A meeting between Jacob, Evelyn, and their followers began at seven o’clock on Sunday morning. Names had been chosen and tasks assigned for each recruit based on their ambition and ability.
Brandon had been designated to take care of the riskiest task, but with the new development that had been forwarded to Jacob, it looked like Brandon had to be eliminated. There wasn’t room in the plans for anyone to go off on their own, do what they wanted, and end up in police custody. There was no excuse for taking that risk, and now, they would be one recruit short.
The recruit who Evelyn had thought would be her pride and joy had failed them miserably, and the consequences would be severe. She and Jacob had spoken with Brandon’s handler, who was the person who had seen Brandon being escorted to a police car the day prior and alerted Jacob. Erik Smalley would have to deal with the fallout and personally perform the tasks that Brandon would have been assigned.
Envelopes had been prepared for the meeting and contained sheets of paper listing the name of each victim, their address, their manner of death, and the time the deed was to be done. Each task was outlined in precise detail and set to take place later that night. Brandon would get his envelope just like the others so as not to raise suspicion, but Erik would also get those same instructions. After the meeting, he would take care of Brandon then complete what would have been Brandon’s task later that night.
“Any questions?” Jacob asked after instructing Erik on his role and duties.
“No questions, sir. I’m just glad we’re going to nip this in the bud before it goes any further. I have no idea why Brandon went back to the underpass, but it was a reckless move on his part. Luckily, after I spotted him, I followed him to Hemmer Street where I saw two plainclothes cops escort him to a squad car. What went on behind closed doors at the police station is anyone’s guess, but now he’s too much of a risk to continue on. The cops might be following him wherever he goes.”
Evelyn looked startled. “What the hell? They better not be following him, or they’ll find all of us in here.”
“I scanned the area before coming in, ma’am, and didn’t see anyone other than the typical vagrants who are always outside.”
Jacob nodded. “Okay, okay, let’s get this meeting over with and go our separate ways. I want to be notified as soon as Brandon is no longer a threat.”
“Roger that, sir.”
The meeting began, and just as before, a basket of envelopes was passed to the recruits. Each envelope had a name on it, and the recruit took the corresponding one.
“All the details and instructions are laid out on the paperwork inside. Follow the instructions to the letter, don’t improvise a single detail, and you’ll be fine. We’ll meet back here tomorrow night to hear your reports and to give updates. The grand finale will take place soon.”
With the meeting out of the way and each recruit with their instructions, Jacob gave Erik a subtle nod, and everyone dispersed.
As the group walked out, Jacob overheard Erik suggesting that he and Brandon go have breakfast together.