“I need people, Howie.”, I insisted.

“I don’t do people. I’ve already told you that. You need special equipment, you call me. You need surveillance gear or weapons, you call me. Untraceable phones and hardened computers, I’m your go-to guy. I can’t get you people, Abby. Put out an ad or go see a recruitment firm.” Howie sounded as frustrated as I felt.

“Come on, Howie. You’ve got contacts all over the world. One of them must know someone who can help me. Put out the word and I’m sure someone will suggest a name in less than two hours.” I actually wasn’t sure of that at all. I was guessing, but it sounded good. For good measure, I added, “Don’t make me have to call Mary and tell on you.”

I heard Howie laugh on his end before he finally asked, “What are you offering?”

Yes! He was going to do it.

“$5,000. You can split it with whoever gets you the information any way you want. I just need a name and for you to set up the initial meeting.”

“Fine. What qualifications are you looking for?”

I’d given that question a lot of thought and I had my answer ready, “Ex-military, any branch, with experience in intelligence gathering. Team leadership skills would be helpful, as well as familiarity with logistics. I’m looking for someone who knows how to be discrete and is willing to work in an unofficial capacity.”

“They have to be ok working for cash and know how to keep their mouths shut.”, Howie translated.

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“Essentially. I have two other positions that I need to fill, but I want to see if the team-leader will have any suggestions first. If not, I’ll call you again. Do you think you can have someone for me this week?”

“Abby, I don’t even know if my contacts will know anybody. I haven’t done this before so I won’t promise you anything. I’ll put the word out today and I’ll call you if and when I’ve got someone for you.” As usual, Howie hung up without saying goodbye. When he was done talking, you were done too.

Dropping my phone on my bed, I picked up my textbook and returned to my studying. Finals were only a few days away and then I’d be free for the summer. Well, free from school at least. My summer was pretty much booked with work already. I would have one week to enjoy lazing about with nothing to do before I was off with Mark to evaluate potential mine sites for Grampa Jake. I’d be getting back about a week or so before dad’s second semester class started and he’d asked me to assist him again this year. I’d also be assisting Uncle Magnum when I got back, as his usual assistant Charlie was taking time off to visit his family in Seattle. To cap it all off, now that the papers from the Hannah Foundation had been signed, I’d need to open an office and find some staff to get it going.

I managed to get in two solid hours of studying before my phone rang. I couldn’t help laughing when I saw that it was Howie.

“You’re right on time, Howie. Who did you find?”, I asked, pretending that I was expecting his call.

“How the hell did you know that I found someone? How did you even know that there was someone to be found? And how did you know that I’d find them so quickly?” I could tell that he was genuinely curious.

“First, you wouldn’t be calling me if you hadn’t found someone. Second, there are over one hundred thousand active military personnel in North Carolina alone and over half a million veterans. There had to be at least one that would fit my requirements. Third, you’re the Amazing Howie and you work miracles.” It never hurts to add in a compliment, especially when it’s true.

“Well, there’s no point in arguing with you when you’re right. Your miracle will meet you at two o’clock on Sunday by the fountain in Chester Park. Don’t be late.” Howie hung up on me again.