Page 82 of The List

He read it with keen interest. He cared for every one of his members, good and bad alike. He was their leader and a leader led.

His man noted in his report that the death benefit form had been completed and he urged it to be quickly processed. He clicked on the attachment and opened it, making sure everything was inorder. And it appeared to be so. He would process the form tomorrow through industrial relations and make sure the $50,000 death benefit was promptly paid. That should help alleviate some of the widow’s fears.

Then he noticed something.

Paul Zimmerman’s Social Security number.

Handwritten into the space reserved for that information. Since it was the only Social Security number he possessed on his members, he decided to take a quick look. He grabbed the clipboard with the list still attached.

034156901

456913276

343016692

295617833

178932515

236987521

492016755

516332578

And found a match on the seventh line. 492-01-6755. Paul Zimmerman’s Social Security number.

There.

Part of the list.

Coincidence? No friggin’ way.

He sat back in the chair, which squeaked from the strain, and stared at the clipboard.

Now more intrigued than ever.

DAY FIFTEEN

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

9:34A.M.

HAMILTONLEE FIDGETED BEHIND HIS DESK IN THEBLUETOWERand watched De Florio, who sat calmly on the other side. He sensed his subordinate was deriving a certain twinge of pleasure at seeing him squirm.

“What happened after your man was almost caught in Reed’s house Saturday?” he asked.

“I had him reenter this morning.”

“Why not wait till dark?”

“Reed was at work. His cleaning lady doesn’t come until tomorrow. Daylight presents an opportunity without unnecessary risks.”

“What happened Saturday?”

“The daughter was at Reed’s house, but there was no vehicle outside. Luckily, things worked out and my man was in and out without detection.”

“What did he find today?”