Kendra nodded ruefully and then reached for her phone. “You’re right, I shouldn’t even think of keeping him waiting.”
She placed the call, and Waldridge answered almost immediately. “Dr. Waldridge?”
“Kendra? What a nice surprise!” These days he spoke in a cultured British accent, even though Kendra knew he’d grownup in a working-class neighborhood outside of London. But his tone was as warm and kind as ever.
“Did I disturb you? I’m sorry to bother you, Dr. Waldridge.”
“Come now. Why so formal? We’ve discussed this dozens of times over the past decade. I refuse to let our conversation continue until you address me correctly.”
“All right . . .” She hesitated. “Charles.”
“See? Was that so difficult?”
“Actually, yes. Part of me will always be that timid nineteen-
year-old I was when you first met me.”
“There was never anything timid about you, Kendra. You were always one tough cookie. And these days you sometimes intimidate me.”
“Bullshit.”
He laughed. “Well, only sometimes. You see, I told you that you weren’t timid. Not many people talk to me that way these days. Now, what’s happening in your life?”
“You mean, besides me being deplorably rude to you? You wouldn’t believe it. But for now, I just need your help tracking down the owner of a prosthetic hand.”
He laughed. “I beg your pardon?”
“Long story. But I have a serial number.”
He was silent for a long moment before speaking. “What are you into now, Kendra?”
“I’ll tell you about it sometime. Right now I just need you to be patient and tap into whatever database will get me the answer I need. Do you have access?”
“Not directly, but I have colleagues who do. Though it might be simpler to look around for a man fumbling around with a single hand.”
“Ha. How long do you think it will take?”
“Depends how fast I can get through to them. If they’re searching an online database, it’ll take just minutes, if not seconds.”
She drew a relieved breath. “You’re the best.”
“That’s literally true, but I enjoy hearing you say it anyway.”
Kendra laughed. “I’ll text you a picture of the prosthetic hand, along with the serial number. I’ve also sent the hand itself to you by messenger in case it’s needed.”
“Very good. You always were exceptionally thorough. Sit tight, and I’ll call back when I know something. Is this the number you’ll be at?”
“Yes. It’s not my usual phone.”
Waldridge cut the connection.
Kendra sent the text and lowered her phone. “I don’t know if this will get us any closer to finding Lynch, but it’s all I can think of right now, Jessie.”
“It’s a good move.” Jessie shrugged. “Even if it just belonged to some thug who lost it fighting with Lynch, finding him could lead us in the right direction.”
Kendra smiled. “I do like the thought of Lynch tearing off a thug’s mechanical hand.”
“You and me both. It’s disturbingly easy to picture, isn’t it?”
