White Cargo by Stuart Woods

get them started on the annual inspection. If the mechanic doesn’t run into any unusual problems, we should be able to leave in about three days.”
    â€œAs long as that?”
    â€œYep, that’s good time for an annual and installation of the extra gear. We’ll be stopping in Florida for a life raft and another modification or two on our way. I’ll have you in Colombia in under a week’s time, if there’s not a hurricane in our way.”
    â€œOkay, you’ll have your money first thing in the morning.”
    â€œCat, you’re going to need to take a lot of cash along.”
    â€œHow much?”
    â€œWell, the Florida modifications will come to a few grand, we’re going to have to grease a lot of palms south of the border, and they don’t take American Express in the Guajira or the Amazon. We’re going to be buying goods and services from people who are used to dealing with customers who pay for things with fistfuls of hundred-dollar bills. You don’t want to get caught short down there.”
    â€œI can probably arrange for my bank to wire me whatever I need down there.”
    Bluey shook his head. “We’re liable to be in places where that won’t be convenient, or even possible.”
    â€œWell, how much then?”
    Bluey shrugged. “Well, I think you probably ought to have a hundred grand in walking-around money, just so people will take you seriously. Apart from that, well,we’re talking about the possibility of ransom, aren’t we? If we find your daughter alive, you may have to buy her from whoever has her.”
    â€œI see,” Cat said, because he couldn’t think of anything else to say.
    â€¢Â Â Â â€¢Â Â Â â€¢
    Cat had a busy three days ahead of him. He paid for the airplane, then he saw his brother-in-law.
    Ben listened quietly to what Cat had to say. “Cat, this is a crazy thing to do, but in your shoes, I guess I’d do the same thing. You really don’t have another alternative, do you?”
    â€œThanks, Ben,” Cat replied. “You’ve still got my power of attorney. Do whatever you think is best with the business.”
    â€œWe’ve had a couple of feelers for a takeover. It would mean one hell of a lot of money for our remaining stock.”
    â€œWhatever you think is best, just don’t commit me to an employment contract. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to concentrate on business again.”
    â€œI understand,” Ben replied.
    â€œI’ll call you from down there whenever I get a chance.”
    â€œGood. I’ll let you know whether there’s anything important in the mail.”
    Cat saw his lawyer and made a new will, leaving everything to Jinx, if she was still alive, a large bequest to his alma mater, and the rest to Ben, if Jinx was found dead. He specifically excluded his son from any inheritance.
    On his way home from his lawyer’s office he stopped at a camera store and bought a solidly built aluminum camera case, with combination locks, the size and shapeof a large briefcase. At home, he cut a newspaper into a hundred small pieces, measured them, and made some calculations. He was surprised at the result. He called his stockbroker and gave him a sell order and some brief, firm instructions, then called the head office of his bank and asked to speak to the president.
    â€œMr. Avery’s office,” a secretary said.
    â€œMy name is Wendell Catledge. I’d like to speak with Mr. Avery,” Cat said.
    â€œWhat is this about, sir? Does Mr. Avery know you?”
    â€œI’ll discuss that with Mr. Avery. We’ve never met.”
    The secretary became officious. “I’m afraid Mr. Avery is in a meeting. If you’ll leave your number . . .”
    â€œI have a business account with the bank. The company name is Printtech. Please go and tell Mr. Avery that Wendell Catledge wishes to speak with