Page 108 of Lawbreaker

“You’re right, he wouldn’t. But this is a US representative, and he served in Iraq with a spec ops team.” Tony smiled. “Just for the record, do you really think it was worth it for nothing more valuable than money and drugs?”

“That’s power,” James said curtly. “And it’s the most valuable commodity on earth!”

“No,” Tony said. “It’s not.” And he hung up.

With Odalie still clinging to him, he walked over to the agent, Brock Peters, with Ben.

“Give it to him,” Tony told Ben.

He handed the agent an envelope.

The agent looked at Tony with surprise. “What’s this?”

“A one-way ticket to New York City and ten thousand in cash,” Tony said. “Here.” He handed the agent a slip of paper. “That’s Dane Hunter’s private phone number. He’s a US marshal. If you’re willing to testify against James, he can get you in the witness protection program and you’ll disappear.”

The agent was torn. He looked at Tony with consternation.

“If you go back to DC tonight, you’re a dead man,” Tony said flatly. “James probably already has somebody ready to off you. Not only are you a witness to what he did overseas, you’re a witness to a kidnapping.” He indicated Odalie. “You’ll take the fall for him.”

Peters sighed. “Yeah. I’d already figured that out.” He looked at the slip of paper. “This guy, Hunter. You trust him?”

Tony nodded.

“Okay. I’ll see what he can do for me.” He closed his eyes. “Boy, I’d like to know what it’s like to sleep with both eyes closed.”

“Hunter may have some ideas about that.”

“You could have turned me in,” Peters told him. “Made a lot of money.”

“You can’t take it with you,” Tony said.

Peters laughed. “Well, no. I don’t suppose you can.” He glanced at Odalie. “Sorry for the less than gentle treatment, Miss Everett. It wasn’t my idea.”

She smiled. “I know that. Thanks for getting me here safely. And thanks for what you did when you brought Tanner’s rucksack. Because of what you told us, we were able to find him alive.”

“You’re welcome.” He shook hands with Tony. “I may see you around.”

Tony chuckled. “You may not. Take care.”

“Sure. You, too.”

“One more thing,” Tony added.

Peters’s eyebrows arched.

“The wire...?”

Peters burst out laughing. “Damn, Tony, you don’t miss a trick. But I honestly forgot I had it on. It’s been a stressful night.”

He pulled off the wire and handed it to Tony, who stepped on it. Just to make sure.

They all waved Peters off as he headed toward the concourses.

Then Tony turned to Odalie. “We need to get you to a hospital and get you checked out.”

“But I’m fine,” she began.

He put his finger against her lips. “I’m scared,” he said softly. “Humor me.”