“Right. What are Estrada and Kroger up to?”
Stone glanced at the bar. “Drinking beer.”
“No one’s called them?”
“No, and I’m starting to think that’s not going to happen.”
“Why not?”
“I have a strong feeling the person on the phone isn’t working with them, or at least not any longer.”
“Because?”
“During the call this afternoon, everything was phrased like ‘we want this’ and ‘we will do that.’ But just now, the caller never said ‘we.’ He only said ‘I.’ My guess is that he was either trying to fool you earlier into thinking he was part of a group, or he and those he’d been working with have had a falling-out.”
Jack thought back, then said, “You’re right. I totally missed that. It would explain why he’s moved up the deadline.”
“I’d been interested in Misters Estrada’s and Kroger’s take on the situation. Perhaps we should discuss it with them.”
“Perhaps we should.”
They finished their drinks, then headed to the elevators.
As they passed Estrada and Kroger, Jack said, “I should be safe enough here for the night.”
“Come by my office first thing, and we’ll get everything sorted,” Stone said.
“I will.”
They exited the bar.
Once they were behind the closed elevator doors, Jack said, “Think they heard us?”
“No question.” Both men had stilled while Stone and Jack walked by, clearly paying attention.
It was a short ride down to the floor Jack was staying on. As the doors opened, Jack said, “Good night, Stone. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night, Jack.”
Jack stepped out, scanned the area, then whispered, “Clear.”
Stone exited.
It was unlikely Estrada and Kroger would have beaten them there, but it was always best to proceed with caution.
They hurried down the hall.
Jack nodded at an upcoming door and said, “That’s you,” then continued to the next door down, which belonged to his suite.
Stone used the key card Jack had slipped him earlier to open the former.
In the Bronx, right afterJack was being hung up on by her brother, Rosa quickly made her way to her bedroom and quietly shut the door.
Since her brother had used a throwaway cell phone to call his mark, she’d only been able to hear his side of the conversation. But that had been more than enough to find outRicky had moved up his deadline to tomorrow, and would be receiving twenty-five million dollars.
She had no doubt he planned to disappear the moment he had it in his hands.
Poor Ricky had no idea she planned on flipping the script and would be the one vanishing with the cash.
