Page 54 of A Pawn for Malice
“Yep. I confiscated it in a drug raid a monthago. This baby went for $85K brand new and has all the bells andwhistles.”
“It’ll be great, if ever you’re in pursuitoff-road.”
“Can’t wait to test and see what she’s madeof.”
Bryan’s cell rang and he answered itimmediately, when he recognized Connor’s phone number flashing onthe screen.
“Hey, Connor, what’s up?”
“I just wanted to let you know the Clerk’soffice is holding the bill. It won’t be going up for a vote beforeboth Houses, until we give them the go ahead. I leaked it to thenews, and the major networks will run it, as will the three radiostations. Whatever Corbat listens to, or watches, he’ll at leastknow you’re trying to work with him.”
“Awesome, Connor. Thanks. I’m incognito,buddy for the rest of the week. Clair’s clearing my calendar, as wespeak.”
“I know. I got your message. If anyone canfind Jessica, Bry. You two cowboys can.”
Bryan chuckled at the jibe. “Feels good to beback in the saddle again. Wish me luck.”
“You don’t need it,” Connor repliedconfidently. “I’ve seen you in your badass mode before. Fucking getthat guy, and bring our girl back!”
“I plan on it. I’ll check in later.”
Bryan shared what Connor just told him.
“All the stations have been notified that thebill’s been removed from both houses for a vote. At least, Corbatwill know I’m cooperating and it’ll give us some time to findJessica.”
“That’s good news.”
“Did you ping her phone.” Bryan asked.
Ayden nodded his reply.
“We lost her signal an hour after she textedyou last. Could be because she’s out of range, or her battery waslow.”
“I’m waiting to hear back from security. Italked to them just before you picked me up. It’s mandatory now,that all the members have a Follow Me app downloaded onto theirphones, in case of situations like this. I had the app added toJessica’s phone, after Corbat’s attempt the first time. It has astealth mode on it too, that hides the app icon on the screen.”
Bryan’s cell phone rang again. The caller IDindicated unknown, but he pressed the button just in case it wasCorbat.
“Bryan Gallagher here.”
“Smart thing you listened,” Corbat said onthe other end of the line. “You better keep the fucking cops off mytrail too, or she’s dead. You got it?”
Bryan depressed the speaker button right awayas he signaled Ayden it was Corbat on the other end of theline.
“I want to speak with her?”
“No. Ain’t with her. Besides, I’ve come upwith a better plan. I did a little checking on your girlfriend,Senator. She’s a rich one, and, a m-i-g-h-t-y, rich one, at that.You want her back safe and alive, then, scramble up …oh … let’s say… two million in one-hundred-dollar bills by tomorrow night, andshe’s all yours.”
“It won’t be a problem, but I’m not makingany calls to get the ball rolling, until I talk to her first!”
There was a moment of silent contemplation.Bryan knew getting the cash wouldn’t be a problem. Florenceprobably had that amount sitting in a locked safe at home, or asafety box at her primary bank. He had to make sure, that Jessicawas unharmed. He needed to let her know, that he was coming forher.
Corbat’s tone was curt, but at least, hecomplied.
“Alright. Not until tonight, when I go checkon her. I’ll call you at eleven.”
“I expected that,” Bryan remarked, after theline was disconnected.
“Yah, me too. At least it gives us anothertwenty-four hours to find her first.”
