ARCHER:Don’t hurt her.
ARCHER:Please.
It’s good to see that he still has a shred of decency left to at least plead for his sister’s safety.
ME:72 hours.The clock started two hours ago.
Three dots appear followed by a long pause before another text arrives.
ARCHER:I can bring some of the money. Not all.
Of fucking course.
ME:Then bring me the men you sold to. We might call it even.
ARCHER:They’ll kill me!
ME:I’m your only chance of limiting the collateral damage to your sister.
Another pause.
ARCHER:Where do I go?
ME:You’ll get the address an hour before. Don’t be late.
ARCHER:Let me talk to her. I need to hear her voice to know she’s okay.
ME:No. Bring the money first.
Three dots blink and vanish before the reply comes.
ARCHER:Tell her I’m sorry. If she’s actually still alive…
I toss my phone down on the desk. It’s too late for his guilt.
A few minutes later, Viktor appears in the doorway. “Lunch was left outside her door since it was locked.”
“Good.”
“She hasn’t touched it,” he adds.
“That’s her decision.” I grind my teeth together in annoyance. Like a hunger strike will help the situation. God, she’s stubborn.
Viktor nods and disappears. The penthouse settles. I return to my work.
Until the soft pad of bare feet cross the floor again. “Have you heard from him?” she asks.
“Yes.”
“You said you would tell me!” she huffs.
She’s right. I should have told her. “I’ve been busy,” I say, which is the truth. “Archer sends his regrets. For whatever that’sworth. Whether he comes through in time…” I shrug. “That’s unclear.”
“And if he doesn’t have all the money, then what happens to me?”
“It means he’ll hear you cry while he counts his cash.”
Her lips press together. “So, youwillhurt me?”
