CHAPTERFIVE

JOHN QUIETLY EASED the door closed behind him and entered the darkened theater. He chuckled at the futility of his caution when he found the vast sea of red velvet seats empty. Aided by the dim aisle lighting, John made his way toward the darkened stage. The curtain was up, but the set was difficult to make out. John began to wonder why Mac insisted on dark, obscure places for his meetings.

John called out. “Hello?”

Suddenly the theater burst to life. Red lights flooded the stage, illuminating a painted backdrop that resembled a European street scene — flower stand, bistro, Old World architecture. John stood and stared into the intense, glow from the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Mister John Doyle!” Mac's voice boomed from the house ...

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