kidnapping in which a senator’s family was taken from their home at gunpoint. Pierce knew where the kidnappers had taken the wife and three kids and had passed the information on to the senator, who in turn hired an ex-military team to mount a rescue. Pierce had asked to go along, and surprisingly, the leader of the team agreed. The mission was a success, with all the victims returned to safety—and all the bad guys taken out.
“Who was the leader of the rescue team?”
“Horvan Kojik. Not a man you’d easily forget, believe me.” Pierce chuckled. “Come to think of it, his whole team was pretty memorable.”
“How do you spell that surname?” Rael wrote carefully as Pierce spelled it out. “Do you know where he’s based? I need to contact him.”
There was silence for a moment. “And if I want to know why you need to see him?”
“Sorry. I can’t share that right now.” That was way too complicated. “Let’s just say I’ve got a missing person case of my own, and I need his help.”
“Got it. Let me find his contact details. I didn’t have a number for him, but I think he’s living in Indiana someplace.”
Rael heaved an internal sigh of relief. Close enough to Chicago that Rael could go see this Horvan—assuming he could help. He waited while Pierce sought the details. Based on what he could remember from Pierce’s article, the team had comprised several ex-military guys with specific, impressive skills. He also recalled they’d been well paid by the senator.
I wonder how he’d feel about doing this for free. Rael’s stomach clenched. This could all be over before it even started.
“Okay, I’ve found an email address. It’s not in his name, but it’s the one I used to get in touch initially. I’ve sent it to you.”
“Thanks. I’m sorry I can’t tell you more, but—”
“Don’t sweat it. I understand. I hope it works out for you.” Pierce’s voice was warm. “I still owe ya. Seriously.”
“I’m just glad I was there.”
Pierce snickered. “And I’m glad you’re so handy with your fists. Let me know if you need anything else, okay?”
Rael thanked him again, then disconnected. Since all he had was an email address, his initial message had better be intriguing as hell if he was going to get this Horvan interested enough to reply. He sipped his coffee and scribbled down a few ideas, adding and deleting phrases. By the time he’d finished his coffee, he had the message as damn near perfect as he could get it.
To Horvan Kojik
I hear you’re a man who can get into hard places.
Well, I have a challenge for you.
I want you to help me in a near-impossible rescue.
There’s a tiger in a glass cage, on the top floor of a Chicago skyscraper, and I want you to help me get it out of there.
If you think you’re up to it.
Let’s see.
You’ve got my contact details. Use them.
Rael Parton
Photojournalist
If this doesn’t get him interested, nothing will.
Rael typed the message, then checked it three times. He added his phone number at the bottom, then hesitated.
Am I crazy doing this?
He pushed the thought aside. Dellan needed him. That left him no other option. Rael hit Send.
He went downstairs and ordered another coffee; only this time he added a pastry. Then he went back upstairs and began the online search for another hotel. He had no idea how long he’d be staying in Chicago. That would depend on the result of his email.
He’d found a couple of possibilities when his phone rang. The screen said Unknown Caller, and his heartbeat sped up. It can’t be. Not that fast. His finger trembled as he clicked on Answer. “Hello?”
“Okay. You’re for real. I’ll grant you that. I looked you up. So tell me more about this job. Seriously?” A rich, deep chuckle filled his ears. “You want me to rescue a tiger from the top floor of a Chicago skyscraper? Why in hell would you want to do that? Or are you one of those activist nutjobs who goes around liberating bunnies from testing labs? Not that I have anything against bunnies, you understand. They’re very tasty.”
Rael couldn’t argue that point. “Yes, I’m being serious.” He struggled to remain calm, but his heartbeat had quickened for some reason. “And as for why I want to do this, I can’t explain that. Not over the phone.” He wasn’t even sure he could explain it face-to-face. “But this whole conversation is fruitless if you can’t do it in