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“Thanks, da.”

“And don’t you let Laney worry too much, son. It’s not good for the bairn.” He says.

“Impossible, da. She’s beside herself.”

“I can imagine. But we’ll find Peg before she even realizes what’s going on.”

“I sure hope so, da. That bairn means everything to me.”

“I know she does.” He says, as I keep driving northbound, looking for a blue sedan. “This Higgins.” Da adds. “What do you know about him?”

“Says he knew Gretchen. Peg’s mama. But I wouldn’t place any clout on that, da. She told me he was dead. I believe her. She wouldn’t have lied to me.”

“How do you figure he knew about the bairn?”

“My guess is it’s an inside job, da. As much as that turns my stomach. Ever since me and Laney got together, I knew that there would be trouble coming. Especially now that Laney’s pregnant, and now that Peg’s in our care. More stakes to play with. More opportunities to take advantage and catch us in a moment of weakness. Crooks prey on that sort of shit. You know that as well as I do.”

“Aye, son. You’re probably right. I’ve got half a mind to employ only family, but that would be impossible.”

A blue sedan comes into view about six cars ahead, but I see that one of my spies is on his tail. “Da, I’ve got to let you go. I think I see someone up ahead.”

“Keep in touch, son.”

“Will do.”

I click back on to Laney. “Bonnie, I’ve got to let you go. I see something coming up ahead. I’ll call you back as soon as I can.”

“That’s okay, Caleb. I’ve got Mandy doing some research for me. She may have something on Higgins.”

“Excellent work. Both Vivian and Mandy are getting raises once all this shit is over.” My phone beeps. I look at the other line and see that it’s an unknown caller. “Da, I’ve got an unknown caller on the other line.”

“Answer it, Caleb.”

I put him on hold and click over. “Caleb Harris.” I answer tersely.

The voice is welcoming, like an old friend. “Caleb. How are things?”

“Who is this?” I growl.

“Oh. I take it things aren’t going so well after all.”

Then I recognize the chuckle. “I knew it was you. Higgins. You son of a bitch.” He’s not in a car, so clearly this is a hired job. “What do you want.”

“The fact that you have to ask makes me wonder if I’m going about this all wrong.”

“Cut the shit.” I blurt. “How much.”

“Oh, let’s see. For the safe return of a small child, not yet school age, I’d say…hmm…”

“Out with it, asshole.” I spit. “Or your body will only be discovered by dental records.”

“You don’t scare me, Caleb. You and your pretty family. And that whore that you were fucking and supporting. The kid’s cute, too.”

I speak through my teeth. “If Peg gets one hair on her head hurt, you’re going to die a long, fucking painful death, mark my words.”

There’s that arrogant chuckle again. “Like I said, Caleb. You don’t scare me.”

“How much are you paying these assholes to kidnap her, huh? I hope it’s enough to pay for their coffins, too, shithead, because the whole lot of you are going to hell once I get a hold of you.”

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