No One to Trust - Iris Johansen [75]
“I know the basics. Even guerrilla warfare depends on technology these days. I’ll check out the wildlife parks on the Internet while you call the licensing boards.”
He checked his watch. “They’ll be closed now. We may have to wait until tomorrow.”
“I don’t want to wait until—” She was being unreasonable. It was just that she didn’t know how long this was going to take. “You’ll call them as soon as they open?”
“You know I will.”
Yes, she knew he would be on top of everything. “Then I’ll go to work on the Internet. Maybe there will be some carnivals listed there too.”
“It probably depends on how small they are. We do have twenty-four hours. But you have to realize that we may miss him. Judd said he’d be moving around.”
“It will at least give us a starting place. I can’t just sit here.”
“I know.” He paused. “We do have another option if we don’t find Judd. We can go and stake out Chavez.”
She stiffened. “What?”
“He’s on a yacht cruising the Florida coast.”
“And how long have you known this?”
“Since just before we went to Orlando.”
“And you didn’t tell me?” She studied his expression. “You were going after him yourself.”
He didn’t answer.
“Dammit, I don’t want you to protect me.”
He nodded. “Suppose we skip past history and concentrate on finding Barry. I thought you’d be glad to know we have another possibility.”
She was very glad, and her annoyance and indignation paled in comparison. “Don’t do it again. Everything has to be open and aboveboard.”
“It will be.” He reached out a hand in comfort but dropped it before touching her. “But remember, I care about Barry too. I’ll do everything I can, as quick as I can.”
“Thank you, I know you will,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s okay. You’ve been through a lot in the last few days, and you sure as hell didn’t need this.” He turned and went back into the living room. “I have to go and talk to the security guys and tell them to be on the alert. I don’t think we’re in any danger of Judd selling our location to Chavez, since it’s Barry who’s the cash cow. But it doesn’t hurt to take a few precautions. Then I’ll get on the phone and call the newspapers and see if they have any listings or advertisements for carnivals.”
She was glad he’d left her alone. She needed a moment to get herself together. She was just barely holding on to her composure. Galen was doing everything he could, and she shouldn’t have spoken that harshly. It was just that—
Barry.
Oh, God, don’t fall apart. Get busy. They had a chance of finding Judd.
Would it be in time?
“Chavez? This is Judd Morgan. You don’t know me, but we’re going to do some business.”
“You’re right, I don’t know you from Adam, and I don’t do business with people I don’t know. How did you get my phone number?”
“Sean Galen.”
There was a silence. “Let me talk to him.”
“That’s not possible. We’ve parted ways, but I took a good-bye present. Five years old, cute little tyke.”
Another silence. “You’re lying.”
“I’m not lying. Do you know what the kid looks like?”
“I’ve seen pictures of him.”
“Then you’re going to receive another one by FedEx tomorrow. This one has Barry holding today’s paper. Get out your magnifying glass and check the date.”
“You’re offering to sell him to me.”
“If the price is right. If not, I’ll send him back to Elena. I grew very fond of her in the past few weeks. It will take a good deal of money to soothe my conscience.”
“Who are you?”
“You have my name. It’s not a false one. I’m sure you’ll have checked me out by the time you receive the photo.” He paused. “You want other ID? I was the shooter at the Kissimmee Hotel. I took down two of your men besides Luis Kyler.”
“Then why did you change sides and take the boy?”
“Because you’re a man who knows that loyalties last only as long as there’s a profit to be had.”
“And what price do you want for my son?”
“We’ll discuss that when I call back tomorrow. I want you to know that I have the merchandise and I can deliver.”
“It could be a trap.”
“Then I’ll give you the same advice you gave Elena when you set up Luis. Protect yourself.