Page 113 of The Kingpin's Call Girl

“I picked it out for the location, exits, access to major roads, and resale value.”

She takes a deep breath, just a hint of a smile playing across her sexy lips. “Nothing personal, then. Just a transaction.”

I go to her, wrap her up in my arms, and kiss the top of her head.

“She can’t be dead. I still feel her.” Because, of course, that’s what’s on her mind.

“Good,” I say. “That’s a good sign.”

“You really think Bender never planned to help me?”

“That guy only wants to help himself, but it ends now. Our number one task right now is to figure out if he knows where your sister is. I’m gonna have you ask some questions.”

“He hates it when I ask him questions.”

“Too bad. You’re gonna text him and say things are moving along, but you want proof of life.”

“I can’t do that! He’ll be mad. And he holds all the cards.”

“He’s holding some cards, but you’re his golden goose. You have something he can’t get from anybody else—access to me and my secrets. And secrets are power.”

“I wish I’d never told him anything.”

“You told him nothing of importance. You were amazing. And brave.”

She rolls her eyes.

“You were. Most people would give up everything in your position. Here’s what’s going to happen. You need to figure out a question that only your sister would know the answer to. Something obscure. That will be your proof of life. He has to get her to answer that question.”

“He’ll freak out!” she says. “You don’t know him.”

“Oh, I know him well enough. I know he hurt you,” I say, trying to hide the murder in my voice. “I know he intimidates and bullies you. I know he constantly breaks his word. That right there is a weak man. We can work him?—”

“But if he takes it out on my sister?—”

“Proof of life is a normal ask, and he knows it. I guarantee you, he expects you to ask for it. He’s probably surprised you haven’t already.”

She looks thoughtful. “Have I been a patsy?”

“You’ve been amazing.” I pour more coffee. “After that, you’ll text him and let him know you’ve got the story and the hair.”

She takes a seat at the kitchen island. “But... the plan was that he’d text me when you showed up at the restaurant, and I’d burst in. Obviously, that never happened. So how did I find you?”

“Tell him I hunted you down, but you don’t know how.”

“Idon’tknow how.”

“Always best to stay closest to the truth.”

She narrows her eyes. “But between us, howdidyoufind me?”

“Fingerprints. You were fingerprinted for your university job.”

Her eyes widen. “So youfingerprintedme?”

“Well, Iama brutal criminal.”

She stares at the window.