Page 50 of Flame it Up

Pyrus thanked him and stuffed the phone into his pocket. For a moment, he stood in the hall. He fought his dragon, who wanted to take him to the sky and burn the city down until they found Mazie. Pyrus’s blood was so hot that he felt like he could breathe fire in his human form.

Where did they take her?

Pyrus headed back out the door, looking for any clues. Her scent was very faint, and there was no sign of which way they had gone. Camera footage had not revealed their vehicle. Pyrus was stumped.

Maybe I should just give my old pal a call.

The idea had appeal. If Richard came here and then abducted his girlfriend, he wanted something. Mazie was leverage … an unexpected bonus for Richard. The asshole would probably call him eventually to make demands.

So, why wait?

Pyrus pulled out his phone and called Richard. Hisfriendanswered on the first ring.

“Pyrus, old buddy! What a surprise. You don’t call, you don’t write …”

“Richard, where is she?” Pyrus roared.

Richard laughed. “Is that any way to talk to your old friend?”

“I’m going to ask you one more time. Where is she?”

“What exactly are you going to do if I don’t tell you?” Richard asked. “You have no fucking clue where we are.”

“I’ll find you,” Pyrus swore. “If you make it easy for me, I might go easy on you. If it takes a lot of time to track you, I’m going to get very pissed off. Richard, you don’t want me to find you when I’m in a temper.”

His old friend chuckled as if he liked the idea. Pyrus held his breath and waited.

“Look,” Richard said in a friendly tone. “It turns out I do want something from you. So, I’m going to send you the details of a certain bank which is just outside the main business district. A little quieter for personal matters, if you understand me.”

“I do,” Pyrus muttered.

“Excellent! I’ll send the details through. All you have to do is meet me there. We’ll keep your girly safe … for now.”

“If you fucking touch her, I will skin you inch by inch!” Pyrus roared.

“You have nothing to worry about,” Richard said. “I have no desire to hurt a lovely young lady. The trouble is these mob guys … well. They get upset. If you aren’t here in good time, they may take their frustrations out on the girl. I can’t promise she’ll stay in one piece if you’re late.”

Pyrus hung up, knowing that hurling insults at Richard wouldn’t do any good. He ran to his car and took off through the streets, heading for the bank.

When he arrived, he parked on a back street, then called Richard again. “I’m here, asshole. Tell me what you want.”

“I need money, Pyrus,” Richard said. “I’m not far away, and your girlfriend is still unharmed. The thing is, I need cash. My mob guys won’t accept a transfer. You get me?”

“I get you,” Richard muttered. “How much?”

“Ten million,” Richard said. His voice had a lofty air as if he expected Pyrus to argue.

Pyrus didn’t give a fuck what number Richard named. He’d give his entire fortune to see Mazie safe. “I might be a while in there,” Pyrus warned. “It’s not every day someone withdraws ten million in cash.”

“Of course,” Richard said. “But you’re so wealthy and well known, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble. Once you have the cash, walk through the park to the empty office building, and let yourself in the side door. Good luck, Pyrus.”

Pyrus wanted to tell Richard he was the one who needed luck but thought better of it. He headed into the bank and went straight to the manager with his request.

After a few security checks, phone calls, and stacks of paperwork, Pyrus was able to withdraw the ten million. He had no intention of simply handing it over because his first preference would be to beat the shit out of Richard and the mob.

He wanted to have the money on him, though. If he took a decoy bag, it could mean Mazie’s life. If he had to lose the money and let the bad guys get away to save her, then that’s exactly what he’d do.

Pyrus hurried from the bank toward the office building. The duffle bag full of cash bumped against his leg as he jogged to the side door. It was unlocked and swung open at the touch of his hand.

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