Somebody called for an ambulance
The room felt cold. It had already got dark but the owner did not want to turn on the light. He was sitting in a big armchair, his eyes closed. The darkness and quiet usually helped him concentrate, not this time though. A terrible headache was killing him. He had already taken several painkillers without any effect. In addition to that he had a sore throat and runny nose. Any medical student would say that a patient with such symptoms caught flu and should stay in bed to get better, which was definitely not according to this patient's plan and was the last thing to worry him now.
“Where is she? Have I lost her? No! Impossible! She is on the hook! She can't just take the money and leave… Or can she?” – Steven was at a loss. For the first time in the last several years he didn't know what to do. His perfect plan had failed and threatened to destroy its creator as well. The situation needed a careful analysis and quick decisions so Steven decided to return to the point where it all began.
***
At that time he needed reliable people for delicate tasks. He put an advert in the newspaper and waited for the response. His assistant found an office where he had appointments with all the candidates. That's how he met Michelle. She spoke several languages easily imitating any needed accent; she could look any age from eighteen to forty; and she seemed absolutely immoral. Everything was clear between them.
“I work for money” – she said at once, - “If you need loyalty, get a dog!” That's where Steven realized he needed a hook, something to guarantee she would not dump him. And he finally found it.
It was Joseph Binet. Who was he? Her brother? Or lover? Steven didn't care. Ah, but he knew for sure that Michelle spent most of her money on an expensive clinic for this guy. The doctors said Joseph had some mental disorder which needed long and costly treatment. That was a perfect hook.
“How's Joseph?” – he asked her once. “Is he getting better? Oh, come on! Don't look at me like this. We're friends, aren't we? And between friends there shouldn't be any secrets, right? Remember, sweetie, our friendship is essential condition of his good health!” – Steven smiled because now he knew Michelle wouldn't dump him. Every month he received a report from the clinic with the description of Joseph's state.
“So what the hell could happen?” – Steven asked himself again. His mobile went off suddenly ruining the quiet of the room.
“Yes, sure! I'm on my way!” – He answered and hung up.
***
“I still can't believe this!”
“I'm afraid you have to, Boss. There's no other possible explanation. How did she know about the money?”
“Idiot Billy told her.”
“Unlikely. He wouldn't have left the case if he had told her about the money. He's not that naïve!.. Sorry, I have to take this…” – Idaho said looking at his vibrating mobile.
Mr. Jacobson could see Idaho wasn't receiving any good news.
“That was Logan. Steven's car crashed.” – He said.
“Dead?”
“No, somebody called for an ambulance. He's in hospital. And there's something else…”
“What?!”
“The police have found a passport with his photo for the name Jack Dylan.”
“Let's go there! I want to see this bastard with my own eyes.”
Logan had also found a fifteen-year-old press publication from some pathetic “Dakota Tribune”:
“Farmer's family die in the fire” where Steven was considered a suspect number one but that didn't seem important now so he e-mailed it to Idaho and was finally allowed to go home.
***
The ambulance had brought Steven to a usual hospital. Mr. Jacobson had never thought they were so crowded. It took time to find a doctor who could answer the questions.
“We are giving such information to relatives only. Are you his relatives?”
“Yes, we are.” – Idaho said putting a one hundred dollar banknote into doctor's pocket.
“Well, gentlemen, let's see what we have here… He's got several bone fractures and a shoulder dislocation, a lot of cuts and bruises, er, is he a smoker? His teeth and gums are in terrible condition! But unfortunately, his medical insurance doesn't cover dental services, so…”
“So, basically, there's no instant danger to life, right? Can we talk to him?” – Mr. Jacobson didn't care if Steven would get fillings or not.
“I'm afraid, he's unconscious now… Sorry, sir, need to go” – the doctor got a pager message and left.
“Bloody time! What the hell are we supposed to do now?” – Mr. Jacobson looked at Idaho.
“We'll wait until he gets better. The girl is working for him. There's no doubt about that. So he must have her on a hook.”
