Orchid Blues (Holly Barker 2)

"Peck wouldn't go on the job himself. That was one of the things that made me start suspecting him."

"Well, at least you raised some money."

"And another thing," John said. "We had this guy planted in the bank on an entirely separate operation, and after the robbery, he panicked and ran."

"I think I read about that in the paper. Was that the couple found in their car in the Indian River?"

"Right, and we never found the money they were stealing for us. Another job screwed up by Peck." John looked thoughtful. "You know, with Peck out of the picture, someone is going to have to run Winachobee. Would you like the job?"

"You think I'm right for it?"

"Oh, I think you're right for bigger things than Winachobee, but you've got to start somewhere."

"Sounds good to me, John."

"Starting today, you're going to be learning a lot more about the organization," John said. "And after today, you're going to be a hero in the group."

"Hold it right there," Ham said. "Who knows I'm pulling the trigger today?"

"Only the board. That's who I was referring to."

"Do they already know who I am?"

"Yes."

"Make sure nobody else knows."

"I understand your concern, Ham, and I'll do that."

"One more thing," Ham said.

"What's that?"

"Who am I killing today?"

"I don't believe it." Harry said. "Not a single Owen in any hotel in Miami Beach?"

"There was an Elizabeth Owen in one, but that didn't pan out. We've called them all," Doug said. "They all have a search engine on their computers, so it only takes them a few seconds to find out. What are we going to do?"

Harry looked at his watch; it was nearly noon. "We're going to hope to God we hear from Ham," he said.

Holly was stretched languidly on a chaise by the Delano's pool, watching the young go by, when her wrist suddenly vibrated.

She sat up and grabbed the phone. "Ham?"

"One and the same," he drawled. "Don't talk, listen: I'm in a hotel called the Savoy, room two-ten. I'm to start shooting in an hour or so, maybe sooner."

"Who's the target?" she asked.

"You're not going to-" Ham stopped talking.

"Ham?"

Silence.

"Ham, talk to me!"

Nothing.