Daniela was in a state of emotional unavailability, which left me with only one other option to get the ransom money I needed. Although I didn’t know much about Salvadore, he was one of only a few men Giovanni had always trusted. For now, it was enough for me. It had to be.
“I need three million dollars,” I said. “Today.”
Salvadore frowned, shook his head. “Had no idea private dick’s charge so much these days. Hell, why not make it five mil while you’re at it?”
I sighed. “The money’s not for me.”
“Who’s it for then?”
“Giovanni.”
He raised a brow. “Explain.”
I showed him the photo left on Daniela’s car and filled him in on the details. After I finished, he said, “Huh,” which left his thoughts on the matter of whether or not he could get me the money open to interpretation.
“There are few men with balls big enough to go after Giovanni,” he said.
“Do you have an idea who’s responsible?”
“I dunno. He’s ballsy though. We’re not dealing with a regular guy here.”
“We should leave Daniela out of this,” I said. “She has enough to deal with right now. But I have no idea how to get the money without her. I need your help.”
He shrugged. “Money’s not a problem. I’ll give it to you.”
“You have three million dollars?”
“Yep.”
“Three million—just lying around?”
“Yep. I need to make a call.”
“So you can pick up the money?”
He curved his lips into a grin. “Something like that.”