Pool_2

>> Clean Up <<

Well before Marcus Macaluso raced away, even during the account of what had happened, Frank Sumner was already conjuring defensive plans that needed immediate attention and mental rehearsal. Three operatives would definitely be missed. Perhaps a broader attack might be precipitated by their combined failure to report back. Have to assume that. Marcus was right, speed counts. Sumner knew that intellectualization could be lethal to a hemorrhaging patient. Surgeons do their thinking in advance responding reflexly to change. Surprise is not surprising, but anticipated, dealt with, quickly. Experience counts. "Who has had more experience in combat than I have?" he thought silently to himself while Marcus had been simply rambling on about loose ends. "We need intelligence." But a dread of insufficient time was superimposed on all his thinking. Tactics require intelligence and time. Intelligence requires tactics and time. Time. Time requires intelligent tactics. "We need a diversion." But, what? And then, a monumental thought followed. Having noticed something as he was fetching those leaf bags from the shed behind the outdoor barbecue, it was that observation which seeded his request for a rubber hose. There was a piggy bank to bust and a quick trip to a pay phone as Marcus requested. He was surprised to learn who Shondra Woodrow was. He was even more concerned that her aide had determined that Shannon was the subject of more attention than Doctor Macaluso. It was she who was the lightening rod. It had something to do with legislative pressures for reform of rampant HMO denials of services. A weird murder in a suburb of Trent somehow figured in, but nobody knew