Chapter 4: The Flying Tooth

Chapter 2 Chance Results: The Globe and Mail did have an article about Afghanistan on the front page of the Saturday, September 15th newspaper. As per Chapter 2’s Chance possibilities, this means that the Prime Minister does not feel secure enough in the Capital to send his personal bodyguards and trackers to hunt down Luke Haggert. A big relief for Luke and the Gang!

***

Time crawled to a near standstill as Charlie stood on his hotel room balcony, waiting for Holley to arrive with a status report. The balcony overlooked the cobblestone town square where a gritty—and assuredly, unsanctioned—boxing match was unfolding. Charlie was glad he was four floors above ground level—from the looks of things the front row of grubby spectators were being rewarded with a regular spattering of blood as the combatants wailed on each other. The bout had only just begun and Charlie hoped that it would continue at least until Holley arrived.

The crowd of screaming onlookers would provide adequate cover for him to reach Charlie’s hotel without being detected. The last thing someone of Charlie’s status needed was to be seen chatting with a well-known mercenary. The job that he had orchestrated with Holley was risky enough as it was.A powerful right hook sent a tooth flying into the cheering crowd. Charlie followed it as it arced through the air, landing at the feet of a woman who was serving drinks at the adjacent outdoor café. Charlie’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the cold steel railing. He recognized this woman immediately from the file he had received on Luke Haggert. Her name was Annie Aldridge and her presence was most unwelcome.

Charlie had no idea what Aldridge was doing working at a café in Gladstone, but if she saw Jack Holley stroll past it could spell disaster. Charlie did not need a big scene, or even worse, for his mercenary to get a knife between the ribs. Holley still had a purpose to serve.

Charlie checked his pocket-watch. If everything was on schedule Holley would be crossing the square any minute. All Charlie needed was for the boxing match to last a few more rounds so Aldridge wouldn’t be able to see Holley in the crowd.

With a renewed interest in pugilism, Charlie started rooting for the toothless man who was staggering around the ring.

Chance
On Saturday, September 29, 2007, undefeated middleweight champ, Jermain Taylor squares off against Kelly Pavlik in Atlantic City. The bout is scheduled for 12 rounds.

Possibility A: If the bout lasts less than 7 rounds, then the crowd in Gladstone Square will disperse and Annie Aldridge will see Jack Holley when he arrives.

Possibility B: If the bout lasts 7 or more rounds, then the square will still be crowded when Jack arrives and Annie will not see him.

Stay tuned next week when Luke and Mickey continue their pursuit of the Gravehounds!