Another meeting with Cole

[Jordanna]

Friday morning found Nicholas Tiernan mildly put out. He would be busy with a number of mundane corporate chores that day, not to mention a few final preparations for his people's upcoming "errand" at the Newland Gallery--and James Cole had chosen this of all days to come looking for a last-minute pat on the back before the election.

Still, humoring the future mayor was important, and Tiernan had agreed to an appointment. Now he sat in his office, awaiting the candidate's arrival.

[skybright]

Cole arrived promptly on time for his meeting with Tiernan -- feeling more than slightly irritated himself. With the election looming and the press still doing their best to ferret out a glimpse of Marla, he would have had enough on his mind without an exposure to Tiernan's psyche and the accompanying crushing migraine to add to his troubles.

You were the one who wanted to play spy, Marcus. He chided himself, straightened his tie, and knocked smartly on Tiernan's door.

[Jordanna]

At the knock, Tiernan stood up. "Come in."

[skybright]

Cole stepped into the offic with a deceptively placid smile. "Mister Tiernan -- thank you for agreeing to see me."

The single advantage to repeatedly infiltrating Nicholas Tiernan's mind was that it grew easier every time: even as he stepped into the office, Cole was gradually threading his way into the other man's psyche.

He smiled placidly -- trying to disguise the familiar shudder that the contents of Tiernan's mind always produced. "I trust things have been going well for you?"

[Jordanna]

"Not particularly, but one expects these occasional stretches of bad road in business--as in politics, I'm sure." Tiernan sat down, gesturing Cole to the chair opposite him. "Of course, at this point, you don't appear to be having any such problems."

[skybright]

"I'm sure I have you to thank for that, at least partly." Cole smiled graciously and sat down. "Things certainly have been going better than we'd ever anticipated -- my campaign manager is actually on the verge of relaxing, which I never thought I'd see."

[Jordanna]

"He might very well relax, with my organization at work." Tiernan clasped his hands on his desk. "You can take it for granted that your position is secure, Mister Cole."

[skybright]

Cole chuckled. "Well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't glad to hear that."

He leaned forward, folding his hands. "To be honest, this meeting is more of a formality than anything. The aforementioned campaign manager insisted that I meet with each of my supporters -- to make certain that any last-moment problems or issues can be discussed."

He spread his hands. "Naturally I have no complaints on my end. But if you have anything you'd like to see addressed . . ."

[Jordanna]

"Not at all. I'm quite satisfied with all of the arrangements of our partnership."

The news that Cole was not there for any reason in particular rankled Tiernan slightly. He had budget reports to read, and lawyers to speak to, and final plans to go over for Wednesday night...

[skybright]

Cole quickly turned a smug grin into an ingratiating smile. "I'm pleased to hear it. Hopefully it will continue to be a profitable partnership after the election."

He pulled quickly away from Tiernan's psyche and stood, nodding. "Well, Mister Tiernan, I won't waste any of your valuable time. But let me take this opportunity to say how thankful I am for your support." About as thankful as I would be for a hole in the head. Literally. He thought wryly, feeling the beginning twinge of a migraine settling in.

[Jordanna]

"Indeed." Tiernan rose and bowed slightly. "I'd wish you good luck, but you don't need it. Good afternoon, Mister Cole."

[skybright]

"Good afternoon, sir." Cole nodded politely and left the office, rubbing slightly at his left temple.

He waited until he was well away from Tiernan Enterprises before he pulled out his cell phone and dialed the number to Grimalkin, Inc.

"Miss Dawson? Wednesday. Your jewel heist is happening on Wednesday."