“That’s tight.”
“Can you do it?”
Another pause. Then: “Yeah. I can do it.”
“How much?”
Creed smiled—the first real expression I’d seen from him all call. “This one’s on the house, Prime. Consider it a professional courtesy.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Don’t mention it. Rashid’s been a ghost for thirty years. The fact that you’re about to bring him down?” He shook his head. “That’s worth more than money. That’s history.”
Quest leaned forward. “Anything else we should know?”
“Just one thing.” Creed’s expression turned serious. “Rashid’s sick. I don’t know with what, but my sources say he’s been making a lot of visits to oncologists. Paying cash. Keeping it quiet.” He looked directly at me through the screen. “Whateveryou’re planning, you might not want to wait too long. The man’s dying.”
I absorbed that information. Filed it away.
“Thanks, Creed. Send everything to Quest’s secure server.”
“Already done. Good luck, Prime. You’re gonna need it.”
The screen went dark.
Quest, Justice, and I sat in silence for a moment.
“So,” Justice said finally. “What’s the play?”
I stood. Walked to the window. Looked out at the city lights below.
“Tomorrow, Rashid’s gonna call. He’s gonna want to make a deal. His daughter for Yusef.”
“And?”
“And I’m gonna let him think he’s won.” I turned back to face my brothers. “But before that exchange happens, I want him to know exactly how exposed he is. His son in Panama. His mother in Detroit. His aunts. His sister. Everyone he’s ever loved.”
Quest nodded slowly. “Psychological warfare.”
“He came to Grandma Rita’s house.” My jaw tightened. “I want him to spend his last days knowing that everything he built can be destroyed with a single phone call.”
“And then?”
“And then we make the trade. Get Yusef back. End this.”
Justice leaned forward. “You think he’ll let it end?”
“He doesn’t have a choice. He’s dying. His daughter’s missing an ear. His operation is crumbling.” I headed for the door. “Rashid’s done. He just doesn’t know it yet.”
“What about Kasim?” Quest asked.
I paused with my hand on the handle.
“Kasim’s a problem for another day. Right now, I just want Yusef home safe.”
I walked out.
But Quest’s question echoed in my mind all the way to my car.
