“Exactly. Typical Ponzi scheme.”
Gunner poured her a cup of coffee and handed it to her. “So, we do what exactly?”
“Put the deal together. It’s gotta be worth a hundred billion at least. What are they offering for this one’s head? Five mil? It’s easy math. A hundred bil to let five mil go.”
Raketa almost laughed at the expression on Gunner’s face. She had to admit, Striker was one of the most irritating men she’d ever met. However, right now, she could kiss him.
“There’d be a second part to this deal.”
“What’s that, Striker?” she asked.
“Petrov.”
“What about him?” asked Gunner.
“That UR hands over his head on a stick.”
“Who works the deal?”
“Me.”
“Get your shit together and then arrange to get us a ride,” Gunner said to him.
“Where are you going?” Striker asked.
“We’re goin’ to Montecito to meet with the rest of the team.”
“That means you think it’ll work.”
Gunner rested the palms of his hands on the table in front of Striker. “Don’t you?”
“Of course I do.”
“Then shut up and get moving.”
Raketa stood behind Gunner and put her arms around his waist as they watched Striker leave the room.
“He wants your approval so badly.”
“Tell you what, Rocket Girl, he puts this deal together, and I may end up likin’ him.”
“There’s one more thing.”
“Say it.”
“My mother. I want her ensured safety written into this deal. Not just her. Ava and Aine too. We walk away without a scratch and with the promise that we’ll never hear from UR again.”
“That seems like a reasonable request.”
“Does it?”
“I’d say a hundred billion dollars might be worth some concessions.”
“Do you think Striker can make this happen?”
Gunner lowered his voice. “Not alone. That’s why we’re powwowing.”
—:—