Chromosome 6

There was a pause.

“I trust you are still there, Doctor,” Vi

“Yes, of course,” Raymond said. A raucous buzzing sounded. Vi

“I don’t think the good doctor is terribly excited to see us,” Vi

Raymond met his visitors as they exited the lift. He was obviously nervous as he shook hands with all three after the introductions. He gestured for them to enter his apartment and then showed them into a small, mahogany-paneled study.

“Coffee anyone?” Raymond asked.

Franco and Angelo looked at Vi

“I wouldn’t turn down an expresso if it’s not too much trouble,” Vi

Raymond used his desk phone to place the order.

Raymond’s worst fears had materialized the moment he’d caught sight of his uninvited guests. From his perspective they appeared like stereotypes from a grade-B movie. Vi

“Can I take your coats?” Raymond asked.

“We don’t intend on staying too long,” Vi

“At least sit down,” Raymond said.

Vi

“What can I do for you gentlemen?” Raymond said, trying to assume a confident air.

“The favor we did for you last night was not easy to pull off,” Vi

Raymond let out a little, mirthless laugh through a weak smile. He held up his hands as if to ward off something coming his way. “That’s not necessary. I’m certain you…”

“We insist,” Vi

“I wouldn’t think that for a moment,” Raymond said.

“Well, just to be sure,” Vi

“This isn’t necessary,” Raymond said. “I’d rather not be privy to the details, but I’m very appreciative of your efforts.”

“Be quiet, Dr. Lyons, and listen!” Vi

At that moment the expresses arrived. They were brought in by Darlene Poison, whom Raymond introduced as his assistant. As soon as the coffees were distributed, Darlene left.

“Good-looking assistant,” Vi

“She’s very efficient,” Raymond commented. Unconsciously, he wiped his brow.

“I hope we’re not making you feel uncomfortable,” Vi

“No, not at all,” Raymond said a bit too quickly.

“So we got the body out okay,” Vi

“Well, if there is ever some favor I can do for you,” Raymond commented after an uncomfortable pause in the conversation.

“Thank you, Doctor,” Vi

Raymond’s eyes dropped to his desk surface.

“What we’re talking about is a favor for a favor,” Vi

Raymond cleared his throat. “I’ll have to talk to the powers that be,” he said.

“Now, that’s the first unfriendly thing you’ve said,” Vi

“I understand,” Raymond said. He swallowed with obvious effort. “I’ll take care of it.”

Vi

“Of course,” Raymond said. He got to his feet.

“Thank you for the coffee,” Vi

Raymond closed the apartment door after the hoodlums had left and leaned against it. His pulse was racing. Darlene appeared in the doorway leading to the kitchen.

“Was it as bad as you feared?” she asked.

“Worse!” Raymond said. “They behaved perfectly in character. Now I’ve got to deal with petty mobsters demanding a free ride. I tell you, what else can go wrong?”

Raymond pushed off the door and started toward his study. After only two steps he wobbled. Darlene reached out and supported his arm.

“Are you okay?” she demanded.

Raymond waited for a moment before nodding. “Yeah, I’m all right,” he said. “Just a bit dizzy. Thanks to this Franconi flap, I didn’t sleep a wink last night.”

“Maybe you should put off the meeting you’ve pla

“I think you’re right,” Raymond said. “In this state, I probably couldn’t convince anyone to join our group even if they were on their way to bankruptcy court.”

CHAPTER 4

MARCH 4, 1997

7:00 P.M.

NEW YORK CITY

LAURIE finished preparing the salad greens, put a paper towel over the bowl, and slipped it into the refrigerator. Then she mixed the dressing, a simple combination of olive oil, fresh garlic, and white vinegar, with just a touch of balsamic. She put that in the refrigerator as well. Turning her attention to the lamb loin, she trimmed off the small amount of fat the butcher had left, put the meat into a marinade she’d made earlier, and then stuck it into the refrigerator with the other makings. The last chore was preparing the artichokes. It took only a moment to cut off the excess base and a few of the large, stringy leaves.

Wiping her hands on the dish towel, Laurie glanced up at the wall clock. Familiar with Jack’s schedule, she thought it was exactly the time to call. She used the wall phone next to the sink.

As the co