Price of a Bounty - By S. L. Wallace Page 0,20
leaned down until our foreheads touched. “How shall we celebrate?”
-Guy-
Can I Borrow the Car?
On Monday, Keira knocked on my front door just as I pocketed my transceiver and keys. She wore red exercise pants and a light jacket. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her forehead glistened with sweat. She flopped down on my sofa and grinned.
“I thought about all you’ve said, and I’m in.”
“Now’s not really a good time. Can you come back tonight?”
“This is important. I have business to discuss with you, but it shouldn’t take long.” She eyed my business suit. “How in the world did you find time to work undercover as Mrs. Ramsey’s gardener and still make an appearance at your father’s firm?”
“I have a somewhat flexible schedule. Are you certain this can’t wait until evening?”
“Elaine Ramsey knows my real name, and she closed my bank account.”
“Don’t say another word.” I pulled my transceiver from my pocket and placed a call to work, then turned so Keira wouldn’t be in range of the vidscreen.
The image of Ellie, my secretary, appeared on the screen. “Mr. Burke, how may I help you?”
“If you would, please let the others know I’ll be arriving late. They should begin the board meeting without me.”
Ellie lowered her voice. “That’s probably not the best idea. Your father is beginning to notice your absences.”
I looked at Keira as I replied, “You know what’s at stake. Do your best to cover for me. I’ll be in as soon as possible.”
I shut off the transceiver and gave Keira my full attention. “You’re certain about Ramsey?”
“She called me by my real name and told me to keep in touch. She said she may need my services in the future, and my bank account was definitely closed. Security was even called when I asked for more details.”
“Has Elaine learned anything about the Resistance? Does she know Oren Johnson isn’t really dead?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. I think it’s just me and Scott by default, but…”
“What is it?”
“Well, Scott already has to take orders from her because he’s military…he said I can trust you.”
“And you can.”
She studied me for a minute, clearly worried. “I’ve been thinking about this all weekend, from every angle. I’ve been trying to figure out why. And I think Elaine Ramsey is tying up loose ends. We both know she hired me, and probably Rose, to get her money back, but I don’t think she ever had any intention of paying either of us.”
“What exactly are you saying, Keira?”
“The clerk wouldn’t tell me who closed my account, but I think it’s too much of a coincidence. Elaine Ramsey must have closed it. She’s the only one I can think of who has both the power and a motive to do that. I also suspect that she ordered a hit and run on Rose.”
She paused and carefully monitored my expression. It was difficult, but I kept my gaze steady and gave no reaction. I wanted to hear it all.
Keira took a breath and continued, “Rose was a somebody, and she knew too much, so Ramsey had to remove her. Because Rose was Elite, Ramsey had to make certain that it looked like an accident. But Rick…I’m a nobody, plus she knows my real identity, so rather than kill me, she’s sending a clear message that she’s going to control me. I’m worried that closing my account is just the beginning.”
“You’re not a nobody. Do you need some money?”
“No.” She shook her head vehemently. “I earn my own money.”
Independent, Scott had said. He wasn’t joking. “I can order false documentation if you need a new identity,” I offered.
“No.” She waved her hand. “I have connections for that too.”
“Then how can I help?”
“I’d like to borrow your car and driver next Thursday.”
I sat down next to her. “Why?”
“Mrs. Ramsey is throwing a dinner party at her Galt estate next Thursday. I need to be there.”
“To do what exactly?”
“The party is my way in. I’ll get the money back. Hopefully the amount you stole plus enough to make up for my closed account.”
“So it’s just about the money?” I didn’t believe she’d stop there, not when her cover had been compromised.
“I’ll stick around,” she confessed, “and after the party…that’s when I’ll do it.”
I shook my head. “I think we should put someone else on the job, someone she won’t suspect. We have people who are skilled at breaking and entering. They can get the money and send a strong warning.”
I realized I