The Brethren

Jack Argrow had not touched the files, or at least they appeared untouched. They were still wrapped in the pillowcase, on the sofa, in the exact spot Spicer had left them.

"The wire is under way." Argrow said as they settled into his suite.

Teddy was still watching from Langley. The three were now wearing all ma

There were three large envelopes on the dining table. Argrow handed one to each of the Brethren. "Inside, you'll find your new identities. Birth certificates, credit cards, Social Security cards."

"What about passports?" askedYarber.

"We have a camera set up in the next room. The passports and driver's licenses will need photos. It'll take thirty minutes. There's also five thousand dollars cash in those small envelopes there."

"I'm Harvey Moss?" Spicer asked, looking at his birth certificate.

"Yes.You don't like Harvey?"

"I guess I do now"

"You look like a Harvey," Beech said.

"And who are you?"

"Well, I'm James Nunley."

"Nice to meet you, James. "

Argrow never cracked a smile, never relaxed for a second. "I need to know your travel plans. The people in Washington really want you out of the country."

"I need to check flights to London." Yarber said.

"We've already done that. A flight to Atlanta leaves Jacksonville in two hours. At seven-ten tonight, there's a flight leaving Atlanta for London Heathrow that arrives early tomorrow morning."

"Can you get me a seat?"

"It's already done. First class."

Fi

"And what about you?" Argrow asked, looking at the other two."

"I kinda like it here." Spicer said.

"Sorry. We have a deal."

"We'll take the same flights tomorrow." Beech said. "Assuming all goes well with Mr.Yarber."

"Do you want us to handle the reservations?"

"Yes, please."

Chap eased into the room without making a sound, and took the pillowcase from the sofa. He left with the files.

"Let's do the photos," Argrow said.

Fi

His first-class seat was a massive leather recliner. After two glasses of champagne, he began to drift, and to dream. He was afraid to sleep because he was afraid to wake up. He was certain he would be back on his top bunk, staring at the ceiling, counting off another day at Trumble.

From a pay phone next to Beach Java, Joe Roy finally caught his wife. At first, she thought the call was a hoax and refused to accept the collect charges: "Who is this?" she asked.

"It's me, dear. I'm no longer in prison."

"Joe Roy?"

"Yes, now listen. I'm out of prison, okay. Are you there?"

"I think so.Where are you?"

"I'm staying at a hotel near Jacksonville, Florida. I was released from prison this morning."

"Released? But how-"

"Don't ask, okay. I'll explain everything later. I'm leaving tomorrow for London. I want you to go to the post office first thing in the morning, and get an application for a passport."

"London? Did you say London?"

"Yes."

"England?"

"That's it, yes. I have to go there for a while. It's part of the deal."

"For how long?"

"A couple of years. Listen, I know it's hard to believe, but I'm free and were go

"What kinda deal? Have you escaped,Joe Roy? You said it'd be easy to do."

"No. I have been released."

"But you got more than twenty months to go."

"Not anymore. Listen, get the application for a passport and follow the instructions."

"Why do I need a passport?"

"So we can meet in Europe."

"For two years?"

"Yes, that's it."

"But Mother's sick. I can't just run off and leave Mother."

He thought of all the things he'd like to say about her mother, then let it pass. A deep breath, a glance down the street. "I'm going away," he said. "I have no choice."

"Just come home." she said.

"I can't. I'll explain it later."

"An explanation would be nice."

"I'll call you tomorrow"

Beech and Spicer ate seafood in a restaurant crowded with people much younger. They roamed the sidewalks and eventually found their way to Pete's Bar and Grill, where they watched the Braves and enjoyed the noise.

Fi

The customs agent at Heathrow barely glanced at Fi

Fi

They made him wait for an hour, but he didn't mind it at all. Fi

But not for long. "I'd like to wire it to Switzerland," Fi

That afternoon, Beech and Spicer flew to Atlanta. Like Yarber, they roamed the airport with unrestrained freedom while waiting for their London flight. They sat together in first class, ate and drank for hours, watched movies, tried to sleep as they crossed the ocean.

Much to their surprise, Yarber was waiting when they cleared customs at Heathrow. He delivered the wonderful news that the money had come and gone.

It was hidden in Switzerland. He surprised them again with the idea of leaving immediately.

"They know we're here." he said over coffee in an airport bar. "Let's shake them."

"You think they're following us?" Beech asked.

"Let's assume they are."

"But why?" Spicer asked.

They discussed it for half an hour, then began looking for flights. Alitalia to Rome caught their attention. First class, of course.

"Do they speak English in Rome?" Spicer asked as they were boarding.

"Actually, they speak Italian," Yarber said.

"You think the Pope will see us?"

"He's probably busy"