Hokus Pokus by Fern Michaels Page B

from other agencies to help out?” Isabelle asked. “It was our understanding we’d be hired guns on this side of the world.”
    Charles turned his back to reach for a thick folder. “The invitations are all right here in this folder. Notice how thick it is. I didn’t say anything earlier because I needed to check out their bona-fides. Actually, an invitation came in late last night. These people want to know if you’re paratrooper trained. If so, the job is yours. What say you? In addition it’s a name-your-own-fee offer. I take that to mean the sky is the limit.”
    â€œI don’t think so!” Annie said. “I have to take Fosamax as it is. Unless, of course, you can guarantee a soft landing. It’s the impact that will break your bones. I saw that on the Discovery Channel. Floating until your parachute opens must be a heavenly feeling, but the impact of the chute opening would probably pull our bones out of the sockets. I vote no,” Annie said breathlessly.
    Charles tried to hide his grin. “Girls?”
    Six verbal dissents rang in the air.
    â€œThen I guess that takes care of that particular invitation. I’ll decline with good grace. The other invitations are more or less the same. Terrorist /mercenary projects. I’m still weighing them. There are several possibilities and the money appears to be unlimited. You can name your own price if you decide to accept any of the invitations. I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you the agencies are getting impatient waiting for your response.”
    As one, the women shrugged.
    â€œDear, when do we have to make the decision to transfer to North Carolina?” Myra asked. “How would we get there?”
    Before Charles could respond, Alexis asked how dangerous it would be to relocate.
    â€œTime is of the essence. Possibly we can figure out a way to fly commercial or I can commandeer a private jet since Myra and Annie’s planes come under scrutiny. I’m thinking of a turnaround with Kollar’s private Gulfstream but only if you all agree. At this stage, it’s just a thought. I’ve got a lot of work to do to . . . Well, let’s just say I have a lot of work to do, so I suggest you go outdoors, discuss it among yourselves, and think this through very carefully. I’ll abide with whatever decision you come up with. You also need to know that while our own people were having brunch at a place called Wintergreen’s, Ted Robinson was sitting at the bar having his own lunch. He saw everyone. He told Maggie to get all her stuff out of his apartment by late afternoon. That is a glitch you also have to consider.”
    Myra, the last one to leave the command center, turned back and winked at Charles. “Darling, I can almost guarantee the girls will vote to go Stateside. So do what you have to do. If I’m wrong, you can rub my feet tonight.”
    Charles threw his head back and laughed. “That’s cheeky of you, my dear. If you’re wrong you can rub my feet this evening.”
    â€œAnd anything else that needs rubbing. Get on it, darling. Tallyho and all that good stuff,” Myra said breezily as she wiggled her hips. She laughed outright when she heard Charles groan.
    Charles watched as the love of his life sashayed out of the command center before he burst out laughing. A second later he was back at work, all thoughts of getting rubbed forgotten.
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    â€œIt looks like rain,” Yoko said as she fell in line with the other girls for a walk around the compound. “An hour ago there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. I think I want to go to North Carolina.”
    â€œWhat’s NORAD, does anyone know?” Kathryn asked.
    â€œNorth American Aerospace Defense Command,” Annie said. “Didn’t you watch that movie the other night when all those fighter planes left from there? They defend the security of North America. At least that’s