Hate Crime by William Bernhardt

Author:William Bernhardt [Bernhardt, William]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Thriller, Mystery
ISBN: 9780345451477
Google: nGd59VP0lu8C
Amazon: 1415926468
Barnesnoble: 1415926468
Goodreads: 1132158
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published: 2004-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

26

After he got the page from his boss, Charlie the Chicken found the nearest pay phone and gave him a call.

“Got something special for you this time, Charlie.”

Well, that can’t be good.

“You’re going to enjoy this.” Even when Charlie couldn’t actually see the man’s tacky gray suit he could see the man’s tacky gray suit. It was in his voice, in his carefully suggestive phrasing.

“What is it?”

“Do you remember our conversation? When I first interviewed you? We talked about your . . . likes and dislikes.” There was something particularly creepy about the man’s voice today, which immediately put Charlie on his guard.

“I don’t do men. Absolutely. It’s a rule.”

“But Charlie . . .”

“No.”

“But consider—”

“I’m not going to change my mind, so give it up.”

“You wouldn’t have to actually . . . you know. Think of it more as . . . an acting job.”

“The answer is still no, and nothing you can say will—”

“He’s willing to pay triple your usual rate.”

Charlie felt his jaw drop. Triple?

“And I for one am willing to double your usual commission. To help you overcome your reluctance. Think of it as hazard pay.”

“Still, I don’t do—”

“Come now, Charlie. Be sensible. You told me you needed money. I’m trying to help you.”

Yeah, sure you are. Help me to an early grave.

But the man did have a point. Charlie needed a stake—fast. If he didn’t raise some more scratch, he’d never get out of this town. And if he took too long about it, he’d end up dead.

“And you’re sure I won’t have to . . . you know.”

“Positive. That’s not what he’s into.”

“Well, I might consider it.”

“Good boy, Charlie. You’re doing the right thing—and the patriotic thing.”

“Patriotic?”

He could hear the smile in the man’s voice. “You know what they say. Support your local congressman.”

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