Mickey nodded. “Like I said. I’ve been looking for it for a long time.”
None of us wanted to mention the fact that the book could lead to $150 million.
“What’s so sentimental about this book for you? Why do you want it so bad? Why do you want to look inside?”
“$10,000,” Jack said. “That’s more than a fair price.”
Red’s eyes narrowed at him. “This book must be pretty special.“She looked back at Mickey, then to Flynn, then back to Mickey. Recognition finally flashed in her eyes. “You’re Flynn McQueen.”
“In the flesh,” he said with that beaming smile and movie star glint in his eyes.
She looked at Mickey. “You’re Mickey Malibu.”
“The living legend,” Flynn said, putting a hand on Mickey’s shoulder. Flynn looked sure this was about to go our way.
“You want to tell me why you’re so interested in this book?” Red asked.
“Like he said,” Flynn replied. “Sentimental value.”
“I’m sorry, I just find it a little odd that a washed-up movie star and an outlaw show up out of the blue at my father’s estate sale.”
“Washed up? Hell, I’m just getting started.”
“I’m sorry, but Fool’s Paradise was two hours of my life I will never get back.” She was not a fan.
Flynn shrugged. “They can’t all be gems.”
“$10,000 just to borrow the book for a few minutes and take some pictures,” Jack said.
“And we’ll throw in the lizard,” Flynn offered.
Red’s face wrinkled. “Ew. I don’t want the lizard!” Her suspicious eyes narrowed at Mickey again. “This book doesn’t have sentimental value. This book has some kind of map, doesn’t it? It leads to the money you stole from those drug dealers.”
The gig was up. Red was no dummy.
“They’ve kidnapped my daughter,” Mickey said. “They’re going to kill her.”
She gave him a doubtful look. “You expect me to believe that?”
"It's the truth," I said, flashing my badge.
"The book is of no value to you. You won't be able to decipher my notes. They’re coded," Mickey said.
"Seems to me like this book is worth $150 million, if the rumors are true. You're in a bind. That puts me in a position of leverage.”
We all gave her an incredulous look. Talk about an opportunist.
"I'm sorry, but maybe you didn't hear the part about his daughter's life being at stake,” I said, growing annoyed.
"Oh, I heard it alright.” She looked at Mickey. “I guess we’re going to find out just how important your daughter is to you.”
46
"Considering the nature of your predicament, you’re in no position to bargain," Red said.
"The book is useless to you," I replied.
"I already told you, it holds sentimental value,” she said in a smug voice. “I believe I could be persuaded to part with it for an appropriate fee. Let's say $15 million."
