Page 58 of Blood Money

“I think you’d be more beneficial than that. I can use you in other ways. You blend in easily with the kind of people who employ us, so I’d rather you do recon.”

I act like I’m considering it, even though I’m not. I would never work for someone like Ghost, but I can’t tell him that. Right now, more than one life depends on my answer. I need him to think he got me—that I’ll do whatever it takes to get the answers I’m desperately seeking.

“I’ll agree if you let me show you a new way to handle things. Let me lure Cyrus back here by myself to show you I can do more than what you’re asking.”

“I tell you what,” he starts, sitting up in his chair and leaning close to the camera. “You get me a million cash—because I know Alexander has that in spades, and you have more than enough leverage now—and bring Cyrus back here in say… three days, then you have a deal.”

“No. I need more than three days. I need to gain his trust. That won’t happen in days. It will take time.”

“How long?” he replies, his voice hinting at annoyance.

“Two months. Give me two months and I’ll come back with the money and him.” If anything, all this will do is buy us more time to figure out a better plan.

“No.”

“No?” My lip starts to wobble. I need this to work.

“One month. That’s all I’m willing to wait. If you’re not back by then, I’ll track you down and put a bullet between your eyes. You know who I am and what I do, correct?” I nod. “Good. Then you know I am not playing. One month, that’s all you get.”

I nod vigorously. “I can do that.”

“You’ll also be chipped. Can’t have my newest investment running off on me.” He smiles.

Sounds like a trap, Carmen. Don’t do it.

I know I shouldn’t, really, I do, but I’ve never listened to my inner self anyway. “Okay.”

“Oh, and Carmen?” He leans over the desk in front of him. “Remember, I’m always closer than you think. This is simply a test. Understand?”

I nod again, not trusting myself to speak.

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