It seemed like there should be three of us - the Captain's absence was already being felt. Instead, I poured two cognacs, handing one to Dan before passing him a copy of the letter which, in a few days time, Captain Donavi would place in an unconscious Toland's pocket before launching him in the Seylor kayak.
My dear Joseph,
First, if you will pardon my being blunt ... as of this moment, you are officially discharged and will no longer represent me in any capacity, literary or otherwise. I have, of course, taken care to notify the appropriate parties at Brown and Vauxhall of your termination as well as notifying my bankers and, pardon the expression, the IRS. Since this discharge is made 'for cause' I trust you will recognize the futility of attempting legal contest.
Second, letters have been sent - via Express Delivery - to all other authors previously represented by you with an account of your financial misendeavors and an invitation to join me in arranging a full and complete accounting by a firm of independent auditors.
Third, as you may - at this point - begin to suspect, I have also retained an attorney and filed for a court order to gain access to your records, your U. S. bank accounts and should shortly have an order restraining the sale or transfer of your physical properties pending the outcome of a lawsuit for misappropriation, malfeasance and breach of trust. In view of your rather abrupt and, forgive me for phrasing it thus, rather suspicious disappearance, the courts should have little objection to granting such a motion.
Oh, by the way, your overseas accounts? You really should have left your funds there rather than requesting immediate transfers to your U. S. account. I'm quite afraid that you may find yourself somewhat strapped for cash ...
But, in view of our long association - and for reasons of my own which you would not understand - I have taken the liberty of enclosing the sum of $800 (eight hundred dollars) in US currency in hopes that this will prove useful. This is a gift, not a loan and no repayment is necessary nor expected.
Now, at this point, you should be wondering where you are.
While I can not tell you precisely, I believe you should be able to observe land not too far away - certainly close enough for you to reach if you apply yourself with the supplied paddles. I admit, the case shacked to your arm may make rowing a bit cumbersome but I think you'll manage if you really try.
Which brings us to the case ...
Another parting present. One which should make you very popular with the residents when you land.
Incidentally - I owe you thanks for a new plot. Should be a best seller, publishers are very enthusiastic - be sure and look for it to appear ... if you have the chance. You should find it instructive. The title is "A Death In Memory". I'll remember you, of course, in the dedication.
Oh, yes, be sure to give my regards to Fidel ...
Quite sincerely yours,
Alexander Jason Tambeau
(previously: Gregory Thorne)
"There's just one thing you've left out," Dan complained. "I understand dropping him off the coast of Cuba but what did you supply in the attaché case?"
"Just a few goodies that I thought might make an impression locally. Most of it is literature from Cuba Libre - not that Toland speaks any Spanish. And I threw in a copy of the Anarchist's Cookbook - the Spanish edition, naturally. Of course, if they dig a little deeper, they'll find the layer of semtex under the fabric lining - the mixture's a relatively stable plastic explosive - so, no harm. But, you know, somehow I forgot to give him any detonators. Come to think of it, I forgot to give him the combination as well. Do you think it will matter?"
"I think," Dan grinned, "that it is a pleasure to have your acquaintance ... and that I shall be very careful to stay on your good side."