Sixty Five

She found Kelly in the library on the phone. She was speaking to Fred Johnson, CEO of Smith & Wesson. “Fred, I have a favor to ask. It’s important to me,” Kelly said. “Could you ask Tony Labruzio and his people to do two more weapons? What I want are two with a military finish, not ones for presentation. You know what I mean: all parts dulled so they won’t reflect light ... That sort of thing. But I want the same slick-as-butter action, okay?”

There was a brief exchange and then Kelly said, “By the way, Fred, you may not know it, but I really am a rich bitch. And, sir, this is not to be a gift! Clear? And since I want them as fast as you can do it, I expect to pay a premium for fast service. Now, how soon?”

Johnson thought they would be ready to ship by FedEx the next day or the day after.

Kelly was also wearing BDUs. The only difference was that hers showed four stars. “Okay, lady,” she announced, “now we see what you can do. Mike is off with Brad doing the same things we’re going to