“Perhaps we should add tardiness to the list of the extortionist’s crimes,” Stone said.
On the coffee table, Jack’s phone began to ring.
“I think we can let that slide this time,” Dino said.
Jack answered the phone on speaker. “Yes?”
“Good afternoon, Johnny,” said the same distorted voice as before. “I trust you were able to get what I asked for.”
“Yes,” Jack said curtly. “Where am I taking it?”
The caller chuckled. “I like the get-it-done attitude. You have something to write on?”
“I do,” Jack said, picking up the pen that was sitting with a pad of paper next to the phone.
The caller rattled off an address, then said, “When you get there, park at the curb and stay in your car until I call you again. You get all that?”
“Yes.”
“Excellent. What kind of car will you be in?”
Jack shot a glance at Stone, who gave him a quick nod.
“A Range Rover.”
“Color?”
“Black.”
“There’d better not be anyone else but you in it.”
“Then you’re going to be disappointed.”
“Excuse me?”
“I have a driver. And I’m bringing a friend with me.”
“You mean you want to bring a couple of cops with you.”
“Not cops. You told me not to call them. Just my driver and a friend, that’s all. In fact, you know who my friend is. You tried to kill him a few nights ago.”
The caller was silent for a few seconds. “Barrington?”
“Yes.”
The man snorted. “You’re bringing your lawyer? This isn’t a negotiation.”
“He’s coming or you’re not getting the money.”
“You’re not in a position to be calling the shots.”
“Actually, I am. I’m the one with the money, remember?”
The caller paused again, then said, “Fine. You have thirty minutes from right now.”
The line went dead.
“Let me see that address,” Dino said.
