Very Mercenary. Rayo Casablanca

going on a rescue mission.”

      Gustav nods. “Yes. And?”

      “I know where Leigh Tiller is being held, and me and my crew, we’re going to rescue her tomorrow night.”

      Gustav leans back, hands out, shaking. “You’re kidding, right.”

      “No.”

      “No, really. This is crazy.”

      “It’s brilliant.”

      Gustav shrugs. “Tell me how.”

      “We’ve been looking at these burnt-out apartment buildings over on Seventh Avenue. Recon missions, usual stuff for us. Last week I found her. There’s this one near where the old Christopher Columbus Homes were, it’s actually a nice 1925 building, and she’s there, in the penthouse, being kept in an empty pool. When I first found her it was around dusk. She was standing by a window and I could see her face with my binoculars. Never really thought she was that attractive, you know, from the things I’ve seen, but standing there, she was like a mirage.”

      “Why not tell the police, Laser? You’re an artist, not a cowboy. To think that you could just run in there and take her is ludicrous. You have seen the television reports, these people, this RPA, they are all insane and they are armed. Why don’t you let the police handle this? You will still get some press.”

      “Because there is no art in that, Gustav.”

      “Where is the art in what you propose?”

      “The danger. The overhauls, these remodels we’ve been doing, they’re great at making a statement and there is a certain illicit quality to the actions that makes them risky. But being arrested is the worst that can happen, and every time we’re bailed out and the press has a field day. It’s preschool. This, this is something else entirely.”

      “Suicide?”

      “Maybe. But it’s a calculated risk.”

      “And after the rescue?”

      “We do the tour. We hit the other targets and move in on the Tiller Casino. Leigh is our ticket in. With her, the red carpet will be out. Once her daddy has her back, we’ll be celebrities. And that’s when the real art begins.”

      “Sounds a bit corporate, my friend.”

      “Not what I’ve got up my sleeve.”

      Gustav laughs. Chokes. “This is impossible, Laser. So many uncertainties.”

      “Take a look at the folder.”

      Gustav skims the short stack of papers inside. “Talk me through these.”

      Laser reaches over the table. “Blueprints for the building and the apartment complex next door. Here, these are sketches of the people holding her. There are three of them. Two down, one upstairs with her. Essentially unarmed. And here, the times. Every move they’ve made for six days. Like clockwork. We’ve already done two practice runs. Way we’ve got this planned, we’ll be out of there with her in a matter of minutes.”

      “You said they were essentially unarmed. How’s that?”

      “One of them has what looks like a harpoon.”

      “Odd choice.”

      “These appear to be very odd people. Psychiatric patients. Schizophrenics. Rumor has it they’re doing this to spark some sort of revolution. Cops have some leads. It isn’t who they are but where.”

      “This isn’t a turf war, is it?” Gustav laughs. “Revolution? I detect a theme.”

      Laser shakes his head. “These people aren’t artists.”

      “And the girl? How is she?”

      “Drugged up. I’m guessing they’ve got her on tranqs. That’ll be the easiest part.”

      “And after?”

      “We go public, bring her home with cameras and fireworks.”

      “Why don’t we set up another meeting, have some of my colleagues look this over? I know many people that I trust very dearly who could look over it and give you honest opinions.”

      “No, Gustav. We need to move now. I saw some detectives going door to door a block over only yesterday. No, this needs to be swift. Trust me. I can do this.”

      Gustav closes his eyes, takes a deep breath. “What’s in this for me?”

      Laser smiles. “Gustav Richter presents The Rescue of Leigh Tiller, an interactive performance by Strategic Art Defense. I can’t even begin to imagine how good that will look on the ticker at Times Square. Best of all, we film it all and we keep the rights. Video feeds, website downloads, DVDs. Frankly, it will be the most spectacular event in the last fifty years.”

      “And if you fail? What then?”

      “We won’t.”

      “This is crazy.”

      “It’s what I do, Gustav. This is everything I stand for. Come on, you’ve taken so many risks over the past four years. So many. Let’s kick this up to the next level.”

      “What will you need the money for?”

      “Production costs. Traveling.”

      Gustav cracks his knuckles and then stands. “You’re a genius, Laser.”

      Laser stands and they hug, Gustav smiling and patting Laser on the shoulder. Laser cringes the whole while. He reminds himself that it’s almost over. That this act is only another weapon in his arsenal.

      “When will I hear from you?”

      Laser says, “By Wednesday.”

      “Excellent. I’ll have the money in your account by the end of the day. Good luck, my little savant. Be careful. Be safe. But most of all…have fun. “Gustav winks.

      “No worries. These guys are so well trained they’re practically SWAT.”