Chapter 3

The moment our plan became real, everyone's excitement vanished.

Big Guy drove, chain-smoking so fiercely the cab smelled like an ashtray.

"Marty, how much should we ask for? Think he'll actually pay?"

"He'll pay," I said. "A boss that big always keeps a safe. We find a way into it and take whatever's there. No online transfers."

Skinny Guy twisted around. "And the people you contacted about getting us out of the country? They're reliable, right? If they don't show, we're all going to prison."

"They're reliable. Do you think I'd gamble my future on someone I couldn't trust?"

Girl coughed violently. "If the treatment doesn't work and I die, you can split my share. But will you promise me one thing?"

I was about to answer when Big Guy slammed on the brakes.

He got out without a word, walked over to a beggar sprawled on a wooden cart by the roadside, and sent him some money with his phone.

I couldn't believe it.

"We're supposed to be doing something dangerous today, and you're stopping near the place to send a stranger a traceable payment? Are you trying to leave evidence for the police?"

Big Guy rubbed his nose. "Can't stand seeing someone suffer."

I let out an incredulous laugh. "That guy's probably a scammer. He's got perfectly good legs. Bet if you kicked his cart, he'd chase you down the street. What genuine beggar comes prepared with a payment code?"

Big Guy looked back at me.

"Then I hope he's faking it," he said quietly. "But what if he isn't?"

"What if..."

My retort died on my tongue.

Skinny Guy smiled, trying to defuse the tension. "Come on. As long as we get out quickly, we can be gone before anyone starts looking.

"I'll leave with you, but I don't want a cut. Just enough to live on. You three can divide the rest.

"We should be thinking about what we're going to do with the money, not fighting each other. We're on the same side."

Big Guy scratched his head. "If you don't want the money, why are you doing this?"

Skinny Guy let out a weary breath.

"Two reasons. Revenge, and Sophie.

"Sebastian's bad news. I'm afraid Sophie might cross him one day and have her whole life destroyed."

All three of us stared at him.

Dude. She'd already dumped you for another man.

And he was still worrying about her?

What an incurable romantic.

This van was full of unbelievable people.

Girl was the only one who hadn't managed to shock me yet.

I turned to her. "What did you want us to promise earlier?"

She hurriedly pulled out a crumpled photograph.

A girl of about eleven stood outside a shabby group home.

"That's Ivy," she said. "I gave her that name.

"She was tiny when she first came to the home. I used to make her bottles and change her diapers."

Her eyes shone as she studied the picture.

"I promised that when I made something of myself, I'd come back for her. Give her a good life."

Her smile trembled. "But I don't think I'm going to be able to keep my promise.

"If I die, would you look after her? Put some of my money aside, if you can. When she's old enough to manage it safely, please give it to her."

Silence settled over the van.

Eventually, Big Guy took the photograph and studied it with solemn care.

"I'll remember her face."

He handed it to Skinny Guy, who said the same thing before passing it to me.

I looked at Girl's hopeful expression.

All at once, I felt unbearably restless.

"Maybe we should call the whole thing off," I said. "No kidnapping. I'll figure out another way to help you."

Big Guy lit yet another cigarette.

"What have you got besides a mortgage you can't pay? How are you gonna help anyone?"

There were knives on the floor by our feet. But after spending these days with them, I knew none of them would ever turn one on me.

I struggled with myself for another moment, then finally told the truth.

"I'm sorry, everyone.

"I'm not Marty.

"I'm Sebastian Kessler."