Hunt for Jade Dragon by Richard Paul Evans

has been a mutiny. Our director, James Hatch, has commandeered the company and the Ampere . He has murdered two board members and imprisoned the rest of us. It was by sheer fortune that we have managed to escape.”
    â€œ Mon dieu! ” Wyss exclaimed. “Now I understand. There was an order from President Hatch to immediately transfer eight hundred million dollars into an account in the Cayman Islands. Of course I would never make such a transfer without personally speaking with you.”
    â€œWhen did that order come?”
    â€œJust a few hours ago. I have been trying to reach you.”
    â€œThen Hatch is still alive,” Schema said. “This is most unfortunate. You did the right thing, Florian. I am in Lima, Peru. I need you to make arrangements to wire money to this hotel and move money to this account.”
    â€œHave you contacted the authorities?”
    â€œThe authorities of which country, Florian?”
    â€œMy apologies, Giacomo. What else do you require?”
    â€œSend a jet for us. We will meet with you in Geneva to discuss our next move.”
    â€œHow many will be flying with you?”
    â€œThere will be six, including me.”
    â€œShall I freeze the Elgen accounts?”
    Schema thought for a moment. “No. Hatch doesn’t know we’re still alive. Let’s let him keep his false sense of security until I have determined a course of action.”
    â€œWhere shall I wire the money?”
    â€œI am at the Lima Hilton. Let me have you speak with the hotel manager.” Schema walked to the door. “Señor Castillo, my banker would like a word with you.”
    While Castillo and Wyss worked out financial arrangements, Schema found some paper and made a list of everything he needed, including two changes of clothing. A few minutes later Castillo said, “Mr. Wyss would like to speak with you again.”
    â€œ Gracias ,” Schema said, taking the phone.
    â€œEverything is taken care of, Giacomo,” Wyss said. “Our bank has opened a line of credit with the hotel, so all your expenses will be covered. In the morning you will be delivered five thousand American dollars from the Banco de la Nación with a new credit card. The jet willtake me a few more minutes to reserve, but it will be sent for you at the first moment possible and will reach you, at the latest, by the day after tomorrow. Señor Castillo will arrange transportation to the airport.”
    â€œThank you, Florian. I look forward to seeing you, and meeting your lovely wife.”
    â€œI will be most pleased. I will see you soon. I look forward to helping you put an end to this mutiny.”
    â€œIndeed,” Schema replied. He hung up the phone and turned to the hotel manager. “Thank you for your assistance. I will need my suite and four other rooms for my board members.” He handed Castillo the list he had made. “Also, I will need these things delivered to my room as soon as possible.”
    â€œAs you wish, sir. Is there anything else you will require?”
    â€œPlease have your finest wine, cheese, and fruit sent to my room. Also, your best steak with a cheese-and-mushroom omelet.”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œAnd one more thing. Give yourself a thousand-dollar tip. You’ve been most helpful.”
    * * * 
    By the time Schema retrieved the other board members and got to his own suite, there was a bottle of Peruvian wine waiting for him, along with a selection of crackers and cheeses, dates, apricots, and honey, as well as a T-bone steak and an omelet.
    Schema examined the bottle of wine, poured himself a glass, then took a sip. “It isn’t Château Margaux, but it will do.” He drank the glass, then wolfed down his meal. He hadn’t eaten for nearly twenty-four hours and he felt it.
    When he’d finished eating, he took off his clothes and lay back on his bed. Now that the danger and hunger that had filled