When Merrick and Polax returned, it was Bjorn who took a walk with Merrick. They rode the elevator up to the main level, and as they stepped out and headed for the art gallery, Merrick said, You want the bedroom beauty, yes?
What makes you say that?
The look on your face when she stepped into the elevator.
I like blondes.
Casmir Balasi is a blonde.
Then I should have said I like blondes and cleavage, Bjorn amended. Balasi is too petite for my taste.
I got the feeling there was more to it than that. For a moment I thought you recognized Stefn.
Every man recognizes the woman in his dreams. Shes got looks, a helluva body and a mind.
And shes good in bed, Merrick added. So whats the problem? If Polaxs candy queen appeals to you, then pick her. The nights in Austria are going to be damn chilly and I know how you hate cold weather.
Bjorn glanced at his boss. Advocating I use a Quest agent as a bed warmer, Merrick?
If thats the only way you can keep an eye on her every move, yes. The goal is to get our hands on Holics kill-file. Whatever you have to do to achieve that goal is acceptable.
Whats Quests interest in Reznik?
The same as ours. Theyre worried that some of their agents have been sanctioned. Thats why its so damn urgent that we get that file. Who knows whos all on it?
If this is so urgent, my first thought is were two days off the pace. We know Holic flew to Austria, so stopping off in Prague to pick up
your partner
only puts me further behind.
I know that, but the Agency
Is kissing Quests ass for some reason, Bjorn said. I sure would like to know why that is.
Im not at liberty to discuss that. They just feel this will be advantageous for a future mission.
The they Merrick was referring to were the top brass in the upstairs office at Onyxx. The big boys who made the final decisionsright or wrong, smart or stupid.
These spy games are never black and white, Bjorn. The Agency is still upset that the Chameleons death hasnt slowed down the anarchy, and theyre feeling pressured to turn things around quickly.
Will we ever get rid of the Chameleon? Bjorn mused out loud. Hes dead, and yet he lives.
Its certainly the truth. We have the son of a bitchs corpse under lock and key in the Agency morgue and still we dont know shit about who he iswas.
No confirmation yet?
No. And Im told its going to be a while. We know the body underwent multiple plastic surgeries. His goal was to clone Paavo Creon. Our experts have even timelined those surgeries. But some things still dont add up. We just have to be patient.
Bjorn glanced at Merrick, noting the conviction in his commanders voice. If anyone deserved peace of mind where the Chameleon was concerned, it was Adolf Merrick. The Chameleon had killed Merricks wife years ago. Hed strapped C-4 to her curvy body and sent her to hell while Merrick had watched it unfold on the computer screen in his office.
Bjorn suspected his commander still blamed himself for his wifes death, and it was that blame that continued to drive him where the Chameleon was concerned. Even though his longtime enemy had been killed weeks ago, he wanted the mans entire international operation wiped out.
Then you believe everything Eva Creon said? Bjorn asked.
Yes, I do. She said the Chameleon admitted to her that he had purposely stolen her fathers face. He admitted to cloning Paavo Creons likeness surgically, and slipping into his life for the sole purpose of revenge.
A lot of trouble to go through for a little revenge.
My question is, who is he and why?
There are days when I think hes laughing at me from the grave, Merrick admitted. Its not over yet. Hell, maybe itll never be over.
What makes you say that?
Something Sly McEwen said before he took off to go fishing. Merrick stopped and looked at Bjorn. McEwen said I shouldnt put off my surgery. I should have the operation because I was going to need to be a hundred percent soon. I think he was hinting that when we get the identity on that body, all hell is going to break loose.
You think he knows who it is?
Merrick shook his head. If he does, hes going to have a helluva a lot of explaining to do when he decides to surface with Eva. He rubbed his jaw. Im tired of this shit. Ive been playing this game with the Chameleon for fourteen years and Im ready for it to be over. I want to bury it along with him, and his identity, whoever he turns out to be.
Have you decided to have the surgery?
Not yet, but Unconsciously Merrick moved his hand to his left temple. I havent had a headache in a week. Maybe once this assignment is in the bag I can take a month off. But right now I cant afford to be on my back while youre in Austria. Ive decided that Ill be your controller on this one. While youre in the field youll report directly to me instead of to one of the technicians in the Green Room. Anything you need, Ill see that you get.
Merrick had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and had put off his surgery too long, Bjorn thought. Bjorn had noticed certain things in the past week, the way his boss blinked more and squinted in bright light. The temple massaging.