Deadly Ransom by Joe Perrone Jr

Author:Joe Perrone Jr.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Escarpment Press
Published: 2018-08-03T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 31

Clint Davidson paced back and forth in his kitchen. He knew that the five thousand dollar down payment he’d made the night before would keep the kidnappers at bay for only so long. At some point, they needed to find out where Shorty was and try to rescue him—if he was still alive.

He picked up the phone and punched in Ralph’s phone number. After a few rings, his friend answered.

“Hello. Big Sky Fin and Fur Resort.”

“Ralph, it’s me. Let me talk to Matt, will ya?”

“Well, good morning to you, too,” Ralph replied. “I’m fine, thanks. And how are you?”

“I’m sorry,” Clint apologized, “I didn’t mean to be so rude. Forgive me, will ya, Ralph? I’m just plumb wore out with this whole mess. Are you doing all right?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m doin’ fine. It’s okay. I was just busting your balls. I really do understand—completely. I do. Honest. Now let me get Matt on the line for you.”

“Thanks.”

“Not a problem, buddy.”

A moment later, Clint heard Matt’s voice.

Good morning, Clint. What’s up?”

“How’d it go last night?” He wasn’t wasting any time with petty formalities. “Did you learn anything?”

“Nope. We waited until nearly two, but they never showed.”

“Well, somebody showed up,” Clint informed Matt, “because the bag of money is gone.”

“Shit! I knew we should have stayed longer,” Matt admitted. “But I figured when they hadn’t shown up by two, it was probably just a dry run to see if anyone was watching. Damn! I’m really sorry, Clint.”

“It’s okay,” Clint said. “I would have done the same thing if I were you. That’s ancient history now. So what do we do next? I’m sure I’m going to hear more from them soon.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” Matt agreed. “Let me know as soon as you do, okay?”

“Will do.”

“Good. We’re going to start hitting all the bars in the area tonight. You know, ask some questions, see if anyone’s been flashing a lot of money, or shooting off their mouths. In the meantime, we’ll probably do some more fishing today—just in case we’re being watched.”

Clint was silent for a while, then said, “Yeah, it’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.”

“Nice to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

“Yeah, well. If I didn’t have that, I don’t know what I’d do. Is Ralph taking you out?”

“Uh huh.”

“Well, at least you’ll be in good hands. I’ll talk to you tonight, I guess.”

It wasn’t more than an hour later when Clint’s phone rang. He picked it up on the first ring. “Hello?”

“What kind of shit are you trying to pull, white man?”

Clint struggled to identify the voice on the other end of the line, but was drawing a blank.

“Did you hear what I said?” continued the man. “We asked for seventy-five thousand dollars, not five!” The man’s voice was filled with rage. “What didn’t you understand about the note? We’re not fooling around, white man. Do you want your ranch hand back alive or don’t you?”

“Yes, yes. Of course,” Clint answered. “But I told you, I need more time.

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