Page 65 - Demo

6 4 JAGGEDEDGE
“For openers,” replied Paul, “none of us are working. In fact, we have all been sleeping at my place and sharing expenses. Now you come in here sounding like the second coming of Jesus himself. How long is this job anyway?”
“Hold on, we must keep this down.”
He motioned all of the participants in close.
“It’s for one month at a hundred grand apiece, tax free. And
$50,000 in advance.”
Silently the men exchanged weird, wide-eyed looks. Tom could
immediately see brain cells in motion as he imagined each wonder- ing what could be done with a tax-free, lump sum payment.
“I have the strangest feeling you need to tell us more,” Paul probed, establishing himself as group spokesman.
“There are a few conditions I will talk about after dinner. And since you don’t have to make up your minds until then, order what you want and enjoy lunch on me!”
Paul picked up his water glass to lead a toast that everyone joined.
“To our guardian angel. I think.”
“Why did you call me that?” Tom asked. “Even guardian angels have double-edged swords.
“So what are we risking?”
“You are risking your lives, but this angel has options. I be- lieve I can protect you.”
The waitress returned and delivered each member’s food or- der then vanished.
Everyone started eating and drinking in solemn silence and Tom could see them relaxing slowly as they sipped their drinks and satisfied their appetites. It had been awhile since his old friends had feasted as they did this day. After the meal and an hour and a half of relaxed merrymaking, Tom paid the bill while the others exited. He joined them and began filling them in on details of the operation.
“Before I reach my car, you will have to make up your minds,” he warned. “I can only tell you so much. If it makes you feel any