“What did I say about spinning bullshit? What did you do to piss him off?”

“I’d rather not say.”

“You’re in no position to make the conditions. What did you do?”

“I made him a promise in exchange for my debt.” A long pause. “I couldn’t deliver.”

“Stop being evasive. What did you promise him?”

“I can’t say … I’m too ashamed.”

“Ah.” Donatti let out a small laugh. Sick bastard. “You promised him your daughter, didn’t you?”

“That would not have been a problem.” A long pause. “Juleen wasn’t who he wanted.”

And then it dawned on him. “Terry.”

“He had always liked her.”

“You pimped your wife.”

“Please don’t—”

“Hey, I’m no citizen myself. I don’t judge. But I imagine she judged plenty. That’s why she left?”

“She said she needed time to think about it. And then I didn’t hear from her.” He was breathing hard over the phone. “You must understand. They were going to kill me.”

“They should have. Would have done everyone a big favor.” The line went silent. Donatti said, “How much is your brother kicking in? One hundred thousand?”

“Yes, but I think I can get more.”

“How much more?”

“Maybe I can squeeze a half million. But I really don’t know. Even my brother doesn’t have that much cash. Can you help me? I’ll pay every cent back. It may take me time, but I have a good job. I’m a surgeon. I swear I’ll pay you back every penny.”

“Devek, I don’t take layaway plans.”

“I don’t know what that is.”

If Donatti could have strangled him over the line, he would have. He said, “How long did they give you to raise the money for your son?”

“Two weeks.”

“Starting when?”

“Three days ago.” When Donatti didn’t answer, Devek said, “Hello?”

“I’m thinking. Give me a moment.” A minute passed. “Okay, the next time your son’s kidnappers call you, give them my number. Do you have a pencil?”

“Yes, hold … yes, yes. I have a pencil and paper.”

Donatti gave him the number. “Recite it back to me.” Devek repeated the numbers. “Good. Have them call me. Tell them you don’t have the money, but I do. Tell them I’m a businessman just like them, and if they don’t believe you, tell them to look me up. I’ve got an illustrious history.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“Good. You should be.”

“Can I talk to Terry? I want to tell her I love her and that I’m so sorry.”

“No, you can’t talk to her, but I’ll pass the message along.”

“Can I please talk to my daughter? You have a child. You must know how I feel.”