On TV the tracer guy says, “Keep her talking. We’re almost there! Another ten seconds and—” But then the suspect hangs up and the screen goes black. Never fails. Somehow the TV villains always know just how long it takes the cops to triangulate the location of the cell phone. Does that mean if she doesn’t answer, they won’t be able to find her?

Wait.

Donovan Creed’s in Willow Lake, Arkansas, and she’s in Memphis, Tennessee. So even if he traces her phone, she’ll have plenty of time to get away. She’s on foot, but men like her. She can catch a ride with someone in the lobby or parking lot. And if not, she can take the shuttle to the airport, which is just across the interstate.

The point is, Jill can safely take the call. If she wants to.

Does she?

The phone stops ringing.

Should she wait till it rings again, or call back?

She presses the redial.

Creed answers. “Should I call you Emma?”

“That’ll work. For now.”

“Emma, I need your help.”

“What’s in it for me?”

“What do you want?”

“Are you kidding? I’m a woman.”

Creed chuckles. “Good answer. How much do you know about the bombing at Willow Lake?”

“Everything.”

“Perfect! Start at the beginning. Leave nothing out.”

“Sorry, pal. I don’t have that much time. But I’ll tell you the basics if you’ll do two things for me.”

“Name them.”

“I want you to rescue Jack Tallow.”

“Where is he?”

“Have you heard of Bobby DiPiese?”

“Bobby Dee? The mob boss? Yeah, sure. What about him?”

“He’s got a basement dungeon in his home, near La Pierre, Louisiana. Jack’s being held prisoner there, along with a bunch of others. You’ll recognize Jack right away. He’s the one who can’t talk.”

“Why can’t he talk?”

“Because Bobby cut his vocal cords out.”

“And you know this because?”

“The terrorist told me.”

“The one who blew up Jack’s lake house?”

“Yup.”

“You called him a terrorist, not a bomber, or dissident.”

“That’s how he identified himself. He said he’s an urban terrorist.”

“What’s his name?”

“I’ll tell you when you rescue Jack.”

“Consider it done. I’ll call you back as soon as I hear something.”

“Don’t. I’m ditching this phone. But give me your number and I’ll call you tomorrow. Save Jack, and I’ll give you the guy’s name and physical description.”

“Why should I believe you possess that information?”

“You’ll have to trust me.”

“You’re putting my life in danger with Bobby Dee and giving me nothing in return.”

“You’ll get what you want when I get what I want.”

“Tell me something I don’t already know. Just to whet my appetite.”

“Okay.