would five hundred grams of gold change your mind any?”
Elliot asked. “Five thousand eurofrancs, if you prefer. “
“Ten times that wouldn’t change my mind. Maybe a hundred times would. Something this size requires a budget of—
oh, half a million eurofrancs. At least we’d be in the same league as with the federal intelligence forces.”
Elliot stood, Lorimer following. “I’m afraid I can’t afford government prices.”
Durand extended his hand. “I really do sympathize.”
“Thanks, anyway,” said Elliot, taking it. He and Lorimer started for the door.
Durand cleared his throat loudly, calling them back. “Er—
there is one outfit—now that I think of it—that could possibly help you.”
Elliot turned anxiously. “There is?”
“I don’t know how to put you in touch, though. The Revolutionary Agorist Cadre.”
“Uh—I’ll keep that in mind,” said Elliot, he and Lorimer both suppressing shocked smiles.