The Export by J.K. Kelly (read along books txt) 📕

back in Washington, but it would be worth it. He made a quick call to Leclerc asking for a meeting at the base of Champlain’s statue across from the Chateau. Matt waited patiently for him to arrive. Instead, Mercier showed up with apologies.

“Something came up,” he explained. “What do you need?”

“Bugs,” Matt said, explaining further to a confused Mercier. “Listening devices that I can plant in the suite.” He laid out the plan to the Canadian and hoped he would be able to deliver the goods in short order.

“You’re not giving me much time,” Mercier protested. “If you wanted bugs, why didn’t you bring them with you or get here in time to install them before he arrived?”

“They would have scanned the room for electronics before Tilton set foot in there,” Matt assured him. “His security team is well trained and, no doubt, accustomed to his missteps. Part of their job is to keep him out of trouble and keep their own jobs, too.”

“But there is no time, and even if there were,” Mercier went on, “this is Canada, not Russia or China – or America for that matter – we don’t just bug people, regardless of their suspected behavior. You would need a court order!”

“Bullshit,” Matt said, his tone of frustration very clear to Mercier. “The CSIS – your CIA – has an office just five minutes up the Grand Allee from here,” he said, physically pointing up the boulevard in the direction of the provincial government buildings. “If you want to do more than just have me clean up someone’s mess,” Matt continued, “make it happen!”

Mercier looked unsure what he should do. Leclerc was in meetings and was not to be disturbed.

“But if we plant bugs and they are found,” he continued, “our government – and you, Mr. Christopher, will bear the wrath of your first lady and, consequently, your president!”

“If they’re letting this piece of shit act like an animal then fuck the both of them,” Matt said, the look of determination in his eyes helping to convince Mercier this man wanted to do the right thing and was willing to take the risk. “Look, if the heat comes, you can blame it on the photographer, you can say she was working for the National Enquirer or whatever shit rag they have up here in Canada.” Matt paused. An hour earlier, he was thinking about Eve in a way he hadn’t thought of anyone in years. Now, he had just proposed to throw her under the bus if needed.

“Go get me the bugs,” Matt demanded. “Have them direct the feed to the phone you gave me so I can listen in. They’ll know to record whatever they pick up.” Mercier looked around, perhaps debating, but time was of the essence.

“Stop dicking about, man. We’re on the clock.” Thirty minutes later, Matt received a text on the phone the Canadians had given him.

Check your room and happy hunting

Matt swiped the key card to his room and went in, looking around for an envelope, something – anything that might hold the listening devices. Finally, stuck inside his toiletries bag, he found a small plastic bottle, the type prescription pills were dispensed in. Inside, he found one lone bug.

“What the hell, man!” he exclaimed in frustration. “What the hell,” he repeated, shaking his head. With only once device, his ability to eavesdrop would be very limited.

“We’ll just have to flip a coin on where we plant it – bedroom or bathroom,” he whispered.

Matt took the elevator down to the lobby and stationed himself at the gold mirror doors and watched as tourists, event attendees, and staff came and went past him. The single bug rested in the watch pocket of his blue jeans. It was round, small, and thin, resembling a motion sickness patch worn by travelers on airplanes and cruise ships. If Tilton’s security team patted him down, they wouldn’t feel a thing. Right on schedule, Eve appeared from around a corner in an orange summer dress that stopped just above the knee, the neckline plunging between her breasts. She greeted Matt with a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for doing this, George,” she joked. Matt smiled and pushed the UP button for the lift.

“Nikon’s the best!” Matt said, acknowledging the black camera she had strapped over her shoulder. “That’s a classic piece. I have a slightly newer model, autofocus and all that.”

Eve smiled, but she appeared a bit nervous to Matt. “You good?” he asked.

She looked at him and forced a smile. “I’m good. You made me think of my father. He left me this camera…” She hesitated. “Someday, I will have to upgrade. Shooting film gets more and more difficult. Everyone wants digital they can email around the world.”

He sensed there was more going on and pressed her on it.

“No, really, I’m good. This guy Tilton is a creep, though. He mocks anything having to do with the environment.”

“A creep?” Matt persisted.

“Yes, a friend of mine out west shot him at another conference, in Vancouver or somewhere. She said he was a little too liberal with his hands and his comments.”

“Ah-ha,” Matt replied. “Now I know why I’m here. You need a bodyguard!” he said with a joking tone in an attempt to get Eve to relax.

“Not necessary. I can kill with my bare hands,” she stated. “I just need you to deal with the rest of the animals if things get weird.”

Matt took in her comments but didn’t respond.

“Hello – I was joking!” Eve said, grabbing Matt’s arm and shaking it. He smiled.

“No really, I can take care of myself,” she assured him. “My father insisted that I learn to take care of myself so he had me trained by the best in the business. Remind me to show you sometime.”

The elevator arrived at the eleventh floor. As the doors opened, Matt laughed and followed Eve into the hallway. Almost immediately, they were both stopped by a lone security person. It was the alpha, the