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Back Below the Belt Save as PDF
Chapters (67)
  1. Cover
  2. BOOKS BY STUART WOODS
  3. Title Page
  4. Copyright
  5. 1
  6. 2
  7. 3
  8. 4
  9. 5
  10. 6
  11. 7
  12. 8
  13. 9
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  54. 50
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  64. 60
  65. AUTHOR’S NOTE
  66. ABOUT THE AUTHOR
  67. What’s next onyour reading list?

“Hank,” Marty said, “this is better than home.”

—

“THIS IS ALFRED BRAND,” a voice said.

“Alf, it’s Erik Macher. We met when you were in New York last time.”

“Ah, yes, Erik. I’ve had a text from the chief that you would call and to give you every assistance. What’s up?”

“A family of three has arrived in the south of England this evening, from the United States,” Macher said. “In short, the chief doesn’t want them to return.”

“Ah, yes. How do you wish to handle it?”

“I wish you to handle it,” Macher said, “since I’m in the United States. I can’t be of much help there, I’m afraid.”

“What is the time frame?”

“As soon as possible, but not so hurried that mistakes are made.”

“Where are they?”

“At a country house called Windward Hall, south of Beaulieu, in Hampshire.”

“I know the area, but not the house.”

“Neither do I. I should think your first move would be to reconnoiter the place and determine their exact location.”

“Does the chief have a means in mind?”

“Well, he doesn’t want them shot in the head.”

“An accident, then?”

“I think that would be best.”

“Do they have a car?”

“I don’t know. This operation is a clean sheet of paper. Reconnoiter, then get back to me with questions or a plan.” Macher gave him his cell number. “Please remember that it’s five hours earlier here than where you are. No middle-of-the-night calls, except in an emergency.” He gave the man the names and descriptions.

“I’ll have people there by dawn to take a look at the situation,” Brand said. “Can I have a week to get it done?”

“Let me know your schedule tomorrow.”

“I’ll do that.” He hung up.

Macher hung up, too, glad not to have to deal with the operation himself.

53

STONE HAD A CALL the following day from Major Bugg, reporting that the family was settled in and comfortable.

“Is security in place?” Stone asked.

“Two men, armed. They’ll work shifts, and there will always be two on duty.”

“Thank you, Major.”

—

SHORTLY, Ed Rawls called.

“Good morning, Ed.”

“Good morning, Stone. How’d the transfer go?”

“I’ve just had a call. They’re comfortable and happy, and security is on the job.”

“Good. I’ve had a call myself, and it’s disturbing. The next-door neighbor of the Parkers in Cape May called to say that two vehicles were watching the place very early yesterday morning, around five-thirty AM—a gray van and a black sedan.”

“Uh-oh.”