Curt nodded while he pondered. “How will we recognize him?”

Steve pointed to Yuri. “He’ll have to come along to ID him.”

“Can you be back here at five?” Curt asked.

“Where exactly?” Yuri demanded. “I know you don’t want me at the firehouse.”

“Right here in this bar,” Curt said.

“I’ll be here,” Yuri said.

“All right, it’s decided,” Curt said. “The PAA will sanction Dr. Jack Stapleton. I’ll make that an order.” He looked at

Steve. “That means you’ll have to get back to Bensonhurst right away to gather some of the troops. And for this kind of mission I think we should steal a van.”

“No problem,” Steve said.

“We’ll need a lot of firepower,” Curt said. “I want to make a fast, definitive strike. I mean, I don’t want to shoot him just once and have him pull through.”

“I agree, “ Steve said.

“All right, that’s it,” Curt said. He polished off the dregs of his beer and started to slide out from the booth.

“We’ve got one more issue,” Yuri said.

Curt held up.

“I want to move Operation Wolverine up to tomorrow, Thursday.”

“Tomorrow!” Curt echoed with disbelief. “I thought you were going to have trouble meeting Friday’s deadline with the anthrax powder.”

“I worked most of the night and all morning,” Yuri said. “With the second fermenter functioning as well as it is, we’re in good shape. By tonight we’ll have plenty for both lay-downs.”

“I guess we could do that,” Curt said. “Thursday or Friday, there’s really no difference.” He looked at Steve.

“No reason why not,” Steve said. “The getaway is in place. That would be the critical issue.”

“I think we have to do it Thursday,” Yuri said. “As you mentioned last night, security is the issue. Even if we get rid of Jack Stapleton, we have no idea who he’s talked to. To wait another twenty-four hours is taking a risk.”

Curt gave a little chuckle. “You know, I think you’re right.”

“I know I’m right,” Yuri said. “Provided we want to see Operation Wolverine succeed, which, of course, we all do.”

“Absolutely,” Curt said. “What time do you want us to come by tonight for the sausages?”

“Better make it late,” Yuri said. “I’ll need time to get them properly packaged. Let’s say around eleven.”

“Perfect,” Curt said. “We’ll be there.” Curt slid out from the booth. Steve followed. Yuri stayed where he was.

“I want to finish my hamburger,” Yuri explained.

“See you at five,” Curt said. He gave a halfhearted salute before following Steve out of the bar.