While he was thinking about Maria Hernandez, he couldn’t stop obsessing about Jennifer Hernandez, either, and what it was that had aroused her suspicion. During the morning meeting in the conservatory he almost brought up the subject of what he was planning, but at the last minute changed his mind. He was afraid of Petra’s and Santana’s responses, particularly Santana’s, in relation to the necessity of having the Hernandez woman disappear after he had learned from her what he needed to learn.

Cal ran in place for a couple of seconds. His shoes were new, and he wanted to make sure they were comfortable. Everything seemed fine. He grabbed his water bottle and headed for the door. He didn’t quite make it. His phone’s insistent jangle brought him to a halt and initiated a rapid debate: Do I get it or do I let voicemail get it?

With so much happening all at the same time, he thought he’d better answer it, but it irritated him. “Yeah!” he said gruffly.

“It’s Sachin,” an equally gruff voice responded.

“Ah, yes, Mr. Gupta,” Cal said with a more businesslike tone.

“You called last night.”

“I did. We have another job. Are you available?”

“It depends on the job and on the compensation.”

“The compensation will be more than the last time.”

“Give me an idea of the scope of the job.”

“It’s an American. A young woman. We’d like to entertain her here for perhaps twenty-four hours, and then we would like her to leave.”

“For good?”

“Yes, for good.”

“Do you know where she is, or is that part of the job?”

“We know where she is.”

“It will be double last time’s charge.”

“How about one and a half times?” Cal suggested. Even though he didn’t care about the cost, he had an irrepressible urge to bargain.

“Double,” Sachin said.

“Alright, double,” Cal responded. He wanted to get out for his run. “But I want it to happen today, if possible.”

“I’ll be by for half the compensation now and for the rest tonight.”

“I’m going out for a run. Give me a half-hour.”

“What is the name, and where do I find her?”

“Her name is Jennifer Hernandez, and she’s staying at the Amal Palace Hotel. Is that a problem?”

“No. It shouldn’t be. We have friends who work in maintenance. We’ll let you know. I’ll give you a call before we bring your guest over for her visit.”

“It’s nice doing business with you.”

“Likewise,” Sachin said before disconnecting.

“That was easy,” Cal said to himself, hanging up the receiver.