The Collectors Book Six: Black Gold (The Collectors Series 6) by Ron Sewell Page A

“I’ll lend you the money and you pay me back when you can.”
                  Andreas’ face turned a bright red. “I wasn’t asking you for the money.”
                  “I know but I’ll have my solicitor make out a contract, no interest and you pay his fee. Makes it legal.”
                  “I won’t let you down.”
                  “Never gave it a thought. You’d better get back or your customers will start to complain.”
                  “You’re one of the best,” said Andreas as he almost skipped away.
                  Charles dressed as immaculate as ever wandered into the bistro and stopped inside the entrance. He gazed over the heads of those eating. Not seeing Petros or Bear he frowned and checked the time.
                  “You looking for someone or just being nosey?” asked Janice.
                  His eyes flashed annoyance as with his Sandhurst tone of voice said, “I arranged to meet two colleagues but it appears they are late.”
                  She managed a smile. “Blond-haired, good looking guy with a bald headed black man.”
                  “That’s them. When did they leave?”
                  “They didn’t. The boss put them in the backroom. It’s private and quiet. Follow me.”
                  “I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” said Charles as he opened the door.
                  “Janice, three more coffees, please,” said Petros. “Milk and sugar for our friend.”
                  Petros and Bear stood and greeted Charles.
                  “Started any good wars lately?” said Bear with a grin.
                  “Apart from the Middle East the world’s gone quiet and I’d rather stay away from that fracas.”
                  “Anyway, what’s this little job you have for us?” asked Petros.
                  Charles pulled out a chair, turned it around and sat with his arms resting on the back.
                  Bear leant back in his chair. “Remember, I don’t go to sea on boats.”
                  Charles detailed the hijacking of the Goliath.
                  Petros rubbed his chin. “You asked for help.”
                  “Poachers and gamekeepers. The British army trained both of you to attack and kill people. I want you to simulate an attack on a tanker. That’s the easy part, and then devise a defence system.”
                  The door opened and Janice entered carrying a tray with three fresh coffees and a plateful of bacon rolls. “The boss said you might like these.”
                  “Now you’re talking,” said Bear. He leant forward, took the plate and placed it on the table. “Thank you.”
                  She smiled at Petros as she positioned each mug before them.
                  Petros waited until the door closed. “The shipping companies developed a defence strategy after the Somali pirates became active. I doubt if we can add to their advice.”
                  Charles smiled. “Advice given by men in Savile Row suits who wouldn’t know one end of a rocket-propelled grenade from the other. You two have the ability to discover the Achilles heel and close the door. Are you interested?”
                  “And the going rate for our valuable time?” asked Bear as he munched on a roll.
                  Charles shrugged and selected the smallest. “As always professional fees are negotiable. Fifty thousand for starters, plus costs and you travel first class.”
                  Petros grimaced. “I hate travelling by air but where to this time?”
                  “Simon’s Town, South Africa. In a couple of days a tanker belonging to the company who