“‘David, as long as you’re in this room, I can see you. Keep that in mind at all times and don’t deviate from my instructions. Take the cash and diamonds and put them in the washing machine and turn it on. Be sure to use the soap I’ve left you. Don’t worry about drying the goodies. When you’re finished, put the cash and diamonds in the large canvas bag lying on top of the washing machine. In the meantime, strip off everything you are wearing and put on the hospital scrubs you see in front of you. When I say everything, I mean everything—including the microphone in your ear. When you’re done, take the bag and yourself to the phone booth at the corner of Adams and Magnolia. I’ll call with further instructions.’”

“Do as he says and talk no more,” Kelly said quickly. “Don’t worry that we’re out of touch, we’re not far.”

David came outside, got the cash and diamonds, and went back inside the suite. Charlie returned with two cheeseburgers, fries, and Cokes. Kelly waved away the food—tike she could even eat it. Charlie sat down and proceeded to enjoy his lunch as if nothing was happening. Kelly could only stare.

“Do you think the video camera is live?” she asked.

“No. But we have to treat it like it is.”

“Why wash the money?” she asked.

“He worries we’ve added ‘funny money’ to the million. We used the stuff in the old days. It explodes with bright colored ink if not handled carefully. He’s also worried about a tracking device attached to the dough. Washing the ransom is a smart move from his point of view.”

“And he gets rid of our case,” Kelly muttered.

“Sure. He gets rid of our wire. But these things we expected.”

“What will he do next?”

“Lead us all over town. Kill time until dark.”

“Then?”

“The unexpected,” he said.

“I think you admire this guy.”

Charlie chewed his food. “Not enough to stop me from blowing his head off.”

Nothing happened for the next thirty minutes. When David finally emerged he was dressed like an ER doctor and carrying a heavy brown sack. By then Charlie had finished both burgers and they were in their car and on their way to Adams and Magnolia. Kelly speculated on the location of the action.

“He must have the kid in Orange County,” she said.

“No. It’s a ruse. At the last second, he’s going to direct David far from here.”

“How come you’re so smart?”

Charlie burped. “Because I’m black and beautiful.”