Racing the Light (Elvis Cole #19; Joe Pike #8)(67)
“Richter, a couple of U.S. representatives, a judge, this guy Castillo from Allie’s plane, and other developers. She names them. Times, dates, and places. Want to hear it?”
“I do. But not now.”
These recordings had serious problems as evidence, but I didn’t want to discuss it in front of Allie Rice.
“We should let Ms. Rice get on with her life.”
“I don’t mind. Really.”
Josh nodded, agreeing with me.
“We should go. Ryan and I have to interview more people and start cutting this thing together.”
I said, “You should call your mom. Let her know you’re okay.”
He frowned.
“And say what, hi Mom, I’m okay, bye?”
“Tell her what’s going on. Let her know you’re okay. She’s worried.”
Allie nodded.
“You really should.”
“When I finish. C’mon, Ryan. Let’s roll.”
I took out my phone and dialed Wendy Vann.
Josh looked alarmed.
“What are you doing?”
Wendy answered.
I said, “Let me speak to Adele.”
Josh said, “Asshole!”
Wendy said, “Was that Josh?”
“Yes. He’s fine. Let me speak to Adele.”
Josh shook his head as Ryan packed their gear.
“This is a big mistake.”
Wendy said, “Say your location. I’ll come get him.”
“Adele.”
Adele came on a few seconds later.
“Josh?”
“Elvis Cole. Here’s Josh.”
I held out the phone.
Josh flipped me off with both hands.
I said, “Speak.”
Allie said, “Don’t be like that. She’s your mother.”
Josh took the phone and turned away. He mumbled to keep his conversation private, but mostly he listened. They spoke for three or four minutes before he handed back my phone.
Adele said, “Are you bringing him home?”
“No, ma’am. Not unless he wants to go.”
“You were hired to find him and report his location.”
“I understand. I’ll refund your money.”
She was silent for several seconds.
“No need. The police were here, as you warned. Is Josh in trouble?”
“Not with the police. He’ll have to speak with them sooner or later, but he’s fine for now.”
“Will you keep him safe?”
“Yes, ma’am. So long as he doesn’t do anything stupid.”
I looked at Josh when I said it.
Adele said, “Mr. Cole?”
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Corbin left an odd message today.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“?‘I’m sorry.’ This was his message. ‘I’m sorry.’?”
“Odd.”
“Yes, well, I’ll be going. I don’t like phones. Someone is listening.”
Josh waved his hands to get my attention. He mouthed words so Adele wouldn’t hear.
“Your phone. They’re coming. They know where we are.”
I said, “I’ll call you later, Adele.”
“Here’s Wendy.”
I hung up before Wendy came on.
Josh headed for the door. Ryan was already there.
“You have no idea. They’re geolocating your phone. They’re coming.”
Ryan shouted.
“Dude! Take out your SIM card. What are you waiting for?”
I turned off my phone, took out the SIM card, and slipped it into my wallet.
Allie looked confused.
“Your mother’s coming?”
“Her people. I’m sorry. I really have to go.”
I said, “Wendy and Kurt. They’re fine.”
“You have no idea.”
Allie Rice looked alarmed.
“Wait a minute. Are these people dangerous?”
I glanced at Josh, the glance saying stop.
“No, they run errands for his mother.”
Josh held the door.
“Let’s go. Please. Before they get here.”
Allie said, “This is very weird.”
We hustled to the street and I pointed at my car.
“With me.”
“What about my car?”
“Ryan can take it.”
Ryan said, “I’m in my car.”
“Then leave it. Get in my car or I’ll keep you here until Wendy or whatever Wendy sends arrives.”
Josh frowned at my car.
“It’s kinda small.”
“In.”
Ryan said, “What about me?”
“Go home.”
Josh said, “I’ll call.”
Josh climbed into the shotgun bucket like a man stepping into boiling oil.
I pulled away and drove east.
“Can they actually locate a phone or were you being dramatic?”
“Welcome to my life.”
I drove for five minutes and pulled over outside a taco stand. Prepaid burner phones and battery packs were stashed behind my seat. I got one powered up and called Pike. He didn’t recognize the incoming number so he didn’t answer. I left a message.