Page 118 of Hidden Ascent

“I’m sorry, my dear, but you’ll need to pull him from the meeting. Tell him I have Isla with me and it’s imperative that we speak now.”

“Unfortunately, Mr. Whitlock—”

“He’ll want to take this call. John Sharpe and Isla Taylor.”

“Sir—”

“Now!”

“You don’t need to yell, sir. If you’ll please hold, I’ll interrupt his very important meeting and tell him what you said, but I can’t promise he’ll come to the phone.”

“He will. We’ll wait.”

Classical music played while Isla fidgeted with the seam of her pants. She looked at Maddy, who made eye contact with her, then looked at the others in the room. Isla was certain they were both thinking the same thing. If this didn’t go their way, neither one of them would make it out of this alive. Everything now depended on Whitlock’s response.

Please, God. If you care as much as I’m trying to believe you do, then please make sure Lloyd responds the way I need him to.

The music stopped. “I have the attorney general for you. One moment.”

The line clicked. “Mr. Sharpe? This is Lloyd Whitlock.”

“Whitlock, how are you doing?”

“I’ve been better. I’d appreciate it if, in the future you would treat my secretary with more respect. I am a busy man. I have a lot of meetings. You can book an appointment if you need to speak to me in the future.”

“You’ve taken a very strong stance for someone in such a vulnerable position. But I thank you for taking the time to speak with me. As your secretary would have mentioned, I have Isla here, and we have a minor situation that needs addressing.”

“If I’m not mistaken, your tone sounds threatening.”

“Does it?”

“Yes. I take it you are treating Isla respectfully?”

“I’m looking after her best interests, if that’s what you mean. She’s put herself in a rather precarious position, and she needs your help.”

“I’d like to speak to her.”

“I’m sorry, that’s not possible.”

“Then how do I know she’s safe?”

“You’ll have to take my word for it. Now, are you willing to help me or not?”

“Help you with what?”

“I’ve recently received a photograph of you and Isla in a rather compromising situation.”

“You need to agree to ev—” Isla tried to get the message across, but Sharpe pressed the phone against his chest to stop her speaking.

“You don’t get to talk. Just listen.”

“But I can convince him.”

“He should already be convinced. If you speak again, I’ll shoot you.” He put the phone back out. “Sorry about that, Lloyd. As I was saying, I have a photograph of you and Isla that I’m sure would not be well received by the public. Or, if that doesn’t bother you, there are other things I can do. I hope you understand my meaning.”

“What do you want, Sharpe?”

“Your full and complete cooperation with whatever I require.”

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