“I deleted everything after I was shot. It was garbage anyway. My main character was obnoxious and derivative of everything I’ve ever seen on TV or in the movies.”

“It takes time to develop,” Rina said.

McAdams smiled. “Thanks, but the truth is, I have no imagination.”

Decker braked hard. “I detest traffic. Also this kind of stop and go makes us sitting ducks.”

“I’ve got my eyes peeled out my window, sir,” Schultz said.

“Ditto,” Oliver said. “I’ve seen a lot of noses being picked, a lot of women putting on makeup, and everyone’s texting. Nothing suspicious, but my guard is still up. How much longer?”

“Maybe an hour for what should be a fifteen-minute ride.”

“Just as long as we get there in one piece,” Rina said.

“Amen to that, sister,” McAdams said.

“How are you feeling, Tyler?”

“With no horrible pain, I could probably move up to crutches very soon.”

“Don’t push it,” Oliver said. “You’ll heal faster.”

“I’m just happy to be out of the hospital and working again.” He paused. “And you honestly don’t think he took off?”

“Why would he take off?” Oliver said. “We didn’t call him. He has no idea we’re coming down.”

“But he must know he’s in trouble, right?”

“Maybe,” Decker said. “And even if he suspects he’s in the weeds, most people don’t disappear underground. People with money hire lawyers.”

“Which is why you don’t call him,” Oliver said. “No warning works to our advantage.”

Decker said, “Anyway, it’s moot right now. At this rate, we won’t make it until midnight.”

Rina yawned. “We’ll be there by seven at the latest.”

“Take a nap, Rina,” Decker said. “You’ve certainly earned it.”

“Maybe I will close my eyes for a moment. It’s been a long day.”

No one spoke for the next five minutes. Then McAdams said, “Maybe I should make my protagonist a woman.”

“Good idea,” Decker said. “Model her after my wife.”

Rina smiled. “That’s a lovely thing to say. Thank you.”

McAdams laughed. “Call me crazy but I don’t see an Orthodox Jewish woman who bakes chocolate chip cookies and makes sandwiches as a gritty crime fighter.”

“Excuse me?” Rina said from the backseat. “Cookies notwithstanding, I’ve had as much input in this case today as you have, Tyler.”

“You’re right about that,” McAdams said. “Don’t take offense, Rina. You know how I am.”

“I do. No offense taken.”

“Like I said before I have absolutely no imagination.”

Chapter 30

CHAPTER 30