“I’m sorry, Cam. I know you were counting on this, but truly, my hands are tied. As much as I want to help you out here, and I really do want to help, it’s the best I can do. Come by first thing tomorrow morning, and we’ll get you sorted out.”

I slump in my seat, resting my forehead against the wheel and breathing through a brutal wave of panic. I see a younger Jade, her curls hanging wild like they used to before she started straightening them, grinning above me in bed. A purple-faced Beatrix, waving wrinkly fists and raising hell in her hospital bassinet. Sweet, innocent Bax, sacked out under the Christmas tree atop his Woody blanket. Devils by day, angels at night, Jade is always joking, but the truth is, Bax is an angel when he’s awake, too.

And now—

“Please, Ed. Please, I am begging you.” A sob is stuck in my throat like a brick, so thick it hurts to swallow. “I’ll take any amount you can offer me, at any interest rate. I don’t give a shit what you charge me for it, I just need that money today. This is life or death for me. I know that sounds cryptic, and I can’t tell you anything more, other than that it’s true. If I don’t get this money today, people are going to die.”

Another long pause. More silence waiting to be filled.

“Look, I...” Ed clears his throat. “I feel obligated to ask what this is all about, because honestly? From where I’m sitting? This sounds like something the police should be involved in. Is everything okay, Cam? Is Jade?”

I wipe my eyes, fist the steering wheel, and drive the truck out of the lot to God knows where. Where do I go now? Whom do I ask for money now? I follow the asphalt around the building and to the road, and everything around me goes black around the edges. For a shivery second I think I might pass out, but I shake it off, clenching down on my teeth until my vision turns solid again.

“I know our relationship is mostly professional, but I like you,” Ed says. “I consider you a friend, which is why I’m going to ask you again. Do you need help? Do I need to, I don’t know, send in the cavalry? Because I’ll do it if you need me to. I’ll make that call. All you have to do is say the word.”

No police.

And for God’s sake, no sirens.

“Thanks for trying, Ed. I’ve got to run.” I hang up and pull into traffic.