Worst Case (Michael Bennett 3)

Chapter 45

VINNY CARBONE, ESQUIRE, followed Emily and me back outside to the observation deck.

“Are you as insane as that guy? This is a federal investigation,” Parker said to the lawyer.

“Hold on a second, Agent Parker,” I said, pulling her back. “I think I can work this out.

“Listen, Vinny. You want subpoenas, you got ’em. But I guarantee you, I’ll be going over his computers and phone records with a fine-tooth comb now. I’ll lock his ass up for obstruction of justice—or shit, maybe I’ll make him my main suspect. You gonna muzzle him, or do I take his rich drunken ass up to Harlem for questioning?”

Vin didn’t think about my offer for too long. For all his blue-collar demeanor, he definitely seemed on the ball.

“I’ll talk to him,” Vin said. “Gimme a sec.”

As we waited, Parker and I stared at the cars on the We

st Side Highway, trying to brainstorm.

“We need to piece this thing together before this idiot really does get his son killed,” Emily said.

“Okay, Parker,” I said. “For the moment, let’s assume it’s the same guy. How does Dan Hastings fit in?”

“He’s rich, obviously,” Parker said. “One of the other two was a college freshman, too. He’s an only child.”

“No, he isn’t,” I pointed out. “He has two new half siblings, remember?”

“You’re right,” she said. “Is that important?”

“I don’t know. It’s a difference. Also, this guy’s going through a divorce. The other two families were happily married.”

“Good point. But doesn’t that indicate another kidnapper?”

“Or that there’s another connection we haven’t made.”

“Yeah, well, we better make it quick,” Parker said as we watched an armored car pull into the pier’s parking lot.

Two armed uniformed guards got out of the car, went around to the back, and removed two very large currency bags.

“Because this ship of fools looks like it’s about to set sail.”

Chapter 46

WE WERE ALLOWED back on board with the stipulation that our technicians be closely monitored by Gordon Hastings’s staff. Hastings’s IT adviser actually stood over the shoulder of our FBI techie as he installed a Computer and Internet Protocol Address Verifier.

The petty squabbling was still going on when the next “You’ve got mail” came at three o’clock on the button. Hastings himself opened up the e-mail.

The following instructions will be followed to the letter.

The five million dollars will be placed in a black rolling suitcase.

You and you alone will bring the money to the south playground of the Polo Grounds projects at 155th Street in Harlem at 4:45 PM.

When you are there and when we are convinced you have not been followed or brought the police, you will be given more instructions.

Take note:

If there is any evidence of ground or air police surveillance, you will never see your son again.

The first two were to prove what I am capable of. You alone have been given the chance to save your precious flesh and blood. Do not blow it.