“He’s got Tane wired up to a countdown clock,” I say. I don’t bother to hide the tremor in my voice. To Finn I say, “What is it, C-4?”

“Semtex,” Finn says, and he actually shrugs. “Just enough to blow him into lots of little pieces if I don’t get back in time to disarm it.” Unhurriedly, he stands up. “I’m gonna go, but I already gave Ethan my phone number. It’s a burner number, so don’t bother trying to trace it. Every day you’ll give me a call at five PM, let me know what kind of progress you’re making. I’m going to need something tangible in two days. Otherwise, I’ll make your lives increasingly unpleasant, not to mention Tane’s. And don’t try to follow me, Susannah. I’ve already had you dead to rights twice now. If there’s a third time, you won’t be waking up from it. At least not in this life.”

He turns and heads for the front door. I keep the CZ trained on the back of his head, even as he walks out the front door into the night, leaving the door open behind him. Wilson trots to the door but Ethan calls him back. I lower the CZ and head to the doorway, peering out at the dark. Of course, Finn is gone.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

An hour later, Frankie and Caesar are sitting with us in Ethan’s living room. It’s a war council, my attempt to regroup after hearing Finn’s story and being burdened with the task of finding the missing cash from Iraq. Ethan has reclaimed his usual seat, although he seems uncomfortable—whether it’s because Finn was sitting in that chair earlier, or because Ethan is sickened by Tane being held hostage, I’m not sure. Frankie is on the couch, looking like all he wants to do is lean his head back and take a nap. Next to him, Caesar sits quietly, impassive, listening to Ethan as he tells them what happened with Finn. I’m too agitated to sit and instead pace back and forth in front of the TV, occasionally providing commentary to Ethan’s story.

When Ethan finishes, Frankie closes his eyes, exhausted. “So you have to find this money, otherwise this Finn guy blows up the Tane kid.”

“Good summation,” Ethan says. “You okay? You look awful.”

“Vete a la mierda. I’m trying to run the bar and deal with your uncle’s business and now help you and Suzie with Sergeant Psycho. I just need a minute.”

Caesar is, as always, focused on the practicalities. “How far away do you think they are? Finn and Tane?”