5 January

“Since when are you calling the shots?”

“Since right now. One-thirty A.M.”

“Hey, you’re paying me to keep you informed, Mr. Spain. That’s all.”

“No, you’re wrong. It’s changed now.”

“What’s changed?”

“I’m paying you double. Whatever you bill him, you get twice as much from me. And that’s retroactive to day one.”

“Holy shit. And what am I supposed to do for it?”

“Find the boy. The only difference is, once you find him, you call me first.”

“But I can’t do that! He’s my client. I’ve got a professional reputation.”

“Exactly. And you’d better protect it.”

“For Christ’s sake, you don’t have to threaten me! What do we do about the girl?”

“That’s your lookout.”

“Yeah, but she’s armed now. She put one of my guys in the hospital. I’m not risking their fucking lives. What do we do if she puts up a fight?”

“I said: That’s your lookout.”

“That’s not what my client wants. He wants the girl too, in one piece.”

“I said: Find the boy. Don’t blow it this time. And call me first. Do I make myself clear?”