“Family comes first, Liza,” Mr. Gansett announced proudly.
That was one thing Riley couldn’t disagree with.
Holy moly.Liza had the deck stacked against her when it came to jobs.
“I hate to break up this love fest,” Bart said. “The thumb drive, Liza.”
“I told you I don’t have it,” Liza said.
Mr. Gansett rubbed two fingers over his bushy mustache. “But Taylor does. Call Taylor. Tell her to meet me at Stitches in one hour with the thumb drive.” He set his brown eyes on Riley. “Once we get it, we’ll let Riley go.”
As crazy as it might sound, Riley believed him. He didn’t strike her as a man who would kill anyone.
Bart chewed on his lip. “Liza, you know how we operate. You know that Mr. Moretti always gets what he wants.”
“I also know that I’m not stupid. So listen up.” Riley had never heard Liza so confident and brave before. “We do this on my terms. I know that the thumb drive has incriminating information that lists all Moretti’s business dealings. That could not only put him away for a long time, but also his clients like the Mexican cartel. So the only way you’re getting that thumb drive is if you let Haley, Riley, and Taylor walk away unharmed.”
“Are you saying that you’re going to bring me the thumb drive personally?” Leo could barely contain his excitement.
Bart growled. “Your old man is going to kill you if you screw this up.”
Leo threw him the middle finger.
“Oh, and Liza,” Bart said. “No cops or feds. If we get wind of them, then you’ll never see your friend again.”
On that note, a cold chill blanketed Riley. If anyone in the van meant what he said, it was Bart.
“If we’re throwing out threats, then hear mine,” Liza said. “I’ll meet you at Stitches in two hours. In return, you’ll let Riley go unharmed. If, however, anything happens to Riley in the meantime, then I will go public to the major TV outlets with all the data on that drive.”
Leo didn’t seem fazed by Liza’s threat. However, Bart and Mr. Gansett had their mouths slightly open.
Riley wasn’t sure, but publicizing incriminating information had to be worse than the FBI getting ahold of it. She was beginning to seriously think that Leo knew the plan. Or Leo was so in love he would do anything for Liza.
Bart regarded Mr. Gansett then said to Liza, “Two hours.”
Let the fun begin.
