Possibilities flew through my head, and as I answered the call, I silently brought the phone to my ear.
For the first ten seconds, there was a mix of sounds, and then a voice sounded.
"You shouldn't have killed those people."
The voice clearly belonged to Nadia, and after she spoke, a second voice, one that surprised , sounded.
"She's right, Mom. Those were people's families."
The innocence in the second voice was adorable and strongly pulled on the strings of my heart, but then a third voice ca.
"I don't owe you two an answer. You said Marcus could help. Have you done so?"
There was silence, then an elevated tone.
"Sir, apologies. I wasn't aware the phone was already connected."
"What's happening?"
"Well, I'm sorry. I got too close, and Martha kidnapped . Now we're in the midst of a police chase."
This possibility had been very strong in my mind, so I wasn't surprised.
"What's the current situation?"
"Sir, Martha seems to have gone crazy. She killed a bunch of people before abducting , her daughter, and three other kids.
She refuses to tell why. She only agreed to let talk to you because I ntioned you might be able to help."
"Can I talk to her?"
"No. She says she's busy driving."
It was obvious Martha didn't want to talk to , and I didn't push it.
"Are the kids you took alright?"
"Yes, Sir. We put them to sleep in the back of the car."
"That's good. Ask Martha how good her driving is and how much she knows about Los Angeles.
With such fragile hostages, heavy-handed tactics will be avoided, but the police will still do their best to trap you. If you want to..."
"I know this city better than its builders. Take this heat off , and you can get your precious assistant back."
Martha's outburst, full of frustration, had nodding. When she was done, I pried for information about how far things had gone.
"How many people did you kill? I need a number."
"I believe eight."
Already having my suspicions, I didn't ask how she did it.
"And you're sure your identity is still unknown?"
"Yes."
"What about Nadia and Valera?"
"No one knows about them," Martha gritted out.
"How much fuel do you have?"
"This is my getaway car. I filled the tank."
"Alright. Nadia, try talking so sense into her and make sure she doesn't do anything else stupid.
I'm going to try getting the heat off you."
"Okay, Sir."
Ending the call, I brought a hand to my chin, rubbing its smooth surface and thinking maybe it was ti I grew a beard.
I passed a few seconds looking at the ongoing chase, a plan in mind but stumped on how to get the ending I wanted.
I dialed a number on my phone.
"Hmm, if it isn't Arica's hottest billionaire."
"You still have the hots for ?"
"Why not? Would I be wrong to go a bit wet for a young, strong man who properly put in my place?"
"And where's that?"
"Well, I don't mind kneeling behind you, but sothing tells you much prefer between your legs and my backdoor open for you."
"Have you ever used it?"
"Almost once, but I found the man not domineering enough."
"I see."
Trusting Annie was like believing a snake, but at the mont, I needed that snake's help.
"So what do you want, Marcus? Last we t, you told you had a group of won like lined up.
Is it finally my turn?"
"Not yet. I have a deal for you."
"Oh? What's up?"
"The police chase happening in the city. I have investnts in it."
"The kids?"
"No.
The two won and one of the kids."
"That's impossible."
"You won't do it, or you can't?"
"Not only were kids kidnapped, but doctors and nurses were also killed. That was a very foolish thing to do, and it's attracted massive public outcry.
Once they're caught, and they will be, I can do nothing. That's a fact."
"So we just have to make sure they're not caught."
"Are you not hearing ? I'd be better off being charged as a corrupt officer. This ss is a stain too large."
"And here I thought you were a real nasty woman, a demoness not afraid to get ssy."
"Are those words supposed to convince ?" Annie asked. Her flirty tone was gone, replaced by seriousness.
"No, I was just being honest. And now let take this further.
If you don't do this, not only will I capture you and lock you up in a bunker, but your two daughters, Kylie and Nikki, who've decided to whore themselves out in Miami, I'll turn into real sluts.
Two young blonde white won... can you imagine how much they'll go for in the market?"
My tone was calm but intense. After saying this much, I went silent for several seconds, letting my words sink deep into her psyche. Then I continued:
"Which do you want, money or power?
A new generation is on the rise in the US, and I am one of those at the forefront.
Do the right thing, and I can make Los Angeles yours."
"Why not California? I want to be governor."
"I can't be travelling to Sacranto every ti I want to fuck you."
"There's truth in that.
From your threats to your rewards, you made many promises. But here's the thing, I don't believe you can fulfill them."
"I was at a party with Sky Warthog the other day.
Bringing forth a hundred million dollars, we announced a charity organization, starting it with $160 million.
Imagine walking up and saying Annie Armstrong was the reason behind my acts of charity.
At the sa ti, what do I have to lose from killing you and kidnapping your daughters?
I just confessed my link to two criminals to you."
"What about my allegations? Us suddenly getting chummy won't be ignored."
"Don't you have soone you hate at the station?
A bond ford from sharing a common enemy."
The phone was quiet.
Without Annie in my sight, I couldn't tell if I had her swayed, but I was sure I had shaken her.
A woman like Annie was, without doubt, dirty and corrupt.
"Even if I want to help, what you're asking to do is impossible.
Not only is this matter being watched by every authoritative eye in California... I was suspended, rember?"
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