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“I don’t know if he was there personally, but it was definitely him behind it. And don’t tell me you’re sorry because I won’t believe it. He wants the money that Langhorne stole from him.”
“He’s more concerned with the loss of face than the money. I made a deal with him to recover it. I would get a piece of the action.”
“What!”
“Oh come on, don’t act all surprised. I’m not doing this for the fun of it.”
Gibson said, “Well, I made the same deal with him. I had no choice if I wanted to walk out of there alive.”
“Winner takes all.”
“You make it sound like some sort of competition.”
“Maybe it is.”
“And why doyousound off?” asked Gibson.
“I had a visitor, too.”
“Who, Trask’s goons, too?” said Gibson.
“No. Not Trask.”
“Who then? And what did they want?”
“They want the treasure, too, Mickey. And maybe more than that.”
“Meaning what exactly?”
“Something that has to remain between me and them.”
“If we’re open with each other, it might improve our chances of survival.”
“I’m actually regretting involving you,” conceded Clarisse.
“Why exactlydidyou involve me? You could probably find the treasure without my help.”
“It’s complicated.”
“Only if you make it so.”
“I make everything complicated. It’s how I’m wired.”
“I’ve never heard you be this candid. That visit must have really shaken you.”
“I don’t like it when people can find me. Do you?” Clarisse snapped.
“I’m not in hiding.”
“Well, Iam.”
With this stunning admission Gibson sensed vulnerability in the woman, for perhaps the first time. And she wasn’t quite sure how to play it. She decided to attack. The kidnapping by Trask’s people had lent a sense of urgency that was undeniable.
“Julia Frazier?”
“Who?” Clarisse said offhandedly.
A few seconds before, Gibson had connected the phone to her computer’s dongle and fired up her voice analyzer. She now watched on the screen as the arrow stayed rock steady.
