Chapter 48

Chapter 48—Jack evaluates

Jerry’s performance

7:58 a.m., Wednesday, December 28

Reginald was in charge of Jack—at least as far as the rest of the group was concerned. But that was not actually the way the two of them regarded their relationship.
Theoretically, it was Reginald’s responsibility to assign tasks for Jack, and Jack’s job to carry them out. But Reginald knew just how dangerous his associate was. In fact, throughout all his many exploits and intrigues, Reginald had never come across anyone he regarded more dangerous than Jack Handler. But that was okay with him. The two men had developed a comfort level that made it easy for them to get along and work effectively with one another.
It was as a result of that comfort level, that right now, as the two men sat at the table, Reginald knew better than to talk. Jack was deep in thought, and Reginald respected Jack’s desire for silence. Finally, after an uncomfortable length of time, Jack broke the silence.
“Tell me again,” Jack asked, “what exactly is this guy’s role?”
“Jerry is a trusted friend of Allison’s. … Almost her superego. I think she relies on Jerry’s levity as much as his common sense. Jerry runs deeper than you might think. He is a formidable ally. And totally loyal to Al. She bounces ideas off him all the time—always has. When she was in the White House, Jerry was always at her right hand. Bob also liked him. And you know Bob didn’t actually like very many people.”
“Is that it?” Jack followed.
“Not exactly,” Reginald continued. “In a very real sense, he is the only one of us who likes Steve. I totally respect Steve’s talents. For what he does, he is the best there is. But I really do not like him. They don’t think I know what they’re up to, but I’m sure they want Jerry around to serve as a buffer between Steve and  me. And that’s okay. I know we need Steve. I know what he is capable of. And I know he is loyal, too. But it totally irks me to have to deal with him. I just do not like the kid. Jerry does, at least he makes everyone think he likes Steve. Jerry’s that kind of guy. He gets along with everyone.”
“Okay, let’s see if I’ve got this straight,” Jack said. “Steve is a very valuable asset—valuable because of what he can do with the media. Jerry is valuable because he can make Allison feel good, and because he makes Steve feel comfortable working with you. Is that about it?”
“Pretty much,” Reginald said. “I don’t have a problem with Steve, until he opens his smart mouth. Then I just want to stick my fist down his throat. If I tell Jerry what I need, and Jerry explains it to the kid, then I don’t have to deal directly with him. ... Jerry makes working with Steve tolerable for me.”
“I’ve heard you refer to Steve as ‘The Little Faggot.’ Is that what you think of him?”
“Not at all,” Reginald replied. “The President used to call him that when he was angry. ... I’m working on it. ... I realize that there’s no point antagonizing the kid. He already knows I don’t like him. And I’m sure he feels the same about me. He just sometimes rubs me the wrong way.”
“I don’t think I would have a problem working with him, if it ever comes to that,” Jack said.
“Yeah, but you and I both know what you would do if he got cocky with you. And, after last night, he has a pretty good idea as well. You made a lasting impression on him.”
“Maybe that’s what you need to do,” Jack advised Reginald.
“It won’t work for me,” Reginald said. “I have to bounce ideas off of those around me. I’ve always sought to surround myself with very bright people—those that have a lot to offer. I cannot afford to intimidate any of them. You, on the other hand, can’t do it any other way. They have to be scared of you. … We’re very different people. You’re a hired gun. I’m the guy who hires guys like you.”
“I do intimidate most people, but I don’t frighten Allison—never did. She’s one tough lady.”
“That she is,” Reginald agreed. But it was clear today, by the way she went after Jerry to bring him back into the fold, that she respects you.”
“She respects me, alright,” Jack said. “But I will guarantee you that she would kill me in a New York minute, if she thought that would further her cause. ... I can live with that. She just has to believe she needs me. You’ve done a good job convincing these guys that no one can pull this off as well as you and I can. She has bought into that notion. I can see that.”
“She does like the idea you and I are working together on her behalf,” Reginald agreed. “That brings us back to Jerry. Are you going to be able to work with him?”
“For now,” Jack said. “But I can’t promise much once this job is done. It’s fluffy guys like Jerry that make me nervous. But don’t worry about it. For now, I’m okay with him.”
Reginald subscribed to the concept that once you hear the words you want to hear, you end the meeting. He knew that this meeting was over. He also knew that for the time being, Jack was going to let Jerry live. That was all he really wanted to know.
So, excusing himself, Reginald left Jack in the coffee shop, and went out to hail a taxi.
But Jack did not remain alone for long. No sooner had Reginald disappeared from the sidewalk out front, a familiar figure approached Jack’s table, and sat down across from him, in the chair Reginald had just vacated.