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on something of an edge.
    Even better, said Jack. The other thing to consider is the ransom. The demand is open-ended, so you should start thinking about how much you're willing to pay.
    That's easy, said Salazar. It says pay what she's worth. I pay nothing.
    I think what you're trying to say is that you've made a decision not to pay a ransom. Families do that. But just to be clear, that doesn't mean your wife is worth nothing. It means that -
    No, I said precisely what I meant.
    Jack did a double take. You're saying that your wife is worth nothing?
    Is there something wrong with your hearing, Mr. Swyteck?
    No.
    Then why is this so hard for you to grasp? I pay what she's worth. Salazar moved to the edge of the couch, leaning toward Jack as he spoke in a coarse voice that was just above a whisper. Mia was cheating on me. She's worth nothing.
    His dark eyes were like burning embers. The anger was just as evident on his lawyer's face. At that moment, all doubt in Jack's mind evaporated: They knew everything.
    Bailey shook his head, disgusted. How could you, Jack?
    I swear, I had no idea that -
    Save it, said Salazar. You've insulted me enough.
    Jack wanted to explain, but who would believe it? His own culpability was secondary, anyway. It seemed bizarre that it should be him, but someone had to stand up for Mia. I realize that I'm in no position to ask any favors, but hear me out. You have to act under the assumption that the kidnapper is willing to kill her unless you meet his demands. If you're not going to pay a ransom, that's fine. But you at least have to call the police.
    Why? said Salazar. Is there some law that requires a husband to notify them if his wife has been kidnapped?
    Jack didn't answer right away, not because he didn't know, but because he didn't like the way they'd set this whole thing up, toying with him. Is this the so-called expert advice you need from me?
    I would just like an answer to the question, Mr. Swyteck. As the husband, am I required by law to notify the police?
    No, but if you're not willing to do what it takes to bring her back safely, you should call the police. It's the moral -
    Moral? he said, his voice rising. You of all people presume to tell me what's moral?
    Jack didn't want to get into it with Salazar. He looked to the lawyer and said, William, you know I'm right.
    I think you'd better go.
    The discussion hardly seemed finished, but until Salazar cooled off, things could only spiral downward. William, I'll give you a call when my trial adjourns for the day.
    Don't bother, said Bailey.
    We have it under control, said Salazar.
    Jack wanted to slap both of them, tell them that they were playing with a woman's life. But it seemed pointless. He rose and started toward the door.
    SeA+-or, aren't you forgetting something? said Salazar.
    Jack stopped to see him pointing toward the printed e-mail on the coffee table.
    I want to know, said Salazar.
    Know what?
    A trace of a smile seeming to crease his lips as he handed Jack the note and he said, What's Mia worth to you?
    Jack locked eyes with him but said nothing. He tucked the note inside his jacket, then turned and left the office.

    Chapter 7
    It's a total chick magnet, said Theo.
    They were cruising past the marina in Coconut Grove, Jack behind the wheel and Theo riding shotgun. For several months, Jack had been trying to find a suitable replacement for a charbroiled hunk of melted metal that had once been a classic Mustang convertible. Theo's sights were set on a 1966 Rambler Marlin, if only because its current sports-minded owner had quite naturally repainted the body in the official turquoise color of the Florida Marlins.
    Chick magnet, huh? said Jack.
    Absolutely. And did I mention that, if driven regularly, it prevents heart disease and can even reverse the aging process in humans? All for just forty-four hundred bucks.
    Not my forty-four hundred bucks.
    They stopped for a frozen lemonade at Kennedy Park, a tree-filled stretch of green