The Archfornicator of Canterbury

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The remains of the blue Toyota were still burning when the CIA agents in their black Mercury arrived on the scene. It was obvious that nobody could have survived the explosion. The black Mercury glided right past the burning vehicle.

"Eagle One this is Eagle Two. Come in Eagle One. Over."

"Eagle Two this is Eagle One. Status report. Over."

"The bird has been blown to bits. Over."

"Copy that. Return to base. Over and out."

Richard Black was already driving towards the US Embassy. He was humming along to the radio that was playing "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones. Everything had gone according to plan. Jack Back was dead. He had the stone. He also had the five million dollars that supposedly went up in smoke along with Back.

Once Black got back to the office, he was just about to call about the successful retrieval of the stone when the phone rang.

"Black."

"You've been a very naughty boy Dick. Go to your room without supper."

"Jack. Jesus."

"You've got to pick one Dick. Don't hedge your bets."

"I've got to hand it to you. You're good."

"I like to think that the taxpayers got their money's worth. Not that I'm working for them anymore."

"So you're alive. Good for you. But I got the stone."

"Why don't you take a closer look. I don't know. Maybe scratch the surface with a pocket knife or something. Just a hunch."

Black grabbed the stone from his desk and scratched it with his letter opener. The phosphorescent paint on the stone came off easily.

"Are you still there Dick."

"I'm gonna kill you Jack."

"It would disappoint me if you didn't try. Your track record hasn't been too good so far though."

"Did you call just to taunt me or do you have something else in mind."

"I would have called just to taunt you. As it happens I do have a business proposition as well."

"What is it."

"I have no use for the stone. You can have it just like we agreed. Only the price has just gone up. It's now back to the original asking price. Ten million."

"What makes you think it's worth that much."

"It wasn't too difficult to get you to agree to five was it. I imagine you'll be able to go double or nothing."

"Suppose I say no."

"Then I'll throw it in the river and we'll both go our merry ways."

"I'll have to discuss this with someone."

"I wasn't expecting you to come up with the other five yourself. I'll call you back in two days. Sayonara."

Jack hung up and got out of the phone booth. King Square was full of people. Suzy was waiting for him at a table outside the bar nearby.

"How did it go."

"We'll see. It seems we'll have to hang around for a few days more. I hope you don't mind."

"I'll be happy to leave whenever we can. I am not a particularly patriotic girl."

Jack gave Suzy a little kiss and flagged down a passing waitress.

"A black coffee and another one with milk. And two croissants please."

"Two coffees one with milk and two croissants. Coming right up."