There was a long pause before Salzman said, “How did you find it?”

“I was heating up a Hot Pocket and out it came.”

“You’re very sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

“No. I’m sure of you. You want the box.”

“Which brings us back to the original question: What do you want?”

“A million dollars.”

Coop heard him chuckle. “Naturally. And I bet you’d like a pony for your birthday. I don’t have a million dollars.”

“You have all kinds of shady connections. Get it. By tomorrow.”

“Where and when?”

“Eight o’clock. Jinx Town. The top dark floor.”

“I think I’ve changed my mind. Put Bayliss on.”

“Sorry. She went out for ice cream. I like pistachio. What kind do mooks eat?”

“Put Bayliss on or kiss your million dollars good-bye.”

Shit.

“Hold on.” Coop held out the phone to Bayliss. “He wants to talk to you.”

She took the phone and spoke softly. “Hello? Yes. We really have it. Yes. I’m the one who gave it to him.” Bayliss didn’t say anything more. She just listened and turned very pale. In a minute, she handed the phone back to Coop.

“You okay?” he said.

“Fine. Can I have a glass of water?”

“What did he say?”

“I’d rather not go into it.”

“Okay.”

Bayliss sat at the kitchen counter. “What exactly is a Tijuana necktie?”

Coop went to the kitchen to get her water. “It’s something you wear when you buy a piñata,” he said.

He brought out the water and handed it to her. “I think you’re lying,” said Bayliss.

“Maybe I’ll get you a real drink. Just a little one,” said Coop.

“Maybe that’s a good idea. How many more calls are there?”

“Just two. You don’t have to be here if you don’t want to be.”

“No,” said Bayliss. “If you don’t mind, I’d rather not be alone for a while.”

“I can order us a pizza.”

“That would be nice.”

“It’s not very good pizza.”

“Then I’ll have another drink with it to kill the taste.”

“That’s the spirit.”

Coop called and ordered an extra large with pepperoni and mushrooms. Then he dialed the number he’d been given by the jackass who said he had Giselle. He waited to make this call so he had a chance to get his thoughts and temper under control before making it. The phone rang and went straight to voice mail. Giselle’s voice telling him to leave a message was a queasy noise in his ear. When the line clicked he said, “This is Coop. I have the box. I’ll give it back to you in Jinx Town. Eight o’clock tomorrow. Top dark floor. Giselle knows how to get there. Don’t be late.”

He hung up and sat down. “Now I need a drink,” he said.