31 December

“Have you found them?”

“What? Oh, hi, Mr. Smith. Happy New Year.”

“Well?”

“No, not yet, but we’re close.”

“You’ve been close before.”

“I know. She’s some smart kid. At least we know the car she’s driving now.”

“You knew that a week ago.”

“Yeah, but she’s changed again. Whenever we get close, she switches cars. Look, it’s a big country out there.”

“In other words, you’re nowhere.”

“I wouldn’t say that. It’s a matter of time. We’ll find them for you.”

“I’m giving you twenty-four more hours.”

“And then what?”

“Then I’m going to have to fire you.”

“Hey, wait a minute, Mister. You want to play hardball? Listen, I can …”

“You can what?”

“Never mind. Look, I’m sorry I said anything. We’ll give it our best shot. But you’ve got no idea how tough it is out here.”

“How tough what is?”

“Getting people to work New Year’s, for one thing. For most people, it’s supposed to be a holiday.”

“That’s your problem, isn’t it.”

“Yeah, I guess it’s my problem.”

“Are you saying you need more money?”

“No, I’m not saying that. I just want to get the job done for you.”

“Good. Now what about the other matter?”

“What other matter? Oh, the calls? Yeah. When is it you want us to start?”

“You have the schedule, don’t you.”

“Yeah, I’ve got the schedule. It says—”

“Just follow it, please.”